Fort Wayne vs Lake Charles
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Lake Charles is 6% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $735/mo vs $777/mo in Fort Wayne — saving $504/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Fort Wayne | Lake Charles | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $499 | $490 | $9 |
| 1 Bedroom | $639 | $592 | $47 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $777 | $735 | $42 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $969 | $930 | $39 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,175 | $984 | $191 |
| Median Income | $47,806 | $45,479 | $2,327 |
Fort Wayne
- Studio
- $499/mo
- 1 BR
- $639/mo
- 2 BR
- $777/mo
- 3 BR
- $969/mo
- 4 BR
- $1,175/mo
- Median Income
- $47,806/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 Fort Wayne or Lake Charles cheaper to rent in?
Lake Charles is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $735/mo vs $777/mo in Fort Wayne. That's $42/mo or $504/year more expensive in Fort Wayne (6% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Fort Wayne vs Lake Charles?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Fort Wayne is $777/month. In Lake Charles, a 2-bedroom FMR is $735/month.
How do incomes compare between Fort Wayne and Lake Charles?
The median household income in Fort Wayne is $47,806/year. In Lake Charles it is $45,479/year. Fort Wayne has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Fort Wayne vs Lake Charles?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Fort Wayne is $499/mo. In Lake Charles it is $490/mo.