Baton Rouge, LA vs Lake Charles, LA: Cost of Living Comparison
Lake Charles has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Baton Rouge | Lake Charles | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 78 | 76 | Lake Charles |
| Housing | 64 ($731) | 59 ($763) | Lake Charles |
| Transportation | 111 ($3.50) | 104 ($3.50) | Lake Charles |
| Food & groceries | 67 ($275) | 76 ($312) | Baton Rouge |
| Utilities | 82 ($115) | 80 ($106) | Lake Charles |
| Healthcare | 82 ($83) | 80 ($77) | Lake Charles |
| Median annual wage | 94 ($45,520) | 94 ($45,520) | Tie |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Baton Rouge, LA or Lake Charles, LA cheaper to live in?
Lake Charles, LA is cheaper overall by about 2 index points (Baton Rouge, LA: 78, Lake Charles, LA: 76; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Baton Rouge, LA vs Lake Charles, LA?
A single adult needs roughly $27,300/year in Baton Rouge, LA and $26,600/year in Lake Charles, LA to cover basic living costs.