Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana
Calcasieu Parish has a HUD fair market rent of $1,231 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,109 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $23.67 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,231
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 6% more than in Louisiana
- Typical rent
- $1,109
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 4% more than in Louisiana
- Wage needed
- $23.67
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $49,240 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 52%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 5% less than in Louisiana
Only here
Renting in Calcasieu Parish: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
Nearby, in Acadia Parish, the typical rent is $681: 39% less than in Calcasieu Parish ($1,109).
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau (Average 2020–2024).
Fair market rent
What HUD sets for each size
Every year HUD (the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) publishes a Fair Market Rent (FMR) for each home size in Calcasieu Parish. It is used to work out how much a Section 8 voucher covers. The table shows what you need to earn to pay it without spending more than 30% of income.
The fair market rent covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone. HUD generally sets it at the 40th percentile: 4 in 10 standard-quality homes rented recently cost less. 24 CFR §888.113(a)
According to Zillow (ZORI), the typical asking rent in Calcasieu Parish was $1,356 a month in September 2026: 18.9% more than 12 months ago. It is an index of market listings, not a HUD limit. Zillow data
| Size | Fair rent per month | Hourly wage | Income needed per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $935 | $17.98 | $37,400 |
| 1 bedroom | $941 | $18.10 | $37,640 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,231 | $23.67 | $49,240 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,467 | $28.21 | $58,680 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,713 | $32.94 | $68,520 |
HUD area: Lake Charles, LA HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2027
By ZIP code
The fair market rent for your ZIP code
HUD also publishes fair market rents by ZIP code (Small Area FMRs) for 19 ZIP codes in Calcasieu Parish (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,100 in 70601 to $1,480 in 70665. 5 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,231).
Where HUD designates these areas, or where the housing agency chooses to use them, the voucher is figured on the ZIP code's rent instead of the county's. Ask your agency which one it uses. 24 CFR §982.503(a)(1)
| 70601 | Lake Charles, LA | $840 | $840 | $1,100 | $1,320 | $1,530 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 70605 | Lake Charles, LA | $1,120 | $1,130 | $1,480 | $1,760 | $2,060 |
| 70607 | Lake Charles, LA | $900 | $910 | $1,190 | $1,420 | $1,660 |
| 70609 | Lake Charles, LA | $1,010 | $1,020 | $1,340 | $1,590 | $1,860 |
| 70611 | Jefferson Davis Parish, LA | $1,060 | $1,060 | $1,390 | $1,660 | $1,930 |
| 70611 | Lake Charles, LA | $1,060 | $1,060 | $1,390 | $1,660 | $1,930 |
| 70615 | Lake Charles, LA | $920 | $920 | $1,210 | $1,440 | $1,680 |
| 70629 | Lake Charles, LA | $930 | $940 | $1,230 | $1,470 | $1,710 |
| 70633 | Beauregard Parish, LA | $830 | $840 | $1,100 | $1,320 | $1,450 |
| 70633 | Lake Charles, LA | $830 | $840 | $1,100 | $1,320 | $1,450 |
| 70646 | Lake Charles, LA | $830 | $840 | $1,100 | $1,320 | $1,450 |
| 70647 | Jefferson Davis Parish, LA | $910 | $940 | $1,230 | $1,520 | $1,710 |
| 70647 | Lake Charles, LA | $910 | $940 | $1,230 | $1,520 | $1,710 |
| 70661 | Beauregard Parish, LA | $830 | $840 | $1,100 | $1,320 | $1,550 |
| 70661 | Lake Charles, LA | $830 | $840 | $1,100 | $1,320 | $1,550 |
| 70663 | Lake Charles, LA | $830 | $840 | $1,100 | $1,320 | $1,460 |
