Cost of Living: Mobile, AL vs Shreveport, LA (2026)

Mobile

Alabama
66
VS

Shreveport

Louisiana
65

Mobile and Shreveport have a similar cost of living.

$1,029/mo ↑ 5%
Median Rent
$980/mo ↓ 5%
$51,090/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$48,465/yr ↓ 5%
$170,300 ↓ 4%
Home Value
$178,100 ↑ 5%
$1,016/mo ↑ 3%
Owner Costs
$984/mo ↓ 3%
185,097
Population
183,483

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
4.25%
4.0%
Sales Tax
4.45%
0.41%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

24.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mobile, AL and Shreveport, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $2,625/year higher in Mobile. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mobile is $170,300 compared to $178,100 in Shreveport.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Mobile vs Shreveport — common questions

Is Mobile or Shreveport cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Shreveport is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 66 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mobile and Shreveport?
Median rent in Mobile is $1,029/month and in Shreveport it's $980/month — a difference of $49/month.
Which city has higher income, Mobile or Shreveport?
Median household income is $51,090 in Mobile and $48,465 in Shreveport. Median household income is $2,625/year higher in Mobile.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Louisiana?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Mobile or Shreveport?
It depends on your priorities. Mobile has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $1,029/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.
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