Cost of Living: Shreveport, LA vs Santa Maria, CA (2026)

Shreveport

Louisiana

Santa Maria

California

137

Shreveport is 53% cheaper than Santa Maria.

$980/mo ↓ 47%

Median Rent

$1,842/mo ↑ 88%

$48,465/yr ↓ 43%

Median Income

$84,617/yr ↑ 75%

$178,100 ↓ 63%

Home Value

$478,200 ↑ 169%

$984/mo ↓ 45%

Owner Costs

$1,789/mo ↑ 82%

183,483

Population

109,880

Tax Comparison

4.25%

Income Tax

13.3%

4.45%

State Sales Tax

7.25%

0.55%

Property Tax

0.71%

Affordability

24.3%

rent-to-income

Affordability

26.1%

rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Shreveport, LA and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $862/month cheaper in Shreveport, saving renters about $10,344/year.

Median household income is $36,152/year higher in Santa Maria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Shreveport is $178,100 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Shreveport vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is Shreveport or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Shreveport is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 137 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Shreveport and Santa Maria?

Median rent in Shreveport is $980/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $862/month.

Which city has higher income, Shreveport or Santa Maria?

Median household income is $48,465 in Shreveport and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $36,152/year higher in Santa Maria.

How do taxes compare between Louisiana and California?

Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.

Should I move to Shreveport or Santa Maria?

It depends on your priorities. Shreveport has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $980/mo, while Santa Maria has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,842/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.

Cost of Living: Shreveport, LA vs Santa Maria, CA (2026)

Shreveport

Santa Maria

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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