Gardere, LA vs Ruston, LA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Ruston is 19.5% cheaper than Gardere. With a cost index of 73 vs 87, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Ruston to Gardere should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Gardere is $1,135/month compared to $819/month in Ruston — a 39% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Ruston is more affordable at $226,700 median vs $250,600.

Median household income in Gardere is $60,694 compared to $32,765 in Ruston (+85.2%). While Gardere is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Gardere spend roughly 22.4% of their income on rent, less than the 30% in Ruston.