Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Lake Charles, LA?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 7.0% more expensive than Lake Charles, LA. This translates to spending an extra $522 per month.

What salary do I need in Raleigh, NC to live like I do in Lake Charles, LA?

If you earn $150,000 in Lake Charles, LA, you'd need approximately $156,258.145 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Lake Charles, LA and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 29.2% more expensive than in Lake Charles, LA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $1,017/month in Lake Charles, LA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Lake Charles, LA to Raleigh, NC?

Living in Raleigh, NC costs approximately $522 more per month than Lake Charles, LA, or $6258 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Lake Charles, LA vs Raleigh, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Lake Charles, LA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Baton Rouge, LA area

Current salary in Lake Charles, LA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $522/month more in Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $156.3K in Raleigh, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↑ 7.0%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$522

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$6.3K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Lake Charles, LA

Population:80K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$190K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:107

Median Home:$512K

Lake Charles, LA

The Pelican State

80K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Louisiana, this city has a population of 80K residents.

Raleigh, NC

The Tar Heel State

474K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Research Triangle
•State capital
•Major university town

Major Industries

TechnologyResearchEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Lake Charles, LA vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Lake Charles, LA	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$1,911/mo	$2,469/mo	↑ $557more	29.2%
🏥Healthcare	$470/mo	$601/mo	↑ $131more	27.8%
⚡All Utilities	$485/mo	$546/mo	↑ $60.93more	12.5%
🚗Transportation	$1,239/mo	$1,284/mo	↑ $45.16more	3.6%
📦Other	$1,752/mo	$1,707/mo	↓ $44.30less	2.5%
🛒Groceries	$968/mo	$959/mo	↓ $8.36less	0.9%

🏠Housing

↑ 29.2%

Lake Charles, LA

$1,911

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$557

🏥Healthcare

↑ 27.8%

Lake Charles, LA

$470

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$131

⚡All Utilities

↑ 12.5%

Lake Charles, LA

$485

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$60.93

🚗Transportation

↑ 3.6%

Lake Charles, LA

$1,239

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$45.16

📦Other

↓ 2.5%

Lake Charles, LA

$1,752

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$44.30

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 0.9%

Lake Charles, LA

$968

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$8.36

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$771

To$1,570

↑ $799

1 Bed

From$771

To$1,640

↑ $869

2 Bed

From$1,017

To$1,800

↑ $783

3 Bed

From$1,220

To$2,255

↑ $1,035

Lake Charles, LAZIP-level data

1BR range: $820–$1,160/mo

Raleigh, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,880/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$6,825

Monthly in Lake Charles, LA

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$742

Difference

Home Values

Lake Charles

Raleigh

$190K

Median Value

$512K

↑ +3.6%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↓ -18.1%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$96K - $260K

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 169% more expensive than Lake Charles

Calculate payment - Lake Charles Calculate payment - Raleigh

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $625

Per year

Monthly Difference

$52.08

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.4%

Rate difference

Lake Charles, LA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Louisiana State Tax

Effective: 5.2%

$7.8K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.8%

$44.8K

Take-Home Pay

$8,770/month

$105.2K

Raleigh, NC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

North Carolina State Tax

Effective: 4.8%

$7.1K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.4%

$44.1K

Take-Home Pay

$8,822/month

$105.9K

Additional Tax Information

Lake Charles, LA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.6%

Property Tax:0.5%

Raleigh, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

Property Tax:0.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.