A+
5%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
15%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Shreveport Louisiana National
Cost of living9593100
Groceries9998100
Health care10096100
Housing8582100
Transportation9997100
Utilities102101100
Lifestyle & Entertainment10196100
Household Items9998100
Education & Childcare9195100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Shreveport, LA

The cost of living in Shreveport affects the quality of life one can afford in this new location. It allows people to assess whether they can maintain their preferred lifestyle, including housing, leisure activities and dining options. Your total monthly expenditures can varry depending on the area, as well as many other factors. The cost of living in Shreveport is 95, which is 5% lower than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.

In Shreveport, daily expenses such as food, housing, lifestyle expenses, transportation and health care are in line with comparable areas and about average when compared to all cities across the nation. This ensures that the cost of living in Shreveport will resemble that of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Shreveport?

The most insightful perspective on a city comes from its residents. We recently surveyed 15 locals to gauge their perception of the cost of living in Shreveport. The feedback revealed that 33% of respondents found the cost of living to be reasonable, with prices on the decline, while 67% regarded it as notably expensive with prices that continue to rise.

Is Shreveport Affordable?

Is Shreveport affordable? It's a key consideration when pondering a move, as affordability often shapes your choices. The cost of living index (we discussed it earlier), coupled with housing costs and income levels, serves as the cornerstone for determining a location's affordability. Take Shreveport, for instance, where the median home price falls 15.2% lower than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 13% lower than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Shreveport flaunting a median household income of $60,442, 25.7% lower than the national norm.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Shreveport?

Housing: High demand for housing in desirable locations can drive up property prices and rental rates. This can be a primary contributor to a higher cost of living. While low demand for housing, especially in undesirable locations, can have the reverse effect and drive prices down, resulting in a lower cost of living. The housing index in Shreveport, is 14.5% lower than the national average.

Urbanization: Larger, urban centers, known for their wealth of amenities and strong employment prospects, often exhibit an elevated cost of living, primarily attributable to the heightened demand for services and residential relocation. Consequently, this scenario leads to elevated home prices and higher rental rates. In contrast, sparsely populated rural areas or regions characterized by diminished demand typically provide a more limited array of amenities and experience slower job market growth, resulting in a more affordable cost of living.

Subsidies: Certain regions may provide government subsidies or assistance initiatives designed to alleviate the cost of living burden on their residents. These programs encompass a wide range of support mechanisms, such as Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and farming subsidies. Areas with fewer subsidy offerings might experience an elevation in their cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living estimates displayed for Shreveport are modeled using a U.S. average baseline of 100, helping provide a useful comparison of local living expenses. Housing calculations include U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are AI-assisted estimates based on regional cost patterns, climate, transportation, and everyday spending expectations. These values are intended for directional comparisons across cities.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Shreveport is 2% higher than the Louisiana average
  • The cost of living in Shreveport is 5% lower than the national average
  • Shreveport housing is 15% lower than the national average
  • Louisiana general sales tax is 13% lower than the national average
  • Louisiana state income tax is 29% lower than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Shreveport

See all the best places to live around Shreveport

Compare Shreveport, LA Cost of Living

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      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$93,003$7,750$2,170$2,790
      Renters$38,035$3,170$887$1,141
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Shreveport, LA, we can look at the percentage of income that is available to be spent on monthly housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). To stay on the safe side, a consumer should not spend more than 28% of his or her gross income on housing-related expenses and costs and not more than 36% of income on all expenses and debts. Homeowners in Shreveport have a median income of $93,003. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $2,170 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $38,035, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $887.

      Louisiana Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Louisiana 4.45% 11.45%

      Louisiana Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Louisiana 1.85% 4.25%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Mooringsport, LA5418515.1%
      Lakeview, LA1,231918.8%
      Benton, LA2,171927.7%
      Haughton, LA3,418955.4%
      Red Chute, LA6,809963.8%
      Shreveport, LA197,125955.3%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Mobile, AL197,324918.8%
      Burlington, ON197,435n/a 
      Tempe, AZ197,59511918.6%
      Overland Park, KS197,88811414.1%
      Grand Prairie, TX198,3271000.1%
      Shreveport, LA197,125955.3%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.