| 70665 | Lake Charles, LA | $1,120 | $1,130 | $1,480 | $1,760 | $2,060 |
| 70668 | Lake Charles, LA | $830 | $840 | $1,100 | $1,320 | $1,470 |
| 70669 | Lake Charles, LA | $870 | $880 | $1,150 | $1,370 | $1,600 |
- 70601 · Lake Charles, LA $1,100$1,320
- 70605 · Lake Charles, LA $1,480$1,760
- 70607 · Lake Charles, LA $1,190$1,420
- 70609 · Lake Charles, LA $1,340$1,590
- 70611 · Jefferson Davis Parish, LA $1,390$1,660
- 70611 · Lake Charles, LA $1,390$1,660
- 70615 · Lake Charles, LA $1,210$1,440
- 70629 · Lake Charles, LA $1,230$1,470
- 70633 · Beauregard Parish, LA $1,100$1,320
- 70633 · Lake Charles, LA $1,100$1,320
- 70646 · Lake Charles, LA $1,100$1,320
- 70647 · Jefferson Davis Parish, LA $1,230$1,520
- 70647 · Lake Charles, LA $1,230$1,520
- 70661 · Beauregard Parish, LA $1,100$1,320
- 70661 · Lake Charles, LA $1,100$1,320
- 70663 · Lake Charles, LA $1,100$1,320
- 70665 · Lake Charles, LA $1,480$1,760
- 70668 · Lake Charles, LA $1,100$1,320
- 70669 · Lake Charles, LA $1,150$1,370
Source: Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) (external site)
Rent burden
How many households spend too much
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Calcasieu Parish, 52% of renter households are in that position; in Louisiana, 55%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).
Paying too much rent leaves little for food, transportation and savings. If that is you, the agencies below can guide you for free.
52%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
21,221 households rent in Calcasieu Parish
- Spend half or more of their income 31%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 22%
- Spend less than 30% 48%
Compared with the state and the country
- Calcasieu 52%
- Louisiana 55%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Calcasieu Parish
HUD lists 75 properties with homes for low-income households in Calcasieu Parish: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC), HUD-assisted buildings and public housing. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 53
- HUD-assisted
- 16
- public housing
- 7
5,203 homes in all; 2,144 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Unnamed Public housing 10 Fowler Dr, Sulphur 70663 202 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Sulphur · Average payment: $339 a month · Average wait: 8 months · (337) 527-5248
- Chateau Du Lac Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 333 Mill St, Lake Charles 70601 198 low-income homes · 1 bd: 178 · 2 bd: 20 · In service since 2007 · For older adults, people with disabilities · (337) 436-0380
- Whispering Pines Tax credit (LIHTC) 5th Avenue, Lake Charles 70607 170 low-income homes · 1 bd: 2 · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 1997
- Tower Oaks Apartments HUD-assisted 222 Louie St, Lake Charles 70601 152 low-income homes · For older adults · (337) 439-6719
- The Park at Winterhalter HUD-assisted 1938A Winterhalter St, Lake Charles 70601 130 homes, 128 low-income · For families · (337) 433-0621
- Booker T Washington CTS Public housing 1481 3rd St, Lake Charles 70601 100 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of Lake Charles · (337) 426-8981
- ST. Charles Place HUD-assisted 1011 18th St, Lake Charles 70601 121 homes, 95 low-income · For families · (337) 478-5543
- Cottages at the Power Centre Tax credit (LIHTC) Power Centre Drive, Lake Charles 70615 125 homes, 87 low-income · 2 bd: 1 · In service since 2011 · For families
- Unnamed Public housing 100E Newport Plz, Dequincy 70633 80 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of DeQuincy · Average payment: $435 a month · Average wait: 4 months · (337) 786-2381
- Villas of Lake Charles Tax credit (LIHTC) 5100 Weaver Rd, Lake Charles 70605 78 low-income homes · 1 bd: 2 · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 2008
- Carver Courts Public housing 1301 N Shattuck St, Lake Charles 70601 66 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of Lake Charles · (337) 426-8981
