Cost of Living in Lake Charles, LA
Population 81,143 · Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates
The median rent in Lake Charles, LA is $1,109/month, 4% higher than the Louisiana median and 22% lower than the U.S. median. The median home value is $214,300, 36% lower than the national median. Households earn a median of $59,235 a year, 3% lower than the state median.
Affordability
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Lake Charles vs. Louisiana vs. U.S.
| Lake Charles | Louisiana | U.S. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median rent | $1,109 | $1,064 | $1,413 |
| Median home value | $214,300 | $216,500 | $332,700 |
| Median household income | $59,235 | $60,756 | $80,734 |
| Homeownership rate | 60.9% | 67.4% | 65.2% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29.1% | 27.0% | 35.7% |
| Poverty rate | 23.3% | 18.9% | 12.5% |
| Unemployment rate | 6.6% | 6.3% | 5.2% |
| Work from home | 5.0% | 8.1% | 15.1% |
| Median age | 36.6 | 38.0 | 38.9 |
FAQ
What is the average rent in Lake Charles, LA?
The median gross rent in Lake Charles, LA is $1,109 per month (ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimate).
How much do I need to earn to live in Lake Charles, LA?
Using the common 30% rule, renting a median-priced home takes about $44,360 a year in gross income.
Is Lake Charles, LA expensive to live in?
Rent there is 22% lower than the U.S. median, and the median home costs about 3.6 times the median household income.
Other cities in Louisiana
Cities with a similar cost of living
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates. Estimates have margins of error, especially for smaller places. This product uses the Census Bureau Data API but is not endorsed or certified by the Census Bureau.
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