Cheap Apartments for Rent in Lake Charles, LA from $400 (95 Rentals)

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Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in Lake Charles.

What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much

Learn the official definition (spending 30% or more of your gross income on housing) and how to calculate your exact rent-to-income ratio. This guide offers expert tips on factoring in total housing costs (including utilities and fees) and budgeting accurately to avoid unnecessary financial strain.

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Your Guide to Co-Signers: The Risks, Rewards, and Everything in Between

Thinking about getting a co-signer for your rental application? We break down what a co-signer is, the potential benefits, and the serious risks for both parties. Find out if it's the right choice for you.

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Watervue
$980 - $1,835
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$980 - $1,835
Total Monthly Price
Varies
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments Available May 8

Watervue

1225 Country Club RdLake Charles, LA 70605
Affordability
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Roommate Matching: Finding the Right Fit and Avoiding Pitfalls

When searching for a roommate, follow this list of essential steps and set clear expectations to create a solid foundation for a harmonious living situation.

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508 W Lagrange
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

508 W Lagrange

508 W Lagrange StLake Charles, LA 70605
  • Utilities Included
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Terrace Apartments
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Terrace Apartments

155 E Parkway DrLake Charles, LA 70605

The Art of the Rental Viewing: What to look for during a property tour

Touring a rental? This guide helps you know exactly what to look for, from safety features to hidden flaws, so you can confidently sign your lease or keep searching.

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1801 Lake
1 Bedroom Apartments

1801 Lake

1801 Lake StLake Charles, LA 70601
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Laurel Oak Village
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Laurel Oak Village

1045 Walters StLake Charles, LA 70607
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Madrid Apartments
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Madrid Apartments

3201 2nd AveLake Charles, LA 70601
  • Utilities Included
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115 W Lagrange St
1 Bedroom Apartments

115 W Lagrange St

115 W Lagrange StLake Charles, LA 70605
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The Meadows
3 to 4 Bedroom Apartments

The Meadows

2149 Brookmead CtLake Charles, LA 70607
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Bayberry
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Bayberry

1515 W McNeese StLake Charles, LA 70605
Corporate Housing
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Valley View
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Valley View

4401 5th AveLake Charles, LA 70607
  • Utilities Included
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4407 Gladys St
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

4407 Gladys St

4407 Gladys StLake Charles, LA 70605

Smart Renter's Guide: Calculating Affordable Rent & Housing Costs

Wondering how to determine your rental budget? This comprehensive guide covers everything from the 30% rule to hidden fees and effective budgeting strategies.

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Lake Charles, LA Local Guide

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Local Guide Expert

Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in Lake Charles, LA

Pricing Updated: 04/26/2026

Current apartment rentals in the Lake Charles, LA area range in price from to with an overall median price of . Here is today’s list neighborhoods with the lowest median pricing for Lake Charles Apartments for rent:

NeighborhoodMedian PriceMin PriceAvailable Units
Downtown Lake Charles$1,250$6256

Cheapest Available Lake Charles Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in Lake Charles, LA is a 1 Bed unit found at 600 Avenue J priced from $689. Magnolia Heights in the Downtown Lake Charles neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $702. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Lake Charles apartments for rent:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
600 Avenue J1BR1BR,1BA$689
Magnolia HeightsOne Bedroom1BR,1BA$702
Bayberrybb11BR,1BA$725
La Maison Apartments - AFFORDABLE HOUSING1BR/1BA1BR,1BA$725
Chandlerchan11C1BR,1BA$745
CelesteCe11AdC1BR,1BA$745
The Reserve at Power Place1BR/1BA1BR,1BA$749
Capstone at the Oaks - 55+ CommunityTwo Bed2BR,1BA$760
Satsuma VillageSA11UPPR1BR,1BA$760
Benoit Townhomes2BR/2BA townhomes2BR,2BA$794

