City vs city
Auburn, AL vs Lake Charles, LA
- Rent is 1% lower in Auburn (median $1,098/mo vs $1,109/mo in Lake Charles).
- Homes cost 70% less in Lake Charles ($214k vs $365k median value).
- On a $75k salary, you'd have about $124 more a month after taxes and rent in Lake Charles.
- Schools rate higher in Auburn (8.9/10 vs 3.2/10).
- Auburn has less violent crime (1 vs 6.7 per 1,000 residents; the US rate is 3.6).
- Lake Charles has milder winters (53°F vs 46°F average).
| Auburn | Lake Charles | |
|---|---|---|
| Median rent | $1,098/mo | $1,109/mo |
| Median home value | $365k | $214k |
| Median household income | $64k | $59k |
| Left each month on $75k (after taxes and rent) | $3,744 | $3,868 |
| State income tax on wages | Yes | Yes |
| School rating | 8.9/10 | 3.2/10 |
| Violent crime | 72% below the US rate | 1.9× the US rate |
| Summer average | 89°F | 93°F |
| Winter average | 46°F | 53°F |
| Sunny days a year | 219 | 224 |
| Walk score | 53 | 33 |
| Population | 80,594 | 81,143 |
Population, income, home value and rent: U.S. Census Bureau ACS. Taxes: single filer, 2026 federal and state rates, before any city income tax. Violent crime per 1,000 residents; US rate 3.6.
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