Lake Charles vs New Orleans-Metairie
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Lake Charles is 33% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $735/mo vs $980/mo in New Orleans-Metairie — saving $2,940/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Lake Charles | New Orleans-Metairie | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $490 | $644 | $154 |
| 1 Bedroom | $592 | $781 | $189 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $735 | $980 | $245 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $930 | $1,243 | $313 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $984 | $1,319 | $335 |
| Median Income | $45,479 | $50,082 | $4,603 |
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
New Orleans-Metairie
- Studio
- $644/mo
- 1 BR
- $781/mo
- 2 BR
- $980/mo
- 3 BR
- $1,243/mo
- 4 BR
- $1,319/mo
- Median Income
- $50,082/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lake Charles or New Orleans-Metairie cheaper to rent in?
Lake Charles is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $735/mo vs $980/mo in New Orleans-Metairie. That's $245/mo or $2,940/year more expensive in New Orleans-Metairie (33% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Lake Charles vs New Orleans-Metairie?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Lake Charles is $735/month. In New Orleans-Metairie, a 2-bedroom FMR is $980/month.
How do incomes compare between Lake Charles and New Orleans-Metairie?
The median household income in Lake Charles is $45,479/year. In New Orleans-Metairie it is $50,082/year. New Orleans-Metairie has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Lake Charles vs New Orleans-Metairie?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Lake Charles is $490/mo. In New Orleans-Metairie it is $644/mo.