DeRidder, LA vs Ruston, LA

DeRidder, LA and Ruston, LA have a very similar cost of living, with only a 0.4% difference in their overall index. DeRidder scores 72 while Ruston scores 73 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in DeRidder is $929/month compared to $819/month in Ruston — a 13% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Ruston has cheaper rent, DeRidder actually has lower median home values ($160,800 vs $226,700).

Median household income in DeRidder is $58,596 compared to $32,765 in Ruston (+78.8%). DeRidder offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of DeRidder spend roughly 19% of their income on rent, less than the 30% in Ruston.