Cost of Living: Shreveport, LA vs Lafayette, LA (2026)

Shreveport

Louisiana
65
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Shreveport is 16% cheaper than Lafayette.

$980/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↑ 9%
$48,465/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↑ 27%
$178,100 ↓ 29%
Home Value
$251,300 ↑ 41%
$984/mo ↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↑ 7%
183,483
Population
121,537

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
4.25%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.55%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Shreveport, LA and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $85/month cheaper in Shreveport, saving renters about $1,020/year.

Median household income is $12,989/year higher in Lafayette. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Shreveport is $178,100 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Louisiana.

Frequently Asked Questions

Shreveport vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Shreveport or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Shreveport is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 77 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Shreveport and Lafayette?
Median rent in Shreveport is $980/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $85/month.
Which city has higher income, Shreveport or Lafayette?
Median household income is $48,465 in Shreveport and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $12,989/year higher in Lafayette.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Louisiana?
Both cities are in Louisiana and share the same state tax rates: 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Shreveport or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Shreveport has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $980/mo, while Lafayette has a cost index of 77 with rent of $1,065/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Shreveport details → View Lafayette details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Shreveport and Lafayette

Shreveport vs. Newport News Shreveport vs. Fort Lauderdale Shreveport vs. Mobile Shreveport vs. Chattanooga Shreveport vs. Paradise Shreveport vs. Aurora Lafayette vs. Rochester Lafayette vs. Ann Arbor Lafayette vs. Independence Lafayette vs. Berkeley Lafayette vs. College Station Lafayette vs. Fairfield