Cost of Living: Washington, DC vs Shreveport, LA (2026)

Washington

District of Columbia
171
VS

Shreveport

Louisiana
65

Washington is 163% more expensive than Shreveport.

$1,900/mo ↑ 94%
Median Rent
$980/mo ↓ 48%
$106,287/yr ↑ 119%
Median Income
$48,465/yr ↓ 54%
$724,600 ↑ 307%
Home Value
$178,100 ↓ 75%
$2,103/mo ↑ 114%
Owner Costs
$984/mo ↓ 53%
672,079
Population
183,483

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.56%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Washington, DC and Shreveport, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 171 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $920/month cheaper in Shreveport, saving renters about $11,040/year.

Median household income is $57,822/year higher in Washington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Washington is $724,600 compared to $178,100 in Shreveport.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Washington vs Shreveport — common questions

Is Washington or Shreveport cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Shreveport is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 171 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Washington and Shreveport?
Median rent in Washington is $1,900/month and in Shreveport it's $980/month — a difference of $920/month.
Which city has higher income, Washington or Shreveport?
Median household income is $106,287 in Washington and $48,465 in Shreveport. Median household income is $57,822/year higher in Washington.
How do taxes compare between District of Columbia and Louisiana?
District of Columbia has 10.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.56% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Washington or Shreveport?
It depends on your priorities. Washington has a cost index of 171 with median rent of $1,900/mo, while Shreveport has a cost index of 65 with rent of $980/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Washington details → View Shreveport details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Washington and Shreveport

Washington vs. El Paso Washington vs. Boston Washington vs. Nashville Washington vs. Las Vegas Washington vs. Oklahoma City Washington vs. Portland Shreveport vs. Newport News Shreveport vs. Fort Lauderdale Shreveport vs. Mobile Shreveport vs. Chattanooga Shreveport vs. Paradise Shreveport vs. Aurora