Lake Charles, LA vs New Orleans, LA: Cost of Living Comparison
Lake Charles has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Lake Charles | New Orleans | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 76 | 89 | Lake Charles |
| Housing | 59 ($763) | 85 ($848) | Lake Charles |
| Transportation | 104 ($3.50) | 108 ($3.50) | Lake Charles |
| Food & groceries | 76 ($312) | 74 ($303) | New Orleans |
| Utilities | 80 ($106) | 93 ($153) | Lake Charles |
| Healthcare | 80 ($77) | 93 ($111) | 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 Lake Charles, LA or New Orleans, LA cheaper to live in?
Lake Charles, LA is cheaper overall by about 13 index points (Lake Charles, LA: 76, New Orleans, LA: 89; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Lake Charles, LA vs New Orleans, LA?
A single adult needs roughly $26,600/year in Lake Charles, LA and $31,150/year in New Orleans, LA to cover basic living costs.