- Unnamed Public housing 1322 Eddy St, Vinton 70668 66 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the Town of Vinton · Average payment: $389 a month · Average wait: 7 months · (337) 589-5331
- Louise Landing Tax credit (LIHTC) 2506 Ruth St, Lake Charles 70601 56 low-income homes · 2 bd: 1 · In service since 2008 · For people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
- Fairview Crossing HUD-assisted 4249 5th Ave, Lake Charles 70607 276 homes, 55 low-income · For families · (337) 475-8902
- Lloyd Oaks Public housing 4408 Beaver St, Lake Charles 70607 50 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of Lake Charles · (337) 426-8981
- Town & Country Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1800 S Arizona St, Sulphur 70663 48 low-income homes · 2 bd: 48 · In service since 1988
- Booker T Washington Homes Tax credit (LIHTC) 469 Central Pkwy, Lake Charles 70605 46 low-income homes · 2 bd: 22 · 3 bd: 18 · 4 bd: 6 · In service since 2013
- Villas (VISTA) of Lake Charles Tax credit (LIHTC) 2321 Power Centre Pkwy, Lake Charles 70607 72 homes, 43 low-income · 2 bd: 8 · 3 bd: 3 · In service since 2011
- Whispering Hope HUD-assisted 2501 Griffin St, Lake Charles 70601 42 homes, 41 low-income · For older adults · (337) 439-2525
- Frenchman's Creek Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 Placide Dr, Sulphur 70663 40 low-income homes · 2 bd: 1 · In service since 2008
- Woodland Shores Tax credit (LIHTC) Goodman Road, Lake Charles 70601 33 low-income homes · 3 bd: 1 · In service since 2003 · For families
- Park Place Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 400 Park Place Dr, Dequincy 70633 32 low-income homes · 1 bd: 4 · In service since 2014 · For older adults, families
- Grand Lake Elderly Tax credit (LIHTC) W Side Highway 385, Cameron 70607 30 low-income homes · 1 bd: 4 · In service since 2009
- Patrick Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 4499 Lake Caroline Dr, Lake Charles 70615 28 low-income homes · 2 bd: 1 · In service since 2007 · For families
- Woodland Glen Tax credit (LIHTC) 4343 Lake Fairway Dr, Lake Charles 70615 27 low-income homes · 2 bd: 1 · In service since 2006 · For people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
- Woodland Pines Development Tax credit (LIHTC) 510 Queen Carter Ct, Lake Charles 70615 27 low-income homes · 3 bd: 22 · 4 bd: 5 · In service since 2003 · For older adults, people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
- Maison D'Amis HUD-assisted 401 Gerdsen St, Lake Charles 70601 24 homes, 23 low-income · For people with disabilities · (337) 764-1188
- Hathaway Street Apartments HUD-assisted 145 Hathaway St, Lake Charles 70605 21 homes, 20 low-income · For people with disabilities · (337) 562-0513
- Louie Street Apts HUD-assisted 502 Louie St, Lake Charles 70601 20 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (337) 433-3620
- Willow Manor HUD-assisted Louie Street, Lake Charles 70601 20 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (337) 439-5878
- Lake Charles Voa Living Center HUD-assisted 645 15th St, Lake Charles 70601 18 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (337) 497-0970
- Dequincy Elderly HUD-assisted 301 Coward St, Dequincy 70633 14 low-income homes · For older adults · (337) 786-3400
- Iowa Elderly Apartments HUD-assisted 401 E Miller Ave, Iowa 70647 13 low-income homes · For older adults · (337) 582-2450
- Vinton Senior Manor HUD-assisted 1000 Loree St, Vinton 70668 12 homes, 11 low-income · For older adults · (337) 589-7605
- Peppermill Apartments II Tax credit (LIHTC) 2700 N Beglis Pkwy, Sulphur 70663 56 homes, 8 low-income · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 4 · 3 bd: 4 · In service since 2006 · For families
- Maplewood Manor HUD-assisted 3909 Maplewood Dr, Sulphur 70663 8 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (337) 433-3620
- High School Park Public housing 1621A 3rd St, Lake Charles 70601 50 homes, 7 low-income · Run by Housing Authority of Lake Charles · Homes at several sites · (337) 426-8981
