Jefferson, LA vs Ruston, LA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Ruston is 16.8% cheaper than Jefferson. With a cost index of 73 vs 85, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Ruston to Jefferson should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Jefferson is $1,104/month compared to $819/month in Ruston — a 35% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Ruston is more affordable at $226,700 median vs $238,000.

Median household income in Jefferson is $56,875 compared to $32,765 in Ruston (+73.6%). While Jefferson is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Jefferson spend roughly 23.3% of their income on rent, less than the 30% in Ruston.