Cost of Living: Memphis, TN vs Shreveport, LA (2026)

Memphis

Tennessee
68
VS

Shreveport

Louisiana
65

Memphis is 5% more expensive than Shreveport.

$1,123/mo ↑ 15%
Median Rent
$980/mo ↓ 13%
$51,211/yr ↑ 6%
Median Income
$48,465/yr ↓ 5%
$157,100 ↓ 12%
Home Value
$178,100 ↑ 13%
$1,087/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$984/mo ↓ 9%
629,063
Population
183,483

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.25%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.64%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Memphis, TN and Shreveport, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 68 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $143/month cheaper in Shreveport, saving renters about $1,716/year.

Median household income is $2,746/year higher in Memphis. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Memphis is $157,100 compared to $178,100 in Shreveport.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Memphis residents a significant tax advantage over Louisiana's 4.25% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Memphis vs Shreveport — common questions

Is Memphis or Shreveport cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Shreveport is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 68 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Memphis and Shreveport?
Median rent in Memphis is $1,123/month and in Shreveport it's $980/month — a difference of $143/month.
Which city has higher income, Memphis or Shreveport?
Median household income is $51,211 in Memphis and $48,465 in Shreveport. Median household income is $2,746/year higher in Memphis.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Louisiana?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Memphis or Shreveport?
It depends on your priorities. Memphis has a cost index of 68 with median rent of $1,123/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 Memphis details → View Shreveport details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Memphis and Shreveport

Memphis vs. Detroit Memphis vs. Louisville Memphis vs. Portland Memphis vs. Baltimore Memphis vs. Las Vegas Memphis vs. Milwaukee Shreveport vs. Newport News Shreveport vs. Fort Lauderdale Shreveport vs. Mobile Shreveport vs. Chattanooga Shreveport vs. Paradise Shreveport vs. Aurora