Lake Charles vs Merced
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Lake Charles is 44% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $735/mo vs $1,055/mo in Merced — saving $3,840/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Lake Charles | Merced | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $490 | $696 | $206 |
| 1 Bedroom | $592 | $865 | $273 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $735 | $1,055 | $320 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $930 | $1,328 | $398 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $984 | $1,460 | $476 |
| Median Income | $45,479 | $60,958 | $15,479 |
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
Merced
- Studio
- $696/mo
- 1 BR
- $865/mo
- 2 BR
- $1,055/mo
- 3 BR
- $1,328/mo
- 4 BR
- $1,460/mo
- Median Income
- $60,958/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lake Charles or Merced cheaper to rent in?
Lake Charles is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $735/mo vs $1,055/mo in Merced. That's $320/mo or $3,840/year more expensive in Merced (44% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Lake Charles vs Merced?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Lake Charles is $735/month. In Merced, a 2-bedroom FMR is $1,055/month.
How do incomes compare between Lake Charles and Merced?
The median household income in Lake Charles is $45,479/year. In Merced it is $60,958/year. Merced has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Lake Charles vs Merced?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Lake Charles is $490/mo. In Merced it is $696/mo.