Cost of Living: Fort Wayne, IN vs Shreveport, LA (2026)

Fort Wayne

Indiana
63
VS

Shreveport

Louisiana
65

Fort Wayne and Shreveport have a similar cost of living.

$959/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$980/mo ↑ 2%
$60,293/yr ↑ 24%
Median Income
$48,465/yr ↓ 20%
$169,700 ↓ 5%
Home Value
$178,100 ↑ 5%
$950/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$984/mo ↑ 4%
266,235
Population
183,483

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
4.25%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

19.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Wayne, IN and Shreveport, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 63 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $11,828/year higher in Fort Wayne. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Wayne is $169,700 compared to $178,100 in Shreveport.

Indiana has a lower income tax rate, making Fort Wayne slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Wayne vs Shreveport — common questions

Is Fort Wayne or Shreveport cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Wayne is cheaper to live in with an index of 63 compared to 65 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Wayne and Shreveport?
Median rent in Fort Wayne is $959/month and in Shreveport it's $980/month — a difference of $21/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Wayne or Shreveport?
Median household income is $60,293 in Fort Wayne and $48,465 in Shreveport. Median household income is $11,828/year higher in Fort Wayne.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and Louisiana?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Wayne or Shreveport?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Wayne has a cost index of 63 with median rent of $959/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 Fort Wayne details → View Shreveport details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fort Wayne and Shreveport

Fort Wayne vs. Toledo Fort Wayne vs. Lubbock Fort Wayne vs. Reno Fort Wayne vs. St. Petersburg Fort Wayne vs. North Las Vegas Fort Wayne vs. Laredo Shreveport vs. Newport News Shreveport vs. Fort Lauderdale Shreveport vs. Mobile Shreveport vs. Chattanooga Shreveport vs. Paradise Shreveport vs. Aurora