Gainesville vs Lake Charles
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Lake Charles is 38% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $735/mo vs $1,011/mo in Gainesville — saving $3,312/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Gainesville | Lake Charles | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $680 | $490 | $190 |
| 1 Bedroom | $802 | $592 | $210 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,011 | $735 | $276 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,236 | $930 | $306 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,426 | $984 | $442 |
| Median Income | $47,354 | $45,479 | $1,875 |
Gainesville
- Studio
- $680/mo
- 1 BR
- $802/mo
- 2 BR
- $1,011/mo
- 3 BR
- $1,236/mo
- 4 BR
- $1,426/mo
- Median Income
- $47,354/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 Gainesville or Lake Charles cheaper to rent in?
Lake Charles is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $735/mo vs $1,011/mo in Gainesville. That's $276/mo or $3,312/year more expensive in Gainesville (38% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Gainesville vs Lake Charles?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Gainesville is $1,011/month. In Lake Charles, a 2-bedroom FMR is $735/month.
How do incomes compare between Gainesville and Lake Charles?
The median household income in Gainesville is $47,354/year. In Lake Charles it is $45,479/year. Gainesville has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Gainesville vs Lake Charles?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Gainesville is $680/mo. In Lake Charles it is $490/mo.