Port Hadlock-Irondale, WA vs Ruston, WA

The cost of living difference between Port Hadlock-Irondale, WA and Ruston, WA is dramatic. Port Hadlock-Irondale is 42.7% cheaper than Ruston, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Port Hadlock-Irondale has a cost index of 104 while Ruston sits at 181, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Port Hadlock-Irondale is $1,263/month compared to $2,489/month in Ruston — a 49% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Port Hadlock-Irondale is more affordable at $342,800 median vs $808,200.

Median household income in Port Hadlock-Irondale is $73,558 compared to $113,971 in Ruston (-35.5%). The higher salaries in Ruston partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Port Hadlock-Irondale spend roughly 20.6% of their income on rent, less than the 26.2% in Ruston.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (52.1°F vs 51.9°F). Ruston receives more rainfall at 42" per year compared to 19.9" in Port Hadlock-Irondale.