Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Shreveport, LA (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Shreveport

Louisiana
65

Chicago is 54% more expensive than Shreveport.

$1,380/mo ↑ 41%
Median Rent
$980/mo ↓ 29%
$75,134/yr ↑ 55%
Median Income
$48,465/yr ↓ 35%
$315,200 ↑ 77%
Home Value
$178,100 ↓ 43%
$1,502/mo ↑ 53%
Owner Costs
$984/mo ↓ 34%
2,707,648
Population
183,483

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Shreveport, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $400/month cheaper in Shreveport, saving renters about $4,800/year.

Median household income is $26,669/year higher in Chicago. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $178,100 in Shreveport.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Shreveport — common questions

Is Chicago or Shreveport cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Shreveport is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Shreveport?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Shreveport it's $980/month — a difference of $400/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Shreveport?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $48,465 in Shreveport. Median household income is $26,669/year higher in Chicago.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Louisiana?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or Shreveport?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/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 Chicago details → View Shreveport details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chicago and Shreveport

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