Lake Charles vs Salem
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Lake Charles is 55% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $735/mo vs $1,137/mo in Salem — saving $4,824/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Lake Charles | Salem | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $490 | $741 | $251 |
| 1 Bedroom | $592 | $913 | $321 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $735 | $1,137 | $402 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $930 | $1,411 | $481 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $984 | $1,615 | $631 |
| Median Income | $45,479 | $53,953 | $8,474 |
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
Salem
- Studio
- $741/mo
- 1 BR
- $913/mo
- 2 BR
- $1,137/mo
- 3 BR
- $1,411/mo
- 4 BR
- $1,615/mo
- Median Income
- $53,953/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lake Charles or Salem cheaper to rent in?
Lake Charles is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $735/mo vs $1,137/mo in Salem. That's $402/mo or $4,824/year more expensive in Salem (55% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Lake Charles vs Salem?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Lake Charles is $735/month. In Salem, a 2-bedroom FMR is $1,137/month.
How do incomes compare between Lake Charles and Salem?
The median household income in Lake Charles is $45,479/year. In Salem it is $53,953/year. Salem has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Lake Charles vs Salem?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Lake Charles is $490/mo. In Salem it is $741/mo.