El Centro vs Lake Charles
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Lake Charles is 13% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $735/mo vs $834/mo in El Centro — saving $1,188/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | El Centro | Lake Charles | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $556 | $490 | $66 |
| 1 Bedroom | $706 | $592 | $114 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $834 | $735 | $99 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,056 | $930 | $126 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,186 | $984 | $202 |
| Median Income | $50,743 | $45,479 | $5,264 |
El Centro
- Studio
- $556/mo
- 1 BR
- $706/mo
- 2 BR
- $834/mo
- 3 BR
- $1,056/mo
- 4 BR
- $1,186/mo
- Median Income
- $50,743/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 El Centro or Lake Charles cheaper to rent in?
Lake Charles is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $735/mo vs $834/mo in El Centro. That's $99/mo or $1,188/year more expensive in El Centro (13% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in El Centro vs Lake Charles?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in El Centro is $834/month. In Lake Charles, a 2-bedroom FMR is $735/month.
How do incomes compare between El Centro and Lake Charles?
The median household income in El Centro is $50,743/year. In Lake Charles it is $45,479/year. El Centro has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in El Centro vs Lake Charles?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in El Centro is $556/mo. In Lake Charles it is $490/mo.