Cost of Living: Shreveport, LA vs Tuscaloosa, AL (2026)

Shreveport

Louisiana
65
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Shreveport is 11% cheaper than Tuscaloosa.

$980/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↑ 3%
$48,465/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$48,536/yr ≈ Same
$178,100 ↓ 25%
Home Value
$236,600 ↑ 33%
$984/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↑ 5%
183,483
Population
107,699

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
5.0%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.55%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Shreveport, LA and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $71/year higher in Tuscaloosa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Shreveport is $178,100 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Shreveport vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Shreveport or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Shreveport is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 73 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Shreveport and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Shreveport is $980/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $25/month.
Which city has higher income, Shreveport or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $48,465 in Shreveport and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $71/year higher in Tuscaloosa.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Alabama?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Shreveport or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Shreveport has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $980/mo, while Tuscaloosa has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,005/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Shreveport details → View Tuscaloosa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Shreveport and Tuscaloosa

Shreveport vs. Newport News Shreveport vs. Fort Lauderdale Shreveport vs. Mobile Shreveport vs. Chattanooga Shreveport vs. Paradise Shreveport vs. Aurora Tuscaloosa vs. Tyler Tuscaloosa vs. Allen Tuscaloosa vs. Riverview Tuscaloosa vs. New York Tuscaloosa vs. Dearborn Tuscaloosa vs. Los Angeles