Cost of Living: Durham, NC vs Shreveport, LA (2026)

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Shreveport

Louisiana
65

Durham is 62% more expensive than Shreveport.

$1,412/mo ↑ 44%
Median Rent
$980/mo ↓ 31%
$79,234/yr ↑ 63%
Median Income
$48,465/yr ↓ 39%
$355,300 ↑ 99%
Home Value
$178,100 ↓ 50%
$1,434/mo ↑ 46%
Owner Costs
$984/mo ↓ 31%
288,465
Population
183,483

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
4.25%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Shreveport, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $432/month cheaper in Shreveport, saving renters about $5,184/year.

Median household income is $30,769/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $178,100 in Shreveport.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Shreveport — common questions

Is Durham or Shreveport cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Shreveport is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Shreveport?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Shreveport it's $980/month — a difference of $432/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Shreveport?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $48,465 in Shreveport. Median household income is $30,769/year higher in Durham.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Louisiana?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Durham or Shreveport?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/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 Durham details → View Shreveport details →

More Comparisons

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