Cost of Living: Arlington, VA vs Shreveport, LA (2026)

Arlington

Virginia
203
VS

Shreveport

Louisiana
65

Arlington is 212% more expensive than Shreveport.

$2,275/mo ↑ 132%
Median Rent
$980/mo ↓ 57%
$140,160/yr ↑ 189%
Median Income
$48,465/yr ↓ 65%
$864,800 ↑ 386%
Home Value
$178,100 ↓ 79%
$2,414/mo ↑ 145%
Owner Costs
$984/mo ↓ 59%
235,463
Population
183,483

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
4.25%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, VA and Shreveport, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 203 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,295/month cheaper in Shreveport, saving renters about $15,540/year.

Median household income is $91,695/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $864,800 compared to $178,100 in Shreveport.

Louisiana has a lower income tax rate, making Shreveport slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Shreveport — common questions

Is Arlington or Shreveport cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Shreveport is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Shreveport?
Median rent in Arlington is $2,275/month and in Shreveport it's $980/month — a difference of $1,295/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Shreveport?
Median household income is $140,160 in Arlington and $48,465 in Shreveport. Median household income is $91,695/year higher in Arlington.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Louisiana?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Arlington or Shreveport?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 203 with median rent of $2,275/mo, while Shreveport has a cost index of 65 with rent of $980/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Arlington details → View Shreveport details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Arlington and Shreveport

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