Cost of Living in Lake Charles, LA is
-6.1% Lower
than the National Average

Did the Cost of Living in Lake Charles, LA increase in 2024? Lake Charles, LA area prices were up 1.2% from a year ago. The largest increases were found in Transportation, Food, and Housing.
By using Salary.com's Cost of Living Calculator, you can make a cost of living comparison of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and salary differentials of over 300+ US cities. Let us help you make an informed decision about what it will cost to live and work in the city of your dreams!
About Lake Charles, Louisiana    Lake Charles (French: Lac Charles) is the fifth-largest incorporated city in the U.S. state of Louisiana, located on Lake Charles, Prien Lake, and the....More
The federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour while Louisiana's state law sets the minimum wage rate at $7.25 per hour in 2024. Demands for a living wage that is fair to workers have resulted in numerous location-based changes to minimum wage levels. View future changes in the minimum wage in your location by visiting Minimum Wage Values in Lake Charles, LA

Cost of Living Calculator



Cost of Living in other Major Cities

City, State Compared to national average
City, State San Francisco, CA Compared to national average
+ 86.5%
City, State Washington, DC Compared to national average
+ 45.2%
City, State Miami, FL Compared to national average
+ 15.4%
City, State Chicago, IL Compared to national average
+ 12.4%
City, State Boston, MA Compared to national average
+ 53.1%
City, State New York, NY Compared to national average
+ 77.0%
City, State Dallas, TX Compared to national average
+ 7.0%

Cost of Living Lake Charles, LA by Expense Category

Category Compared to national average
CategoryEnergy Compared to national average
+ 1.7%
CategoryFood Compared to national average
-4.7%
CategoryHealthcare Compared to national average
-22.3%
CategoryHousing Compared to national average
-12.1%
CategoryTransportation Compared to national average
-26.5%

Cost of Living Comparison with Lake Charles, LA

If you move to Lake Charles from one of these cities, you would have these the changes of your cost of living.


Move From Move To Cost Of Living Comparison
Move FromSan Francisco, CA Move ToLake Charles, LA Cost Of Living Comparision
-92.6%
Move FromWashington, DC Move ToLake Charles, LA Cost Of Living Comparision
-51.3%
Move FromMiami, FL Move ToLake Charles, LA Cost Of Living Comparision
-21.4%
Move FromChicago, IL Move ToLake Charles, LA Cost Of Living Comparision
-18.5%
Move FromBoston, MA Move ToLake Charles, LA Cost Of Living Comparision
-59.2%
Move FromNew York, NY Move ToLake Charles, LA Cost Of Living Comparision
-83.1%
Move FromDallas, TX Move ToLake Charles, LA Cost Of Living Comparision
-13.1%

Based on this cost of living comparison, you can see:
If you move from Chicago IL, Dallas, TX, or Miami, FL, the percent increase of your cost of living could be 22.8%, 37.8%, and 24.8%. Looks like this move could have a negative net change in disposable income, so please think carefully!
If you move from New York, NY, San Francisco, CA, or Washington, DC, the percent reduction of your cost of living could be -43.50%, -23%, and -20.10%, that's good news to you that you could be looking at a positive net change in disposable income.


About Lake Charles, LA

Lake Charles (French: Lac Charles) is the fifth-largest incorporated city in the U.S. state of Louisiana, located on Lake Charles, Prien Lake, and the Calcasieu River. Founded in 1861 in Calcasieu Parish, it is a major industrial, cultural, and educational center in the southwest region of the state. As of the 2010 census, the population was 71,993. Lake Charles is the principal city of the Lake Charles Metropolitan Statistical Area, having a population of 202,040. It is the larger principal city of the Lake Charles-Jennings Combined Statistical Area, with a population of 225,235. The 2010 pop...
Source: Wikipedia (as of 04/11/2019). Read more from Wikipedia


Comments about the Cost of Living in Lake Charles, LA

What are the cheapest grocery stores?

Some stores like Fry's offer frequent discounts or loyalty programs that can save you even more at the checkout. Since groceries are an essential part of you cost of living, take advantage of discounts whenever you can. ( 2024-03-27 salary.com )

Are there good recreational opportunities in or near Lake Charles, LA?

Lake Charles, LA does not have a major sports team, but don’t worry, check out local colleges and high school sports schedules. These games usually have very cheap tickets and the spirit and enthusiasm of the crowd often makes up for the level of skill. ( 2024-03-27 salary.com )

I am nervous about moving, what is the typical cost of moving to another city and what should I have to think about?

