Lake Charles vs Monroe: Cost of Living Compared (2026)
Updated Jun 2026 (3 months ago) · Source: U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, U.S. Energy Information Administration
| Metric | Lake Charles | Monroe | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR) | $893 | $622 | +36% |
| Median household income | $59,235 | $40,505 | +38% |
| Grocery cost index | 93.7 | 93.7 | — |
| Utilities (monthly) | $121 | $121 | — |
Salary equivalent between cities
Equivalent salary needed
$90,696
- Difference
- $10,696