Question 1

Is New Orleans, LA or Ruston, LA cheaper to buy in?

Accepted Answer

Ruston, LA is cheaper. The median home price in New Orleans, LA is approximately $415,300 and in Ruston, LA it is approximately $209,400 — a difference of $205,900.

Question 2

Is New Orleans, LA or Ruston, LA safer?

Accepted Answer

Ruston, LA scores higher on safety. New Orleans, LA has violent crime rated High and property crime rated High. Ruston, LA has violent crime rated Moderate and property crime rated Moderate.

Question 3

Is New Orleans, LA or Ruston, LA more walkable?

Accepted Answer

New Orleans, LA is more walkable. New Orleans, LA has a Walk Score of 51/100 and Ruston, LA has a Walk Score of 35/100.

Question 4

Which has better schools, New Orleans, LA or Ruston, LA?

Accepted Answer

New Orleans, LA has higher-rated schools. New Orleans, LA has a school rating of 6.9/10 and Ruston, LA has a rating of 6.2/10.

Question 5

Should I live in New Orleans, LA or Ruston, LA?

Accepted Answer

Both neighborhoods have distinct trade-offs — review the data above to find your best fit.

Category	New Orleans, LA	Ruston, LA
Housing
Verdict	Think twice	Think twice
Median Price	$415K	$209K ✓ Lower price
Median Rent	$1K	$814 ✓ Lower rent
Median Income	$31K	$37K ✓ Higher income
Price Volatility	High	Low ✓ More stable
Getting Around
Walk Score	51/100 ✓ More walkable	35/100
Transit Score	51/100 ✓ Better transit	Minimal transit
Bike Score	57/100 ✓ More bikeable	44/100
Commute	N/A	45 min
Safety & Environment
Safety Grade	F	D+ ✓ Safer
Violent Crime	High	Moderate ✓ Lower risk
Property Crime	High	Moderate ✓ Lower risk
Flood Risk	Low	Low
Air Quality	Moderate	Good ✓ Cleaner air
Community
Schools	6.9/10 ✓ Better schools	6.2/10
Best for	Culture loversFoodiesHistory enthusiasts	familiesstudentsaffordable buyers

New Orleans, LA vs Ruston, LA

Bottom line