Lafayette, 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 | Lafayette | Lake Charles | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 83 | 76 | Lake Charles |
| Housing | 72 ($746) | 59 ($763) | Lake Charles |
| Transportation | 103 ($3.50) | 104 ($3.50) | Lafayette |
| Food & groceries | 82 ($336) | 76 ($312) | Lake Charles |
| Utilities | 86 ($130) | 80 ($106) | Lake Charles |
| Healthcare | 86 ($94) | 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 Lafayette, LA or Lake Charles, LA cheaper to live in?
Lake Charles, LA is cheaper overall by about 7 index points (Lafayette, LA: 83, Lake Charles, LA: 76; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Lafayette, LA vs Lake Charles, LA?
A single adult needs roughly $29,050/year in Lafayette, LA and $26,600/year in Lake Charles, LA to cover basic living costs.