City vs city
Lake Charles, LA vs Longview, TX
- Rent is 1% lower in Longview (median $1,101/mo vs $1,109/mo in Lake Charles).
- Homes cost 6% less in Longview ($203k vs $214k median value).
- On a $75k salary, you'd have about $164 more a month after taxes and rent in Longview.
- Longview has no state income tax on wages; Lake Charles does.
- Schools rate higher in Longview (3.8/10 vs 3.2/10).
- Longview has less violent crime (3.5 vs 6.7 per 1,000 residents; the US rate is 3.6).
- Lake Charles has milder winters (53°F vs 47°F average).
| Lake Charles | Longview | |
|---|---|---|
| Median rent | $1,109/mo | $1,101/mo |
| Median home value | $214k | $203k |
| Median household income | $59k | $63k |
| Left each month on $75k (after taxes and rent) | $3,868 | $4,032 |
| State income tax on wages | Yes | None |
| School rating | 3.2/10 | 3.8/10 |
| Violent crime | 1.9× the US rate | about the US rate |
| Summer average | 93°F | 96°F |
| Winter average | 53°F | 47°F |
| Sunny days a year | 224 | 238 |
| Walk score | 33 | 41 |
| Population | 81,143 | 82,923 |
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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