Cost of Living: Winston-Salem, NC vs Shreveport, LA (2026)

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71
VS

Shreveport

Louisiana
65

Winston-Salem is 9% more expensive than Shreveport.

$1,033/mo ↑ 5%
Median Rent
$980/mo ↓ 5%
$57,673/yr ↑ 19%
Median Income
$48,465/yr ↓ 16%
$208,200 ↑ 17%
Home Value
$178,100 ↓ 14%
$1,040/mo ↑ 6%
Owner Costs
$984/mo ↓ 5%
250,887
Population
183,483

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
4.25%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Winston-Salem, NC and Shreveport, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $53/month cheaper in Shreveport, saving renters about $636/year.

Median household income is $9,208/year higher in Winston-Salem. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Winston-Salem is $208,200 compared to $178,100 in Shreveport.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Winston-Salem vs Shreveport — common questions

Is Winston-Salem or Shreveport cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Shreveport is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 71 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Winston-Salem and Shreveport?
Median rent in Winston-Salem is $1,033/month and in Shreveport it's $980/month — a difference of $53/month.
Which city has higher income, Winston-Salem or Shreveport?
Median household income is $57,673 in Winston-Salem and $48,465 in Shreveport. Median household income is $9,208/year higher in Winston-Salem.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Louisiana?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Winston-Salem or Shreveport?
It depends on your priorities. Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,033/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 Winston-Salem details → View Shreveport details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Winston-Salem and Shreveport

Winston-Salem vs. Chesapeake Winston-Salem vs. Glendale Winston-Salem vs. Irving Winston-Salem vs. Garland Winston-Salem vs. Laredo Winston-Salem vs. Scottsdale Shreveport vs. Newport News Shreveport vs. Fort Lauderdale Shreveport vs. Mobile Shreveport vs. Chattanooga Shreveport vs. Paradise Shreveport vs. Aurora