- Woodring Apartments HUD-assisted 620 Hodges St, Lake Charles 70601 70 homes, 4 low-income
- Le Jolliet Tax credit (LIHTC) Se Corner of 5th Ave & Power Center Parkway, Lake Charles 70607 264 homes · 2 bd: 12 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 2020 · For families
- The Meadows Tax credit (LIHTC) 2105 Smith Rd, Lake Charles 70607 180 homes · 3 bd: 1 · In service since 2011 · For families
- Villages of Lake Charles Tax credit (LIHTC) 661 Dixy Dr, Lake Charles 70601 124 homes · 1 bd: 5 · In service since 2010
- ST Charles Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 1011 W 18th St, Lake Charles 70601 121 homes · 2 bd: 1 · In service since 2000 · For people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
- Emerald Point Tax credit (LIHTC) 4254 5th Ave, Lake Charles 70607 120 homes · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 2008 · For families
- Presley Park Tax credit (LIHTC) 4437 Lake Fairway Dr, Lake Charles 70615 100 homes · 2 bd: 1 · In service since 2009 · For people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
- Valleyview Apts. Tax credit (LIHTC) 4401 5th Ave, Lake Charles 70607 100 homes · 1 bd: 8 · In service since 1998
- The Ridge at Lake Charles Tax credit (LIHTC) 5140 Weaver Rd, Lake Charles 70605 96 homes · 3 bd: 12 · 4 bd: 4 · In service since 2008 · For families
- Sunlight Manor I Tax credit (LIHTC) 1938 Winterhalter St, Lake Charles 70601 92 homes
- La Maison Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 5001 Pecan Acres St, Lake Charles 70605 78 homes · 1 bd: 8 · In service since 2004
- Sulphur Springs I Tax credit (LIHTC) 700 Henning Dr, Sulphur 70663 76 homes · 1 bd: 4 · In service since 2002 · For people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
- Havens of Lake Charles Tax credit (LIHTC) 2331 Power Centre Pkwy, Lake Charles 70607 72 homes · 2 bd: 1 · In service since 2012 · For older adults
- Sulphur Springs II Tax credit (LIHTC) 700 Henning Dr, Sulphur 70663 72 homes · 2 bd: 8 · In service since 2002
- Gordon Woods Tax credit (LIHTC) 4336 Gordon Woods Dr, Lake Charles 70615 70 homes · 2 bd: 1 · In service since 2008 · For people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
- Peppermill I Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 2877 S Beglis Pkwy, Sulphur 70665 64 homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 4 · 3 bd: 4 · In service since 2006
- Dogwood Place Subdivision Tax credit (LIHTC) 111 Juniper Cir, Iowa 70647 60 homes · 2 bd: 1 · In service since 2011 · For families
- Iowa Family Housing Tax credit (LIHTC) 114 River Birch Dr, Iowa 70647 60 homes · 2 bd: 1 · In service since 2008 · For families
- Monet Acres II Tax credit (LIHTC) 1030 James Dr, Sulphur 70663 60 homes · 2 bd: 1 · In service since 2010 · For families
- Renoir Acres II Tax credit (LIHTC) 950 Addie Dr, Sulphur 70665 60 homes · 3 bd: 1 · In service since 2010 · For families
- Sulphur Retirement Community, LLC Tax credit (LIHTC) 503 Cypress St, Sulphur 70663 60 homes · 1 bd: 24 · 2 bd: 36 · In service since 2009
- Festival Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 2400 Fruge St, Lake Charles 70601 56 homes · 1 bd: 4 · 3 bd: 4 · In service since 2001
- Delta Crossing Tax credit (LIHTC) 1906 Delta Crossing Rd, Vinton 70668 54 homes · 2 bd: 1 · In service since 2007 · For families
- High School Park Tax credit (LIHTC) 1626 2nd St, Lake Charles 70601 50 homes · 3 bd: 2 · For families
- Sabine Pointe Subdivision Alpic Tax credit (LIHTC) 1201 Sabine Pointe Dr, Vinton 70668 50 homes · 2 bd: 1 · In service since 2009
- Parkway Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 210 N Beglis Pkwy, Sulphur 70663 48 homes · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 1997
- The Villas of Lake Charles II Tax credit (LIHTC) Weaver RD, Lake Charles 70605 48 homes
- Western Gardens Apts. Tax credit (LIHTC) 1601 W 4th St, Dequincy 70633 48 homes · 2 bd: 8 · In service since 2001
