Lake Charles vs Santa Rosa-Petaluma
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Lake Charles is 113% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $735/mo vs $1,568/mo in Santa Rosa-Petaluma — saving $9,996/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Lake Charles | Santa Rosa-Petaluma | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $490 | $1,091 | $601 |
| 1 Bedroom | $592 | $1,312 | $720 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $735 | $1,568 | $833 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $930 | $1,984 | $1,054 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $984 | $2,190 | $1,206 |
| Median Income | $45,479 | $92,702 | $47,223 |
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 Rosa-Petaluma
- Studio
- $1,091/mo
- 1 BR
- $1,312/mo
- 2 BR
- $1,568/mo
- 3 BR
- $1,984/mo
- 4 BR
- $2,190/mo
- Median Income
- $92,702/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lake Charles or Santa Rosa-Petaluma cheaper to rent in?
Lake Charles is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $735/mo vs $1,568/mo in Santa Rosa-Petaluma. That's $833/mo or $9,996/year more expensive in Santa Rosa-Petaluma (113% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Lake Charles vs Santa Rosa-Petaluma?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Lake Charles is $735/month. In Santa Rosa-Petaluma, a 2-bedroom FMR is $1,568/month.
How do incomes compare between Lake Charles and Santa Rosa-Petaluma?
The median household income in Lake Charles is $45,479/year. In Santa Rosa-Petaluma it is $92,702/year. Santa Rosa-Petaluma has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Lake Charles vs Santa Rosa-Petaluma?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Lake Charles is $490/mo. In Santa Rosa-Petaluma it is $1,091/mo.