Cost of Living: Baton Rouge, LA vs Shreveport, LA (2026)

Baton Rouge

Louisiana
73
VS

Shreveport

Louisiana
65

Baton Rouge is 12% more expensive than Shreveport.

$1,044/mo ↑ 7%
Median Rent
$980/mo ↓ 6%
$49,944/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$48,465/yr ↓ 3%
$224,500 ↑ 26%
Home Value
$178,100 ↓ 21%
$1,043/mo ↑ 6%
Owner Costs
$984/mo ↓ 6%
223,699
Population
183,483

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
4.25%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.55%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baton Rouge, LA and Shreveport, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $64/month cheaper in Shreveport, saving renters about $768/year.

Median household income is $1,479/year higher in Baton Rouge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baton Rouge is $224,500 compared to $178,100 in Shreveport.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Louisiana.

Frequently Asked Questions

Baton Rouge vs Shreveport — common questions

Is Baton Rouge or Shreveport cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Shreveport is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 73 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baton Rouge and Shreveport?
Median rent in Baton Rouge is $1,044/month and in Shreveport it's $980/month — a difference of $64/month.
Which city has higher income, Baton Rouge or Shreveport?
Median household income is $49,944 in Baton Rouge and $48,465 in Shreveport. Median household income is $1,479/year higher in Baton Rouge.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Louisiana?
Both cities are in Louisiana and share the same state tax rates: 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Baton Rouge or Shreveport?
It depends on your priorities. Baton Rouge has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,044/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 Baton Rouge details → View Shreveport details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Baton Rouge and Shreveport

Baton Rouge vs. Richmond Baton Rouge vs. Hialeah Baton Rouge vs. Fremont Baton Rouge vs. San Bernardino Baton Rouge vs. Santa Clarita Baton Rouge vs. Tacoma Shreveport vs. Newport News Shreveport vs. Fort Lauderdale Shreveport vs. Mobile Shreveport vs. Chattanooga Shreveport vs. Paradise Shreveport vs. Aurora