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Morgan City, LA vs Ruston, LA

70
Morgan City
Louisiana
VS
-3.7%
73
Ruston
Louisiana

Morgan City, LA and Ruston, LA have a very similar cost of living, with only a 3.7% difference in their overall index. Morgan City scores 70 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 Morgan City is $861/month compared to $819/month in Ruston — a 5% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Ruston has cheaper rent, Morgan City actually has lower median home values ($146,100 vs $226,700).

Median household income in Morgan City is $56,729 compared to $32,765 in Ruston (+73.1%). Morgan City offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Morgan City spend roughly 18.2% of their income on rent, less than the 30% in Ruston.

Climate-wise, Morgan City is notably warmer with an average of 69.2°F compared to 65.7°F in Ruston. Morgan City receives more rainfall at 59.7" per year compared to 55.1" in Ruston.

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
Morgan City
70
4% cheaper
Ruston
73
Median Household Income
Morgan City
$56,729
42% higher
Ruston
$32,765

Housing

Median Rent
Morgan City
$861
Ruston
$819
5% cheaper
Median Home Value
Morgan City
$146,100
36% cheaper
Ruston
$226,700
Population
Morgan City
11,208
Ruston
22,224

Salary Equivalency Calculator

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Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

Gasoline (regular)
Morgan City $2.85
Ruston $2.85
US $3.07
🥚
Eggs (grade A, large)
Morgan City $2.33
Ruston $2.33
US $2.50
🥛
Milk (whole)
Morgan City $3.74
Ruston $3.74
US $4.03
🍞
Bread (white)
Morgan City $1.72
Ruston $1.72
US $1.85
🍗
Chicken breast
Morgan City $3.85
Ruston $3.85
US $4.14
Electricity
Morgan City $0.15
Ruston $0.15
US $0.19

Climate

NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)

Avg Temp
Morgan City 69.2°F
Ruston 65.7°F
Summer High
Morgan City 92°F
Ruston 93°F
Winter Low
Morgan City 43°F
Ruston 37°F
Rainfall
Morgan City 59.7"
Ruston 55.1"
Rainy Days
Morgan City 129d
Ruston 106d