Cost of Living: Madison, WI vs Shreveport, LA (2026)

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Shreveport

Louisiana
65

Madison is 58% more expensive than Shreveport.

$1,364/mo ↑ 39%
Median Rent
$980/mo ↓ 28%
$76,983/yr ↑ 59%
Median Income
$48,465/yr ↓ 37%
$346,900 ↑ 95%
Home Value
$178,100 ↓ 49%
$1,476/mo ↑ 50%
Owner Costs
$984/mo ↓ 33%
275,568
Population
183,483

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
4.25%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
1.61%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Shreveport, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $384/month cheaper in Shreveport, saving renters about $4,608/year.

Median household income is $28,518/year higher in Madison. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $178,100 in Shreveport.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Shreveport — common questions

Is Madison or Shreveport cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Shreveport is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 103 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Shreveport?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Shreveport it's $980/month — a difference of $384/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Shreveport?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $48,465 in Shreveport. Median household income is $28,518/year higher in Madison.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Louisiana?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Madison or Shreveport?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/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 Madison details → View Shreveport details →

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