Cost of Living: Richmond, VA vs Shreveport, LA (2026)

Richmond

Virginia
98
VS

Shreveport

Louisiana
65

Richmond is 51% more expensive than Shreveport.

$1,314/mo ↑ 34%
Median Rent
$980/mo ↓ 25%
$62,671/yr ↑ 29%
Median Income
$48,465/yr ↓ 23%
$328,100 ↑ 84%
Home Value
$178,100 ↓ 46%
$1,374/mo ↑ 40%
Owner Costs
$984/mo ↓ 28%
227,595
Population
183,483

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
4.25%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

25.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Richmond, VA and Shreveport, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 98 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $334/month cheaper in Shreveport, saving renters about $4,008/year.

Median household income is $14,206/year higher in Richmond. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Richmond is $328,100 compared to $178,100 in Shreveport.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Richmond vs Shreveport — common questions

Is Richmond or Shreveport cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Shreveport is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 98 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Richmond and Shreveport?
Median rent in Richmond is $1,314/month and in Shreveport it's $980/month — a difference of $334/month.
Which city has higher income, Richmond or Shreveport?
Median household income is $62,671 in Richmond and $48,465 in Shreveport. Median household income is $14,206/year higher in Richmond.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Louisiana?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% 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 Richmond or Shreveport?
It depends on your priorities. Richmond has a cost index of 98 with median rent of $1,314/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 Richmond details → View Shreveport details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Richmond and Shreveport

Richmond vs. Fremont Richmond vs. Baton Rouge Richmond vs. Santa Clarita Richmond vs. Hialeah Richmond vs. Spokane Richmond vs. San Bernardino Shreveport vs. Newport News Shreveport vs. Fort Lauderdale Shreveport vs. Mobile Shreveport vs. Chattanooga Shreveport vs. Paradise Shreveport vs. Aurora