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

Shreveport

Louisiana
65
VS

Cary

North Carolina
135

Shreveport is 52% cheaper than Cary.

$980/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$1,621/mo ↑ 65%
$48,465/yr ↓ 63%
Median Income
$129,399/yr ↑ 167%
$178,100 ↓ 66%
Home Value
$525,200 ↑ 195%
$984/mo ↓ 44%
Owner Costs
$1,744/mo ↑ 77%
183,483
Population
176,686

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Shreveport, LA and Cary, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $641/month cheaper in Shreveport, saving renters about $7,692/year.

Median household income is $80,934/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Shreveport is $178,100 compared to $525,200 in Cary.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Shreveport vs Cary — common questions

Is Shreveport or Cary cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Shreveport is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Shreveport and Cary?
Median rent in Shreveport is $980/month and in Cary it's $1,621/month — a difference of $641/month.
Which city has higher income, Shreveport or Cary?
Median household income is $48,465 in Shreveport and $129,399 in Cary. Median household income is $80,934/year higher in Cary.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and North Carolina?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Shreveport or Cary?
It depends on your priorities. Shreveport has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $980/mo, while Cary has a cost index of 135 with rent of $1,621/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Shreveport details → View Cary details →

More Comparisons

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Shreveport vs. Newport News Shreveport vs. Fort Lauderdale Shreveport vs. Mobile Shreveport vs. Chattanooga Shreveport vs. Paradise Shreveport vs. Aurora Cary vs. Santa Rosa Cary vs. Salem Cary vs. Elk Grove Cary vs. Rancho Cucamonga Cary vs. Eugene Cary vs. Oceanside