Cost of Living: Des Moines, IA vs Shreveport, LA (2026)

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Shreveport

Louisiana
65

Des Moines is 8% more expensive than Shreveport.

$1,054/mo ↑ 8%
Median Rent
$980/mo ↓ 7%
$63,966/yr ↑ 32%
Median Income
$48,465/yr ↓ 24%
$183,700 ↑ 3%
Home Value
$178,100 ↓ 3%
$1,137/mo ↑ 16%
Owner Costs
$984/mo ↓ 13%
212,464
Population
183,483

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
1.57%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Shreveport, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $74/month cheaper in Shreveport, saving renters about $888/year.

Median household income is $15,501/year higher in Des Moines. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $178,100 in Shreveport.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Shreveport — common questions

Is Des Moines or Shreveport cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Shreveport is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 70 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Shreveport?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Shreveport it's $980/month — a difference of $74/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Shreveport?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $48,465 in Shreveport. Median household income is $15,501/year higher in Des Moines.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and Louisiana?
Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Des Moines or Shreveport?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/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 Des Moines details → View Shreveport details →

More Comparisons

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