Lake Charles vs Santa Maria-Santa Barbara
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Lake Charles is 137% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $735/mo vs $1,741/mo in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara — saving $12,072/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Lake Charles | Santa Maria-Santa Barbara | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $490 | $1,126 | $636 |
| 1 Bedroom | $592 | $1,403 | $811 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $735 | $1,741 | $1,006 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $930 | $2,068 | $1,138 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $984 | $2,592 | $1,608 |
| Median Income | $45,479 | $106,107 | $60,628 |
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 Maria-Santa Barbara
- Studio
- $1,126/mo
- 1 BR
- $1,403/mo
- 2 BR
- $1,741/mo
- 3 BR
- $2,068/mo
- 4 BR
- $2,592/mo
- Median Income
- $106,107/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lake Charles or Santa Maria-Santa Barbara cheaper to rent in?
Lake Charles is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $735/mo vs $1,741/mo in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara. That's $1,006/mo or $12,072/year more expensive in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara (137% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Lake Charles vs Santa Maria-Santa Barbara?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Lake Charles is $735/month. In Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, a 2-bedroom FMR is $1,741/month.
How do incomes compare between Lake Charles and Santa Maria-Santa Barbara?
The median household income in Lake Charles is $45,479/year. In Santa Maria-Santa Barbara it is $106,107/year. Santa Maria-Santa Barbara has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Lake Charles vs Santa Maria-Santa Barbara?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Lake Charles is $490/mo. In Santa Maria-Santa Barbara it is $1,126/mo.