2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Ruston, LA vs Carbondale, IL

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Highlights
Are people in Carbondale older or younger than people in Ruston?
- The Median Age in Carbondale is 0.7 years older than in Ruston.

Are housing costs cheaper in Carbondale or Ruston?
- Carbondale housing costs are 40.4% less expensive than Ruston housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Carbondale or Ruston?
- The average commute for residents of Carbondale is 0.3 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Ruston.

Things to do in Ruston?
Ruston, LA Ruston is a city located in Lincoln Parish in Northwest Louisiana. Home to Louisiana Tech University, Ruston offers an array of cultural attractions from museums and art galleries to historical sites dating back to before the Civil War era. Ruston's charming downtown area provides plenty of options for dining and entertainment while its outdoor activities include golf courses, walking trails and more than 16 parks that are perfect for outdoor recreation or simply appreciating nature at its best.

Things to do in Carbondale?
Carbondale, Illinois is a vibrant city located in the heart of Southern Illinois. Visitors will find plenty to do and explore, including popular attractions like the Giant City State Park and Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge. The town boasts a thriving cultural scene with festivals, events, and live music venues all year round. Shopping enthusiasts will enjoy browsing through the abundance of eclectic specialty stores and boutiques. Those looking for outdoor adventure can take part in activities like kayaking or mountain biking at nearby Shawnee National Forest. With its diverse culture and plenty of recreational opportunities, Carbondale is an ideal destination for visitors looking to experience the best that Southern Illinois has to offer.

 Ruston, LACarbondale, ILUnited States
 Population  Unlock22,388329,725,481
 Median Income$34,554  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock24.838.4
 Avg. Home Price$195,100  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock6.7%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time14.2  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Ruston    2 Reviews

Over 4 years ago

Back stabbing little town you want get anywhere with out knowing people or have  More

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Very difficult to find a job here if you’re not hired by the university. When my husband got a job with the university, I didn’t think it would be so difficult for me  More

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Reviews for Carbondale    7 Reviews

I've lived in C'dale for over 30 years. I got an excellent education here - Giant City School was great, though fairly insular and not very diverse (among its drawbacks  More

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Over 17 years ago

I like Carbondale. It is relaxing and an easy way to go about getting a college degree. It has its ups and downs, mainly with the people in the town not recognizing the  More

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All of the comments are negative here and seem to me to be misleading. The idea that you have to have a lot of money in Carbondale is ridiculous. The price of cultural  More

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