Cost of Living: Birmingham, AL vs Shreveport, LA (2026)

Birmingham

Alabama
62
VS

Shreveport

Louisiana
65

Birmingham is 5% cheaper than Shreveport.

$1,047/mo ↑ 7%
Median Rent
$980/mo ↓ 6%
$44,376/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$48,465/yr ↑ 9%
$138,600 ↓ 22%
Home Value
$178,100 ↑ 28%
$991/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$984/mo ≈ Same
199,322
Population
183,483

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
4.25%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.41%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

28.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Birmingham, AL and Shreveport, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 62 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $67/month cheaper in Shreveport, saving renters about $804/year.

Median household income is $4,089/year higher in Shreveport. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Birmingham is $138,600 compared to $178,100 in Shreveport.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Birmingham vs Shreveport — common questions

Is Birmingham or Shreveport cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 65 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Birmingham and Shreveport?
Median rent in Birmingham is $1,047/month and in Shreveport it's $980/month — a difference of $67/month.
Which city has higher income, Birmingham or Shreveport?
Median household income is $44,376 in Birmingham and $48,465 in Shreveport. Median household income is $4,089/year higher in Shreveport.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Louisiana?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Birmingham or Shreveport?
It depends on your priorities. Birmingham has a cost index of 62 with median rent of $1,047/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 Birmingham details → View Shreveport details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Birmingham and Shreveport

Birmingham vs. Tallahassee Birmingham vs. Sunrise Manor Birmingham vs. Amarillo Birmingham vs. Grand Prairie Birmingham vs. Oxnard Birmingham vs. Montgomery Shreveport vs. Newport News Shreveport vs. Fort Lauderdale Shreveport vs. Mobile Shreveport vs. Chattanooga Shreveport vs. Paradise Shreveport vs. Aurora