Even if you are moving within your current state, the cost of moving could be over $1,000 depending on the city, what you are moving, and how much professional help you hire. You can save some expense by packing boxes yourself, renting a U-Haul truck, and asking friends and family to help with the loading and unloading. You should call at least three moving companies for a moving estimate, the cost might be less than you think and you won’t have to worry about a friend hurting their back trying to move your heavy furniture. Another way to make your move easier – and save money – is by weeding out items you don’t need anymore. Why bother to move stuff that you do not even use! Have a yard sale or find a local charitable organization and donate items you no longer use. Make sure you include these moving costs into the overall cost of living for year one in Lake Charles, LA. ( 2024-03-27 salary.com )

Are there any tips that will help make the move to Lake Charles, Louisiana easier for my child?

Make sure your child has a favorite toy, doll, game, clothing, blanket, snacks, etc. to take with them during the transition. Once you arrive, let your child help with arranging and decorating their new room. You may be tempted to unpack everything when you arrive, but make sure you take a break from unpacking to spend time playing and relaxing with your child. Plan on packing a special bag to take with you with those items that you will need first. Towels, soap, a few basic kitchen utensils and food items like crackers, tea, juice, will make your new location functional as soon as you arrive and fell more like home. A small new toy, book, or video that you give to your child when you arrive might help them to feel happy and relaxed in the new location. ( 2024-03-27 salary.com )

Is the cost of electricity in Lake Charles, Louisiana expected to change in the future?

The cost of electricity in Louisiana has gone down by 8.047% in the past year. It is possible that electric rates may fluctuate depending on consumption rates, government regulations and even the weather. ( 2024-03-27 salary.com )

Should I plan on spending a lot on rent in Lake Charles,LA?

In Lake Charles,LA, my friend pays $3300 for a large 2 bedroom apartment. Since he has 2 children, he needs to have a large apartment. ( 2024-03-27 salary.com )

What can you do for free in Lake Charles, LA?

Looks for areas of Lake Charles, Louisiana where there is a large student population. In those areas you will be sure to find lots of free or cheap events to go to and plenty of cheap places to eat. Familiarize yourself with the places where students hang out, and take advantage of discounted or bargain prices, you are sure to be able to keep your cost of living reasonable. Look at the website for Lake Charles, LA to find recommendations for activities that are available and unique to the area. ( 2024-03-27 salary.com )

Does Lake Charles, Louisiana have high income or sales taxes that will make the cost of living in Lake Charles higher?

The sales tax for Lake Charles is 5%. This is the tax that you will pay on things that you buy. ( 2024-03-27 salary.com )

Cost of living in Lake Charles, Louisiana is important, but what about the weather?

The weather in Lake Charles is ideal. Based on data collected by NOAA National Climatic Data Center, Lake Charles is considered to have one of the most favorable climates in the country based on comfort and number of days with clear skies. You will enjoy living in Lake Charles, Louisiana. ( 2024-03-27 salary.com )

Can you save money using public transport?

You could save up to $1,000 per year, depending on your location, by using public transport instead of driving. Not only will you reduce the stress of driving and finding a place to park once you reach your destination, your car and tires will last longer, and you will spend less on gas. A side benefit is that you may be able to relax, work, or read on the way to work, or get to know and chat with other commuters. Some employers offer employees reduced fee bus or transit passes, so check that out with your employer. ( 2024-03-27 salary.com )



Cost of Living Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Cost of Living index and how is it used?

In the simplest terms, a Cost of Living index is the estimated amount that represents the cost of the basic necessities required for an individual to live. A cost of living or COL estimate may typically include estimates for housing, food, energy, medical care, transportation, taxes, and other necessities. A COL index may be used to measure what the cost difference would be for a person living in a certain location compared to another location. This cost of living comparison helps individuals make decisions about where they would like to live and what they can afford based on the costs in that location. A cost of living comparison can provide guidance about how an increase or decrease in these basic living expenses impacts necessary spending for an individual or a family. ( 2024-03-27 salary.com )

What factors are included in estimating your cost of living?

The Salary.com cost of living calculator estimate is based on data related to five general categories: housing, food, healthcare, transportation, and energy. These are the universally recognized core components of any cost of living estimate and represent those expenses that apply to everyone. Obviously, there may be other factors that could contribute to your particular cost of living situation and not everyone has the same spending habits. For example, education and/or childcare costs might not apply to everyone, but for those who have those expenses, they could be significant and should be considered when you evaluate your cost of living comparison. ( 2024-03-27 salary.com )

The Salary.com cost of living calculator is unique in that it also incorporates current salary data for thousands of jobs specific to a chosen home or work location to provide a more refined estimate of the cost of living variations. You can see how your job and your salary will be impacted by a change of location. If you live in one location but work in another, the cost of living calculator will make those adjustments to provide an accurate estimate of the change in COL. The Salary.com cost of living calculator helps you to make cost of living comparisons cost comparisons easily and quickly. ( 2024-03-27 salary.com )


Last Update: 2024-03-27