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 $391,800 and in Ruston, LA it is approximately $209,400 — a difference of $182,400.

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 Moderate. 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 61/100 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

If you're a family or student looking for a budget-friendly option, Ruston might be the better choice. However, if you prioritize culture, nightlife, and a more vibrant environment, New Orleans could be worth considering, especially if you're open to short-term stays or can navigate its challenges. Otherwise, Ruston's more laid-back atmosphere might be a better fit for those prioritizing affordability over energy and amenities.

Category	New Orleans, LA	Ruston, LA
Housing
Verdict	Think twice	Think twice
Median Price	$392K	$209K ✓ Lower price
Median Rent	$1K	$814 ✓ Lower rent
Median Income	$43K ✓ Higher income	$37K
Price Volatility	Moderate	Low ✓ More stable
Getting Around
Walk Score	61/100 ✓ More walkable	35/100
Transit Score	33/100 ✓ Better transit	Minimal transit
Bike Score	76/100 ✓ More bikeable	44/100
Commute	20 min ✓ Shorter commute	45 min
Safety & Environment
Safety Grade	F	D+ ✓ Safer
Violent Crime	High	Moderate ✓ Lower risk
Property Crime	Moderate	Moderate
Flood Risk	Low	Low
Air Quality	Moderate	Good ✓ Cleaner air
Community
Schools	6.9/10 ✓ Better schools	6.2/10
Best for	Culture loversNightlife seekersRemote workers	familiesstudentsaffordable buyers

New Orleans, LA vs Ruston, LA

Bottom line