- Manor at Lake Charles (formerly Fifth Avenue Apts) Tax credit (LIHTC) 2260 Prejean Dr, Lake Charles 70607 40 homes · 1 bd: 4 · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 2011
- Sunlight Manor II Tax credit (LIHTC) 1522 Brick St, Lake Charles 70601 38 homes
- Woodland Lakes Tax credit (LIHTC) 4499 Lake Caroline Dr, Lake Charles 70615 33 homes · 3 bd: 1 · In service since 2003 · For people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
- Westlake Manor Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 1801 Gandy St, Westlake 70669 32 homes · 2 bd: 6 · In service since 1989 · For older adults
- Bayou Bluff Tax credit (LIHTC) 2228 Old Highway 171 N, Lake Charles 70615 30 homes · 2 bd: 1 · In service since 2012 · For families
- Quinn Court Tax credit (LIHTC) 2506 Ruth St, Lake Charles 70601 29 homes · 3 bd: 1 · In service since 2007 · For families
- Westlake Homes Tax credit (LIHTC) 2402 Fox Run Rd, Westlake 70669 25 homes · 3 bd: 1 · In service since 2002
- Kingsley Court Tax credit (LIHTC) 404 Cedar Way, Lake Charles 70601 24 homes · In service since 2012 · For families
- Westlake Elderly Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 1109 Garden Dr, Westlake 70669 24 homes · 1 bd: 2 · 2 bd: 2 · In service since 1997
- Westlake Elderly II Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 2106 Walker Dr, Westlake 70669 24 homes · 1 bd: 4 · In service since 1999
One property has two programs at the same address and appears once. Search HUD's map
Source: HUD, retrieved November 6, 2026. LIHTC database, updated May 14, 2025; Assisted multifamily properties, updated October 23, 2026; Public housing developments, updated October 23, 2026.
Section 8
The Section 8 voucher in Calcasieu Parish
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 6 agencies serve in Calcasieu Parish. Here is what the rules say:
The rules, with their source
-
You apply at the public housing agency. If you qualify, your name usually goes on a waiting list. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or noncitizens with eligible status as HUD defines it. Source: HUD
-
Generally, your family must have very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income, by family size (the middle column of the table). Source: 24 CFR §5.603, §982.201(b)
-
Each year, at least 75% of the families an agency admits from its list must have extremely low income (the 30% column). Source: 24 CFR §982.201(b)(2)
-
If the rent is below the payment standard, the family generally pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. If it is above, the family pays more. Source: 24 CFR §982.1(a)(3)
-
When you move in, if the rent is above the payment standard, your share cannot go over 40% of your adjusted monthly income. Source: 24 CFR §982.508
-
Each agency sets a payment standard for each size. Without asking HUD, it can go from 90% to 110% of the fair market rent. Source: 24 CFR §982.503(b), (c)
| People | Extremely low (30%) | Very low (50%) | Low |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $19,550 | $32,550 | $52,100 |
| 2 people | $22,350 | $37,200 | $59,550 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $41,850 | $67,000 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $46,500 | $74,400 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $50,250 | $80,400 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $53,950 | $86,350 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $57,700 | $92,300 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $61,400 | $98,250 |
Area median income: $93,000. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Lake Charles, LA HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $842 – $1,029
- 1 bedroom $847 – $1,035
- 2 bedrooms $1,108 – $1,354
- 3 bedrooms $1,320 – $1,614
- 4 bedrooms $1,542 – $1,884
The range the rule allows: 90% to 110% of the county's fair market rent. Your agency publishes its own.
