Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Shreveport, LA (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Shreveport

Louisiana
65

Boston is 171% more expensive than Shreveport.

$2,093/mo ↑ 114%
Median Rent
$980/mo ↓ 53%
$94,755/yr ↑ 96%
Median Income
$48,465/yr ↓ 49%
$710,400 ↑ 299%
Home Value
$178,100 ↓ 75%
$2,176/mo ↑ 121%
Owner Costs
$984/mo ↓ 55%
663,972
Population
183,483

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Shreveport, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,113/month cheaper in Shreveport, saving renters about $13,356/year.

Median household income is $46,290/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $178,100 in Shreveport.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Shreveport — common questions

Is Boston or Shreveport cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Shreveport is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Shreveport?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Shreveport it's $980/month — a difference of $1,113/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Shreveport?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $48,465 in Shreveport. Median household income is $46,290/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Louisiana?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Shreveport?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/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 Boston details → View Shreveport details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Boston and Shreveport

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