Houston, TX 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 | Houston | Lake Charles | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 85 | 76 | Lake Charles |
| Housing | 73 ($919) | 59 ($763) | Lake Charles |
| Transportation | 106 ($3.50) | 104 ($3.50) | Lake Charles |
| Food & groceries | 84 ($344) | 76 ($312) | Lake Charles |
| Utilities | 87 ($131) | 80 ($106) | Lake Charles |
| Healthcare | 87 ($95) | 80 ($77) | Lake Charles |
| Median annual wage | 100 ($48,620) | 94 ($45,520) | Lake Charles |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Houston, TX or Lake Charles, LA cheaper to live in?
Lake Charles, LA is cheaper overall by about 9 index points (Houston, TX: 85, Lake Charles, LA: 76; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Houston, TX vs Lake Charles, LA?
A single adult needs roughly $29,750/year in Houston, TX and $26,600/year in Lake Charles, LA to cover basic living costs.