Cost of Living: Shreveport, LA vs Charleston, SC (2026)

Shreveport

Louisiana
65
VS

Charleston

South Carolina
128

Shreveport is 49% cheaper than Charleston.

$980/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↑ 67%
$48,465/yr ↓ 46%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 86%
$178,100 ↓ 62%
Home Value
$469,100 ↑ 163%
$984/mo ↓ 42%
Owner Costs
$1,688/mo ↑ 72%
183,483
Population
152,014

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
6.4%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.55%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Shreveport, LA and Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $652/month cheaper in Shreveport, saving renters about $7,824/year.

Median household income is $41,573/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Shreveport is $178,100 compared to $469,100 in Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Shreveport vs Charleston — common questions

Is Shreveport or Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Shreveport is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Shreveport and Charleston?
Median rent in Shreveport is $980/month and in Charleston it's $1,632/month — a difference of $652/month.
Which city has higher income, Shreveport or Charleston?
Median household income is $48,465 in Shreveport and $90,038 in Charleston. Median household income is $41,573/year higher in Charleston.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and South Carolina?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Shreveport or Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Shreveport has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $980/mo, while Charleston has a cost index of 128 with rent of $1,632/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Shreveport details → View Charleston details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Shreveport and Charleston

Shreveport vs. Newport News Shreveport vs. Fort Lauderdale Shreveport vs. Mobile Shreveport vs. Chattanooga Shreveport vs. Paradise Shreveport vs. Aurora Charleston vs. Roseville Charleston vs. Bellevue Charleston vs. Hollywood Charleston vs. Escondido Charleston vs. Sunnyvale Charleston vs. Jackson