Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs Shreveport, LA (2026)

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Shreveport

Louisiana
65

Raleigh is 69% more expensive than Shreveport.

$1,468/mo ↑ 50%
Median Rent
$980/mo ↓ 33%
$82,424/yr ↑ 70%
Median Income
$48,465/yr ↓ 41%
$377,800 ↑ 112%
Home Value
$178,100 ↓ 53%
$1,487/mo ↑ 51%
Owner Costs
$984/mo ↓ 34%
470,763
Population
183,483

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
4.25%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Shreveport, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $488/month cheaper in Shreveport, saving renters about $5,856/year.

Median household income is $33,959/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $178,100 in Shreveport.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Shreveport — common questions

Is Raleigh or Shreveport cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Shreveport is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Shreveport?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Shreveport it's $980/month — a difference of $488/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Shreveport?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $48,465 in Shreveport. Median household income is $33,959/year higher in Raleigh.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Louisiana?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or Shreveport?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/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 Raleigh details → View Shreveport details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Raleigh and Shreveport

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