Section 8 & Rent Affordability Calculator
Estimate your Section 8 income eligibility and how much rent you can afford, using official HUD income limits and Fair Market Rents.
Spending more than 30% of gross income on rent is considered "cost-burdened."
Enter your income above to check eligibility.
FY2026 Income Limits — 4-Person Household, Lake Charles, LA MSA
| AMI Level | Income Limit (4p) | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 30% AMI | $33,000 | Extremely Low Income |
| 50% AMI | $46,500 | Very Low Income — Section 8 ceiling |
| 80% AMI | $74,400 | Low Income |
For reference, the FY2026 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent in Lake Charles, LA MSA is $1,217/mo — see all bedroom sizes.
How this calculator works
The affordable rent figure applies the standard federal guideline that housing should cost no more than 30% of gross income. Section 8 eligibility compares your gross annual household income to HUD's published income limits for your area and household size. Most applicants must be at or below the 50% AMI (Very Low Income) limit to qualify for a Housing Choice Voucher, and at least 75% of new vouchers must go to households at or below 30% AMI. Final eligibility is determined by your local Public Housing Authority and may include deductions and additional criteria.