Cost of Living: Buffalo, NY vs Shreveport, LA (2026)

Buffalo

New York
61
VS

Shreveport

Louisiana
65

Buffalo is 6% cheaper than Shreveport.

$989/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$980/mo ≈ Same
$48,050/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$48,465/yr ≈ Same
$152,300 ↓ 14%
Home Value
$178,100 ↑ 17%
$929/mo ↓ 6%
Owner Costs
$984/mo ↑ 6%
276,397
Population
183,483

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
4.25%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
1.62%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

24.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Buffalo, NY and Shreveport, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $415/year higher in Shreveport. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Buffalo is $152,300 compared to $178,100 in Shreveport.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Buffalo vs Shreveport — common questions

Is Buffalo or Shreveport cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Buffalo is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 65 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Buffalo and Shreveport?
Median rent in Buffalo is $989/month and in Shreveport it's $980/month — a difference of $9/month.
Which city has higher income, Buffalo or Shreveport?
Median household income is $48,050 in Buffalo and $48,465 in Shreveport. Median household income is $415/year higher in Shreveport.
How do taxes compare between New York and Louisiana?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Buffalo or Shreveport?
It depends on your priorities. Buffalo has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $989/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 Buffalo details → View Shreveport details →

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