Ruston, LA

Very Low · 62

Louisiana · Population 22,224 · Updated March 2026

$819
Median Rent / Month
$32,765
Median Income
$226,700
Median Home Value
$807
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Ruston

30.0%
Rent-to-Income Ratio
Moderate
Rent takes 25-35% of median income — moderate affordability.

Tax Burden in Louisiana

State-level tax rates that affect your costs

4.25%
Income Tax (Top Rate)
4.45%
Sales Tax
0.55%
Property Tax Rate

Estimated Annual Costs

$9,828
Annual Rent
$1,393
State Income Tax
$1,247
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Ruston is significantly cheaper than the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families. With a cost index of 62 (where 100 equals the national median), Ruston residents can expect to pay median rent of $819/month while earning a median household income of $32,765/year.

The median home value in Ruston, LA is $226,700, with typical monthly owner costs around $807 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. At 30.0% rent-to-income ratio, residents of Ruston are spending more than the recommended 30% of income on housing, indicating moderate cost burden.

Louisiana has a moderate income tax rate of 4.25%. Combined with a 4.45% sales tax rate and 0.55% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment is a factor in the total cost of living in Ruston.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Ruston

What is the cost of living in Ruston, LA?
The cost of living index in Ruston, LA is 62 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $819, median household income is $32,765/year, and the median home value is $226,700.
Is Ruston, LA affordable?
Yes, Ruston is more affordable than the national average with a cost index of 62. The rent-to-income ratio is 30.0%—above the 30%% affordability threshold.
What is the average rent in Ruston, LA?
The median gross rent in Ruston, LA is $819 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $9,828.
What is the median household income in Ruston?
The median household income in Ruston, LA is $32,765 per year. This compares to the national median of approximately $80,000.
What are the taxes like in Louisiana?
Louisiana has a top income tax rate of 4.25%, a sales tax of 4.45%, and an effective property tax rate of 0.55%.