Cost of Living in Lake Charles, LA
Population 81,679 · Louisiana · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Most of Lake Charles's cost indicators track within a reasonable band of national figures, with median household incomes near $56,864 — a more representative starting point for relocation math than the headline-expensive or headline-cheap cities on either tail. A poverty rate near 23% adds context to the income figures — well above the US average, and worth factoring into any comparison with cities on the coasts or in the Rockies.
Geographically, Lake Charles is about 55 miles east of Beaumont, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 28% higher than Beaumont's $159,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Lake Charles
The median home value in Lake Charles is $204,000 — 33% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,090/month, 17% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $56,864/year is 24% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.5%, above the national average of 4.8%. Louisiana's top state income tax rate is 4.3% and the combined sales tax is 9.5%. The climate averages highs of 79.3°F and lows of 60.1°F. Overall, Lake Charles has a cost of living index of 73 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 27% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 63 | 67 | 73 | 79 | 85 | 91 | 92 | 93 | 89 | 82 | 72 | 65 |
| Low °F | 43 | 47 | 53 | 59 | 67 | 74 | 76 | 75 | 71 | 60 | 51 | 45 |
| Precip" | 5.89 | 3.26 | 3.67 | 4.44 | 5.40 | 6.54 | 5.69 | 6.19 | 5.18 | 4.80 | 4.13 | 4.56 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Lake Charles, LA?
Lake Charles has a cost index of 73 (100 = national average). It is 27% below the national average.
What is average rent in Lake Charles, LA?
The median gross rent in Lake Charles is $1,090 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Lake Charles?
The median home value in Lake Charles is $204,000 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Lake Charles?
The median household income in Lake Charles is $56,864 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Lake Charles, LA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Lake Charles is 9.5%. The Louisiana state income tax top rate is 4.3%.
Is Lake Charles, LA affordable?
Yes, Lake Charles is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 73 — about 27% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Lake Charles?
Lake Charles has average high temperatures of 79.3°F and average lows of 60.1°F. Annual precipitation is 59.8". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Lake Charles at a Glance
- Population
- 81,679
- Median Income
- $56,864
- Home Value
- $204,000
- Median Rent
- $1,090/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.5%
- Avg High Temp
- 79.3°F
- Sales Tax
- 9.5%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Louisiana Rankings
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