Cheap Apartments for Rent in Lake Charles, LA from $400 (88 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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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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508 W Lagrange
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

508 W Lagrange

508 W Lagrange StLake Charles, LA 70605
  • Utilities Included

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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Terrace Apartments
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Terrace Apartments

155 E Parkway DrLake Charles, LA 70605
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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

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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Lake Charles, LA Local Guide

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Local Guide Expert

Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in Lake Charles, LA

Pricing Updated: 06/10/2026

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$1,450$59511

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
Laurel Oak Villagelo11C1BR,1BA$725
La Maison Apartments - AFFORDABLE HOUSING1BR/1BA1BR,1BA$725
Bayberrybb11BR,1BA$725
Haltere at Lake Charles1BR/1.0BA1BR,1BA$740
CelesteCe11AdC1BR,1BA$745
Chandlerchan11C1BR,1BA$745
The Reserve at Power Place1BR/1BA1BR,1BA$749
The Halston Apartments1B 1B1BR,1BA$825

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Lake Charles, LA

As of June 10, 2026 the best value apartment in the Lake Charles area is the $0.83 price per square foot 2BR/2BA townhomes Model at Benoit Townhomes in the starting from $906. The second greatest value Lake Charles apartment is the 2 Bed Standard Model at 2200 Bancroft St starting at $1,100 with a $1.10 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.
Benoit Townhomes2BR/2BA townhomes2BR,2BA$0.83
2200 Bancroft St2 Bed Standard2BR,1BA$1.10
Laurel Oak Villagelo21C2BR,1BA$0.94
The Halston Apartments1B 1B1BR,1BA$1.11
600 Avenue J1BR1BR,1BA$0.93
Chandlerchan11R1BR,1BA$1.08
The Reserve at Power Place1BR/1BA1BR,1BA$1.04
Haltere at Lake Charles1BR/1.0BA1BR,1BA$1.06
La Maison Apartments - AFFORDABLE HOUSING1BR/1BA1BR,1BA$1.05
CelesteCe11AdC1BR,1BA$1.09

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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Real Estate and Rental Term Glossary | ApartmentHomeLiving.com Renter University

From the letter A all the way to the letter Z, the Real Estate and Rental Term Glossary from the content team at ApartmentHomeLiving.com provides our visitors and shoppers with a little clarity and helpful guidance in navigating the real estate world through definitions and explainers for the top subjects and terms that someone may come across during the leasing, buying, or selling process.

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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 $1,450.

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 4 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 $813 which is $637 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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How I Find the Perfect Rental for My Clients: A Real Estate Pro's Guide

Written by: Robin Stewart

Evaluating rental properties for clients draws many parallels to house-hunting. Whether an apartment, loft, townhouse, or other rental, finding the right place means finding “home” for your client.

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Pet-Friendly Renting: Everything You Need to Know Before You Move

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

For so many of us, pets are the best companions and a big part of our lives. For this reason, a pet-friendly house or apartment is often a very important - and nonnegotiable - part of a move.

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Creative Ways Developers Reimagine Retail Spaces as Residential Units

Written by: Robin Stewart

Adaptive reuse is when a commercial property is converted and repurposed. The real estate industry has embraced a growing number of these projects.

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Neighborhood and Market Insights: How to Choose the Right Area to Rent

Written by: Robin Stewart

Apartment-hunting can be a gargantuan task. Renters have a wish list of items—some luxuries, some necessities—but finding what you seek in the right place is perhaps the most important part of the journey.