Cost of Living in Ruston, LA
Population 22,224 · Louisiana · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Household incomes in Ruston run well below national norms — a median of $32,765 versus the $74,580 US figure. Housing costs partially offset that gap (typical home values around $227,000). A poverty rate near 36% adds context to the income figures — well above the US average, and worth factoring into any comparison with cities on the coasts or in the Rockies.
Located 70 miles east of Shreveport, Ruston is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 27% higher than Shreveport's $178,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Ruston
The median home value in Ruston is $226,700 — 26% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $819/month, 38% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $32,765/year is 56% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.5%, below the national average of 4.8%. Louisiana's top state income tax rate is 4.3% and the combined sales tax is 9.5%. Overall, Ruston has a cost of living index of 70 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 30% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Ruston, LA?
Ruston has a cost index of 70 (100 = national average). It is 30% below the national average.
What is average rent in Ruston, LA?
The median gross rent in Ruston is $819 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Ruston?
The median home value in Ruston is $226,700 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Ruston?
The median household income in Ruston is $32,765 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Ruston, LA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Ruston is 9.5%. The Louisiana state income tax top rate is 4.3%.
Is Ruston, LA affordable?
Yes, Ruston is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 70 — about 30% below the US national average of 100.
Ruston at a Glance
- Population
- 22,224
- Median Income
- $32,765
- Home Value
- $226,700
- Median Rent
- $819/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.5%
- Sales Tax
- 9.5%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Louisiana Rankings
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