Des Moines-West Des Moines vs Lake Charles
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Lake Charles is 15% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $735/mo vs $842/mo in Des Moines-West Des Moines — saving $1,284/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Des Moines-West Des Moines | Lake Charles | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $582 | $490 | $92 |
| 1 Bedroom | $705 | $592 | $113 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $842 | $735 | $107 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,040 | $930 | $110 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,173 | $984 | $189 |
| Median Income | $43,390 | $45,479 | $2,089 |
Des Moines-West Des Moines
- Studio
- $582/mo
- 1 BR
- $705/mo
- 2 BR
- $842/mo
- 3 BR
- $1,040/mo
- 4 BR
- $1,173/mo
- Median Income
- $43,390/yr
Lake Charles
- Studio
- $490/mo
- 1 BR
- $592/mo
- 2 BR
- $735/mo
- 3 BR
- $930/mo
- 4 BR
- $984/mo
- Median Income
- $45,479/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Des Moines-West Des Moines or Lake Charles cheaper to rent in?
Lake Charles is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $735/mo vs $842/mo in Des Moines-West Des Moines. That's $107/mo or $1,284/year more expensive in Des Moines-West Des Moines (15% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Des Moines-West Des Moines vs Lake Charles?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Des Moines-West Des Moines is $842/month. In Lake Charles, a 2-bedroom FMR is $735/month.
How do incomes compare between Des Moines-West Des Moines and Lake Charles?
The median household income in Des Moines-West Des Moines is $43,390/year. In Lake Charles it is $45,479/year. Lake Charles has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Des Moines-West Des Moines vs Lake Charles?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Des Moines-West Des Moines is $582/mo. In Lake Charles it is $490/mo.