Cost of Living: Bakersfield, CA vs Shreveport, LA (2026)

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Shreveport

Louisiana
65

Bakersfield is 60% more expensive than Shreveport.

$1,371/mo ↑ 40%
Median Rent
$980/mo ↓ 29%
$77,397/yr ↑ 60%
Median Income
$48,465/yr ↓ 37%
$347,300 ↑ 95%
Home Value
$178,100 ↓ 49%
$1,540/mo ↑ 57%
Owner Costs
$984/mo ↓ 36%
408,366
Population
183,483

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.25%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Shreveport, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $391/month cheaper in Shreveport, saving renters about $4,692/year.

Median household income is $28,932/year higher in Bakersfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $178,100 in Shreveport.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Shreveport — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Shreveport cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Shreveport is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Shreveport?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Shreveport it's $980/month — a difference of $391/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Shreveport?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $48,465 in Shreveport. Median household income is $28,932/year higher in Bakersfield.
How do taxes compare between California and Louisiana?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Bakersfield or Shreveport?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/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 Bakersfield details → View Shreveport details →

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