Cost of Living: Shreveport, LA vs Gainesville, FL (2026)

Shreveport

Louisiana
65
VS

Gainesville

Florida
81

Shreveport is 20% cheaper than Gainesville.

$980/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,214/mo ↑ 24%
$48,465/yr ↑ 6%
Median Income
$45,611/yr ↓ 6%
$178,100 ↓ 24%
Home Value
$235,000 ↑ 32%
$984/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,167/mo ↑ 19%
183,483
Population
143,611

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
0%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.55%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
31.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Shreveport, LA and Gainesville, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $234/month cheaper in Shreveport, saving renters about $2,808/year.

Median household income is $2,854/year higher in Shreveport. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Shreveport is $178,100 compared to $235,000 in Gainesville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Shreveport vs Gainesville — common questions

Is Shreveport or Gainesville 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 Gainesville?
Median rent in Shreveport is $980/month and in Gainesville it's $1,214/month — a difference of $234/month.
Which city has higher income, Shreveport or Gainesville?
Median household income is $48,465 in Shreveport and $45,611 in Gainesville. Median household income is $2,854/year higher in Shreveport.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Florida?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Shreveport or Gainesville?
It depends on your priorities. Shreveport has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $980/mo, while Gainesville has a cost index of 81 with rent of $1,214/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Shreveport details → View Gainesville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Shreveport and Gainesville

Shreveport vs. Newport News Shreveport vs. Fort Lauderdale Shreveport vs. Mobile Shreveport vs. Chattanooga Shreveport vs. Paradise Shreveport vs. Aurora Gainesville vs. Olathe Gainesville vs. Torrance Gainesville vs. McAllen Gainesville vs. Thornton Gainesville vs. Syracuse Gainesville vs. Visalia