Cost of Living: Providence, RI vs Shreveport, LA (2026)

Providence

Rhode Island
99
VS

Shreveport

Louisiana
65

Providence is 52% more expensive than Shreveport.

$1,333/mo ↑ 36%
Median Rent
$980/mo ↓ 26%
$66,772/yr ↑ 38%
Median Income
$48,465/yr ↓ 27%
$322,800 ↑ 81%
Home Value
$178,100 ↓ 45%
$1,467/mo ↑ 49%
Owner Costs
$984/mo ↓ 33%
190,214
Population
183,483

Tax Comparison

5.99%
Income Tax
4.25%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

24.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Providence, RI and Shreveport, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 99 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $353/month cheaper in Shreveport, saving renters about $4,236/year.

Median household income is $18,307/year higher in Providence. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Providence is $322,800 compared to $178,100 in Shreveport.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Providence vs Shreveport — common questions

Is Providence or Shreveport cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Shreveport is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 99 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Providence and Shreveport?
Median rent in Providence is $1,333/month and in Shreveport it's $980/month — a difference of $353/month.
Which city has higher income, Providence or Shreveport?
Median household income is $66,772 in Providence and $48,465 in Shreveport. Median household income is $18,307/year higher in Providence.
How do taxes compare between Rhode Island and Louisiana?
Rhode Island has 5.99% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Providence or Shreveport?
It depends on your priorities. Providence has a cost index of 99 with median rent of $1,333/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 Providence details → View Shreveport details →

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