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Lake Charles, LA

As of April 26, 2026 the best value apartment in the Lake Charles area is the $0.89 price per square foot 3 Bedroom Model at Arbours at Bordeaux in the in the Downtown Lake Charles neighborhood starting from $1,135. The second greatest value Lake Charles apartment is the lo32C Model at Laurel Oak Village starting at $1,005 with a $0.87 price per square foot . Here is today’s list of the best values for Lake Charles apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
Arbours at Bordeaux3 Bedroom3BR,2BA$0.89
Laurel Oak Villagelo32C3BR,2BA$0.87
Muller's LoftsOffice/Storage SpaceStudio ,$0.89
Benoit Townhomes2BR/2BA townhomes2BR,2BA$0.73
Capstone at the Oaks - 55+ CommunityTwo Bed2BR,1BA$0.77
600 Avenue J1BR1BR,1BA$0.93
Chandlerchan11R1BR,1BA$1.08
The Reserve at Power Place1BR/1BA1BR,1BA$1.04
La Maison Apartments - AFFORDABLE HOUSING1BR/1BA1BR,1BA$1.05
CelesteCe11AdC1BR,1BA$1.09

10 Hidden Costs of Renting You Should Budget for Before Signing a Lease

Avoid financial stress when renting. Learn about the 10 most common hidden costs—from pet fees to utilities—you must budget for before you sign a lease.

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Don't Settle: How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money

Discover the insider tips from an attorney and real estate agent on how to negotiate your next apartment lease. Find out what's on the table and what's not, so you can save money and get the best terms possible.

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The Ultimate Long-Distance Moving Checklist: Tips from a Real Estate Pro

Moving is tough, especially long-distance. Learn how to minimize stress & expenses with proven strategies from a real estate pro, covering everything from logistics to finances.

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Cash or credit? Understanding the Importance of Credit Score in Real Estate and Renting

Discover how your credit score impacts your ability to lease or buy a home. Learn how credit scores are determined, how to check yours, and strategies to improve it for real estate success.

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Quick Rent Budget Calculator

How much rent can you afford?

The common "Rule of Thumb" is that rent should be no more than 30% of your income. How much is that? Enter your monthly income and click "Calculate My Budget" to find out.

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Lake Charles Overview

If you’re looking into one of the many Lake Charles, LA apartments in the area, you’ve picked a unique city. The Calcasieu River, Lake Charles and numerous bayous make it an intensely scenic city and provide plenty to see and do if you love the outdoors.

Why live in Lake Charles, LA?

Lake Charles is one of those cities that are perfect if you want a taste of city life without the population density of a major city. It can’t be overstated how stunning the sunsets can be with the reflection of multiple water sources. The coast isn’t far away if you end up needing a little beach time and you’re easily close enough to the ocean to enjoy some fantastic seafood. With a warm climate year around, it truly is a place to be proud to call home. The people of the city are known for their laid back and friendly demeanor. You shouldn’t have much trouble fitting in as a result.

Best Local Schools in
Lake Charles, LA

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Remember the 3 Rules of Real Estate:
Location, Location, Location!

Explore Lake Charles, LA Rentals by Map

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See the most popular apartments and homes in Lake Charles, LA

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Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Lake Charles Apartments

What is the price of a cheap apartment in Lake Charles?

The cheapest apartment in Lake Charles is 600 Avenue J which is listed at $689, while the average apartment in Lake Charles costs $1,250.

What types of apartments are the cheapest in Lake Charles?

Student, low-income, and by-the-bed apartments are typically the cheapest rentals in most cities, though they require qualifying criteria to rent. There are 3 regular apartments in Lake Charles that we think qualify as ‘cheap apartments’ that do not have special requirements to apply to rent.

How do the prices of cheap apartments compare to the average apartment in Lake Charles?

Cheap apartments in Lake Charles have an average cost of $924 which is $326 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in Lake Charles.

Expert Rental Resources

The rental experts at ApartmentHomeLiving.com provide you with top advice, tools, and tips for understanding the leasing process and finding the perfect rental. Here are a few helpful rental and leasing articles from our experts to guide you on your search.

Articles, How-To's, and Tips

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Expert Solutions for Creating the Perfect Work-From-Home Apartment Layouts

Written by: Lauren Harrington

This article is based on first-hand experience managing apartment communities and helping renters adapt to their spaces after moving in.

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What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much

Written by: Lauren Harrington

This article draws from first-hand renter experiences and recurring financial challenges reported after moving in.

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Maximizing Your Refund: Essential Tax Tips for Renters

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Other than tax professionals, I can’t think of anyone who looks forward to tax season. For everybody else, April is a stressful month to collect information and meet deadlines.

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18 Must-Ask Rental Tour Questions That Reveal the Truth about a Property

Written by: Lauren Harrington

Renting your next home can feel thrilling and overwhelming at the same time.