Cost of Living: Modesto, CA vs Shreveport, LA (2026)

Modesto

California
120
VS

Shreveport

Louisiana
65

Modesto is 85% more expensive than Shreveport.

$1,609/mo ↑ 64%
Median Rent
$980/mo ↓ 39%
$77,899/yr ↑ 61%
Median Income
$48,465/yr ↓ 38%
$415,600 ↑ 133%
Home Value
$178,100 ↓ 57%
$1,613/mo ↑ 64%
Owner Costs
$984/mo ↓ 39%
218,614
Population
183,483

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.25%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Shreveport, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $629/month cheaper in Shreveport, saving renters about $7,548/year.

Median household income is $29,434/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $178,100 in Shreveport.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Shreveport — common questions

Is Modesto or Shreveport cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Shreveport is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Shreveport?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Shreveport it's $980/month — a difference of $629/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Shreveport?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $48,465 in Shreveport. Median household income is $29,434/year higher in Modesto.
How do taxes compare between California and Louisiana?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Modesto or Shreveport?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/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 Modesto details → View Shreveport details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Modesto and Shreveport

Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley Shreveport vs. Newport News Shreveport vs. Fort Lauderdale Shreveport vs. Mobile Shreveport vs. Chattanooga Shreveport vs. Paradise Shreveport vs. Aurora