Housing agencies that serve this place
- Housing Authority of Lake Charles Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 2,443 vouchers · 266 public housing units (337) 426-8981 Housing Authority of Lake Charles: mpete@lcha-housing.org
- Calcasieu Parish Human Services Department Section 8 vouchers · 576 vouchers (337) 721-4030 Calcasieu Parish Human Services Department: ahebert@calcasieuparish.gov
- Housing Authority of the City of Sulphur Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 190 vouchers · 202 public housing units (337) 527-5248 Housing Authority of the City of Sulphur: raychelkiser@yahoo.com
- Housing Authority of the Town of Vinton Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 50 vouchers · 66 public housing units (337) 589-5331 Housing Authority of the Town of Vinton: vntnhousing@att.net
- Housing Authority of the City of DeQuincy Public housing · 80 public housing units (337) 786-2381 Housing Authority of the City of DeQuincy: sbagwell@centurytel.net
- Housing Authority of the Town of Iowa Public housing (337) 582-6730 Housing Authority of the Town of Iowa: iha231603@gmail.com
Housing agencies in Louisiana Source: HUD, Retrieved November 6, 2026
Your rights as a tenant in Louisiana
What Louisiana law says about deposits, notices and eviction, with the citation for each rule.
See your rights, rule by ruleCompare these rules with other states →
A summary of state law, not legal advice. Cities may have additional rules.
- If I fall behind on rent, what notice must I get?
- 5 days
- La. Code Civ. Proc. art. 4701
- How much notice before a rent increase?
- 10 calendar days
- La. Civ. Code art. 2728(2)
- Repair and deduct from the rentLa. Civ. Code art. 2694
Help
Where to get help with rent in Calcasieu Parish
This HUD-approved agency has an office in Calcasieu Parish. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Calcasieu Parish Housing Counseling Agency
2001 Moeling St, Lake Charles
- Budget and financial counseling
- Fair housing pre-purchase workshops
- and 4 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Calcasieu Parish. Change the rent, the deposit and the fees to yours: the numbers stay in your browser.
Count power on top of the rent: in Louisiana, the average home bill was $141 a month in 2024 (EIA). See electricity and gas costs
Your move
We use the place's fair market rent and the state's deposit rule.
Adjust advanced details
Let's do the math
Cash to move in
$2,462
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,231
- Security deposit
- $1,231
- Total
- $2,462
When you'll have it
Enter what you can set aside each month to see how long it takes.
What helps
- Ask for a receipt for every payment and keep a copy of the lease.
- On move-in day, walk through the home and take dated photos.
- Never send money for a home you haven't seen or a lease you haven't read.
This is a planning estimate, not a price. What you are asked for depends on the landlord, your lease and your state's and city's rules. It is not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fair market rent in Calcasieu Parish?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $935; 1 bedroom: $941; 2 bedrooms: $1,231; 3 bedrooms: $1,467; 4 bedrooms: $1,713. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Calcasieu Parish?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,231) without spending more than 30% of income takes $23.67 an hour full time, or $49,240 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Calcasieu Parish?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $46,500 a year (Fiscal year 2026). The family usually pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. You apply at the housing agency.
How much does Section 8 pay in Calcasieu Parish?
The voucher pays up to your housing agency's payment standard, minus your share. The rule lets the agency set it between 90% and 110% of the fair market rent: for 2 bedrooms here, between $1,108 and $1,354 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Calcasieu Parish?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,100 in 70601 to $1,480 in 70665. Where HUD designates these areas, or where the housing agency chooses to use them, the voucher is figured on the ZIP code's rent instead of the county's. Ask your agency which one it uses.
How many low-income apartments are there in Calcasieu Parish?
HUD lists 75 properties with homes for low-income households in Calcasieu Parish: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC), HUD-assisted buildings and public housing. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest. For tax-credit apartments and HUD-assisted buildings, you apply directly at the building's management office. They tell you whether units are open and how to apply; HUD does not have that information.
How many households spend too much on rent in Calcasieu Parish?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Calcasieu Parish, 52% of renter households are in that position; in Louisiana, 55%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).