CostByCity

Lake Charles, LA vs Santa Maria, CA

Cost of Living Comparison

Lake Charles, LA is more affordable by 22.9 index points

Side-by-Side Comparison

CategoryLake Charles, LASanta Maria, CADifference
Overall85.9108.8-22.9
Housing51.8151.4-99.6
Goods93.7105.2-11.5
Utilities71.7149.8-78.1
Other Services95.7100.3-4.6

Income & Housing Comparison

MetricLake Charles, LASanta Maria, CA
Median Household Income$64,764$92,332
Median Home Value$195,600$714,800
Median Monthly Rent$1,025$1,964
Per Capita Income$33,496$44,635

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lake Charles, LA or Santa Maria, CA cheaper to live in?
Lake Charles, LA is more affordable. The cost of living difference is 22.9 index points (Lake Charles, LA: 85.9, Santa Maria, CA: 108.8).
Where is housing cheaper, Lake Charles, LA or Santa Maria, CA?
Housing is more affordable in Lake Charles, LA. Housing index: Lake Charles, LA (51.8) vs Santa Maria, CA (151.4).