Lake Charles vs Washington-Arlington-Alexandria
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Lake Charles is 120% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $735/mo vs $1,617/mo in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria — saving $10,584/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Lake Charles | Washington-Arlington-Alexandria | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $490 | $1,069 | $579 |
| 1 Bedroom | $592 | $1,302 | $710 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $735 | $1,617 | $882 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $930 | $1,969 | $1,039 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $984 | $2,300 | $1,316 |
| Median Income | $45,479 | $101,438 | $55,959 |
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
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria
- Studio
- $1,069/mo
- 1 BR
- $1,302/mo
- 2 BR
- $1,617/mo
- 3 BR
- $1,969/mo
- 4 BR
- $2,300/mo
- Median Income
- $101,438/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lake Charles or Washington-Arlington-Alexandria cheaper to rent in?
Lake Charles is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $735/mo vs $1,617/mo in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria. That's $882/mo or $10,584/year more expensive in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria (120% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Lake Charles vs Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Lake Charles is $735/month. In Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, a 2-bedroom FMR is $1,617/month.
How do incomes compare between Lake Charles and Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
The median household income in Lake Charles is $45,479/year. In Washington-Arlington-Alexandria it is $101,438/year. Washington-Arlington-Alexandria has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Lake Charles vs Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Lake Charles is $490/mo. In Washington-Arlington-Alexandria it is $1,069/mo.