Cost of Living: Shreveport, LA vs Chattanooga, TN (2026)

Shreveport

Louisiana

Chattanooga

Tennessee

Shreveport is 16% cheaper than Chattanooga.

$980/mo ↓ 15%

Median Rent

$1,155/mo ↑ 18%

$48,465/yr ↓ 21%

Median Income

$61,028/yr ↑ 26%

$178,100 ↓ 31%

Home Value

$259,200 ↑ 46%

$984/mo ↓ 12%

Owner Costs

$1,112/mo ↑ 13%

183,483

Population

182,832

Tax Comparison

4.25%

Income Tax

4.45%

Sales Tax

7.0%

0.55%

Property Tax

0.64%

Affordability

24.3%

rent-to-income

Affordability

22.7%

rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Shreveport, LA and Chattanooga, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $175/month cheaper in Shreveport, saving renters about $2,100/year.

Median household income is $12,563/year higher in Chattanooga. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Shreveport is $178,100 compared to $259,200 in Chattanooga.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Chattanooga residents a significant tax advantage over Louisiana's 4.25% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Shreveport vs Chattanooga — common questions

Is Shreveport or Chattanooga cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Shreveport is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 81 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Shreveport and Chattanooga?

Median rent in Shreveport is $980/month and in Chattanooga it's $1,155/month — a difference of $175/month.

Which city has higher income, Shreveport or Chattanooga?

Median household income is $48,465 in Shreveport and $61,028 in Chattanooga. Median household income is $12,563/year higher in Chattanooga.

How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Tennessee?

Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.

Should I move to Shreveport or Chattanooga?

It depends on your priorities. Shreveport has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $980/mo, while Chattanooga has a cost index of 81 with rent of $1,155/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.