City vs city
Lake Charles, LA vs Medford, OR
- Rent is 24% lower in Lake Charles (median $1,109/mo vs $1,376/mo in Medford).
- Homes cost 95% less in Lake Charles ($214k vs $417k median value).
- On a $75k salary, you'd have about $610 more a month after taxes and rent in Lake Charles.
- Schools rate higher in Medford (5/10 vs 3.2/10).
- Medford has less violent crime (4.1 vs 6.7 per 1,000 residents; the US rate is 3.6).
- Lake Charles has milder winters (53°F vs 39°F average).
- Lake Charles gets more sun (224 vs 177 sunny days a year).
| Lake Charles | Medford | |
|---|---|---|
| Median rent | $1,109/mo | $1,376/mo |
| Median home value | $214k | $417k |
| Median household income | $59k | $73k |
| Left each month on $75k (after taxes and rent) | $3,868 | $3,258 |
| State income tax on wages | Yes | Yes |
| School rating | 3.2/10 | 5/10 |
| Violent crime | 1.9× the US rate | 1.1× the US rate |
| Summer average | 93°F | 92°F |
| Winter average | 53°F | 39°F |
| Sunny days a year | 224 | 177 |
| Walk score | 33 | 54 |
| Population | 81,143 | 86,315 |
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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