Lake Charles vs Santa Cruz-Watsonville
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Lake Charles is 139% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $735/mo vs $1,760/mo in Santa Cruz-Watsonville — saving $12,300/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Lake Charles | Santa Cruz-Watsonville | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $490 | $1,172 | $682 |
| 1 Bedroom | $592 | $1,475 | $883 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $735 | $1,760 | $1,025 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $930 | $2,195 | $1,265 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $984 | $2,530 | $1,546 |
| Median Income | $45,479 | $89,493 | $44,014 |
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
Santa Cruz-Watsonville
- Studio
- $1,172/mo
- 1 BR
- $1,475/mo
- 2 BR
- $1,760/mo
- 3 BR
- $2,195/mo
- 4 BR
- $2,530/mo
- Median Income
- $89,493/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lake Charles or Santa Cruz-Watsonville cheaper to rent in?
Lake Charles is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $735/mo vs $1,760/mo in Santa Cruz-Watsonville. That's $1,025/mo or $12,300/year more expensive in Santa Cruz-Watsonville (139% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Lake Charles vs Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Lake Charles is $735/month. In Santa Cruz-Watsonville, a 2-bedroom FMR is $1,760/month.
How do incomes compare between Lake Charles and Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
The median household income in Lake Charles is $45,479/year. In Santa Cruz-Watsonville it is $89,493/year. Santa Cruz-Watsonville has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Lake Charles vs Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Lake Charles is $490/mo. In Santa Cruz-Watsonville it is $1,172/mo.