Ithaca, NY vs Lake Charles, LA
Side-by-side comparison of housing, income, commute, safety, and quality of life.
Score Snapshot
No universal winner
Scores summarize the published model. Use the objective metric differences below and your own priorities to choose.
Lake Charles
76.2
#371 nationally
Ithaca leads in crime level (5.4 vs 16.8). Ithaca leads in walk score (72 vs 37). Lake Charles leads in cost of living index (94 vs 117).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Ithaca, NY | Lake Charles, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 32,724 | 79,633 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $0 | $206,355 |
| Median Household Income | $45,468 | $54,761 |
| Average Commute | 18.4 min | 18 min |
| Walk Score | 72 | 37 |
| Crime Level | 5.4 | 16.8 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 117 | 94 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+50.6 | R+39.6 |
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Score
Ithaca, NY
Small New York city with local appeal
Population
32,724
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
72
Median Income
$45,468
Northeast
View Ithaca, NY →
C
76.2 Score
Lake Charles, LA
Louisiana community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$206,355
Population
79,633
Crime
High
Walk Score
37
Southeast
View Lake Charles, LA →