El Paso vs Lake Charles
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Lake Charles is 18% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $735/mo vs $868/mo in El Paso — saving $1,596/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | El Paso | Lake Charles | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $557 | $490 | $67 |
| 1 Bedroom | $685 | $592 | $93 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $868 | $735 | $133 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,052 | $930 | $122 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,194 | $984 | $210 |
| Median Income | $45,964 | $45,479 | $485 |
El Paso
- Studio
- $557/mo
- 1 BR
- $685/mo
- 2 BR
- $868/mo
- 3 BR
- $1,052/mo
- 4 BR
- $1,194/mo
- Median Income
- $45,964/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 Paso or Lake Charles cheaper to rent in?
Lake Charles is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $735/mo vs $868/mo in El Paso. That's $133/mo or $1,596/year more expensive in El Paso (18% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in El Paso vs Lake Charles?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in El Paso is $868/month. In Lake Charles, a 2-bedroom FMR is $735/month.
How do incomes compare between El Paso and Lake Charles?
The median household income in El Paso is $45,964/year. In Lake Charles it is $45,479/year. El Paso has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in El Paso vs Lake Charles?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in El Paso is $557/mo. In Lake Charles it is $490/mo.