Lake Charles vs Raleigh-Cary
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Lake Charles is 49% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $735/mo vs $1,097/mo in Raleigh-Cary — saving $4,344/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Lake Charles | Raleigh-Cary | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $490 | $760 | $270 |
| 1 Bedroom | $592 | $928 | $336 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $735 | $1,097 | $362 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $930 | $1,435 | $505 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $984 | $1,556 | $572 |
| Median Income | $45,479 | $70,678 | $25,199 |
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
Raleigh-Cary
- Studio
- $760/mo
- 1 BR
- $928/mo
- 2 BR
- $1,097/mo
- 3 BR
- $1,435/mo
- 4 BR
- $1,556/mo
- Median Income
- $70,678/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lake Charles or Raleigh-Cary cheaper to rent in?
Lake Charles is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $735/mo vs $1,097/mo in Raleigh-Cary. That's $362/mo or $4,344/year more expensive in Raleigh-Cary (49% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Lake Charles vs Raleigh-Cary?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Lake Charles is $735/month. In Raleigh-Cary, a 2-bedroom FMR is $1,097/month.
How do incomes compare between Lake Charles and Raleigh-Cary?
The median household income in Lake Charles is $45,479/year. In Raleigh-Cary it is $70,678/year. Raleigh-Cary has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Lake Charles vs Raleigh-Cary?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Lake Charles is $490/mo. In Raleigh-Cary it is $760/mo.