Cost of Living: Shreveport, LA vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Shreveport

Louisiana
65
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Shreveport is 28% cheaper than Elgin.

$980/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↑ 29%
$48,465/yr ↓ 45%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 82%
$178,100 ↓ 29%
Home Value
$252,400 ↑ 42%
$984/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↑ 53%
183,483
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
4.95%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.55%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Shreveport, LA and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $280/month cheaper in Shreveport, saving renters about $3,360/year.

Median household income is $39,851/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Shreveport is $178,100 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Shreveport vs Elgin — common questions

Is Shreveport or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Shreveport is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Shreveport and Elgin?
Median rent in Shreveport is $980/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $280/month.
Which city has higher income, Shreveport or Elgin?
Median household income is $48,465 in Shreveport and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $39,851/year higher in Elgin.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Illinois?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Shreveport or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Shreveport has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $980/mo, while Elgin has a cost index of 90 with rent of $1,260/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Shreveport details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Shreveport and Elgin

Shreveport vs. Newport News Shreveport vs. Fort Lauderdale Shreveport vs. Mobile Shreveport vs. Chattanooga Shreveport vs. Paradise Shreveport vs. Aurora Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont