Direct Answer
Shreveport, LA has a CostOfCity index of 82, which is 18% below the national baseline. Average modeled rent is $964/month and the single-adult living cost estimate is $3,248/month.
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Cost of Living in Shreveport: The Full Picture
How does Shreveport compare to the rest of America? With a population of 187,000 and an economy built on a manufacturing-to-services economy where job retraining programs gradually rebuild the middle class, this LA smaller city has a cost profile that's distinctly its own. Sweet tea, Friday night football, and a pragmatic approach to spending that favors value over flash. The 62 categories below translate these broad dynamics into specific dollar figures you can plan around.
Shreveport Cost Index by Category
Each bar shows how the Shreveport cost index for that category compares to the US national baseline of 100.
Shreveport has an agricultural-and-service economy where cost of living stays low because land is plentiful and commutes are short
The housing market features a buyer-friendly market where your down payment goes further than in most US cities
Mild winters save on heating, but cooling costs, hurricane insurance, and storm-proofing eat into those savings quickly.. The lifestyle here is characterized by Sweet tea, Friday night football, and a pragmatic approach to spending that favors value over flash..
Shreveport is a standout value market. With costs sitting 18% below average, it's one of the most budget-friendly metros we track. Quality of life per dollar spent here is hard to beat.
💰 Purchasing Power in Shreveport
Purchasing power adjusted to national average baseline. In Shreveport, your dollar buys 22% more than the national average.
🔺 Where Shreveport Costs More
🔽 Where Shreveport Costs Less
💰 Salary Landscape
vs national average · higher = better
Monthly Living Expenses in Shreveport
What it actually costs to live in Shreveport each month — from tight budgets to comfortable lifestyles.
Estimates include housing, food, transportation, utilities, insurance, and discretionary spending. Based on Shreveport's cost index of 82 applied to national spending surveys.
🏘️ Neighborhood Cost Variation
Within Shreveport, costs can vary by 25-40% depending on the neighborhood. Downtown and waterfront areas typically command the highest premiums, while suburbs provide genuine savings, often 15-20% below the metro average.
Shreveport vs U.S. Average Cost of Living
Category-by-category affordability grades — based on deviation from the national average.
🏠 Home Services in Shreveport
What contractors charge for the most common repairs, installations, and remodels
Roof Replacement
-29%HVAC Installation
-31%Plumbing Services
-16%Electrical Work
-31%Kitchen Remodel
-37%Bathroom Remodel
-20%House Painting
-43%Flooring Installation
-18%Landscaping
-8%Fence Installation
-2%Window Replacement
-28%Solar Panel Installation
-40%Water Heater Replacement
-28%Deck Building
-16%Pool Installation
-20%Tree Removal
-18%Garage Door Repair
-14%💼 Business Startup Costs in Shreveport
Full startup cost breakdowns — from lease deposits to working capital
Start a Restaurant
-7%Start a Coffee Shop
-14%Start a Food Truck
-34%Start a Gym
-38%Start a Daycare
-9%Start a Hair Salon
-15%Start a Laundromat
-29%Start a Bakery
-18%Start a Bar
-24%Start a Cleaning Business
+2%Start an Airbnb
-14%Start a Trucking Business
-11%📊 Cost of Living in Shreveport
Monthly expenses for housing, food, transportation, and everyday necessities
Cost of Living
-19%Rent Prices
-32%Grocery Costs
-4%Utility Costs
-16%Transportation Costs
-8%Childcare Costs
-4%Gym Membership
-12%🛡️ Insurance in Shreveport
Annual and monthly premium estimates for major insurance categories
Car Insurance
-17%Home Insurance
-19%Health Insurance
-22%Business Insurance
-6%Life Insurance
-36%Renters Insurance
-14%Pet Insurance
0%Dental Insurance
-24%Motorcycle Insurance
-19%⚖️ Legal Services in Shreveport
Attorney fees, court costs, and total legal service expenses
Personal Injury Lawyer
-13%Divorce Lawyer
-4%DUI Lawyer
-29%Immigration Lawyer
-32%Estate Planning Lawyer
-18%Workers Comp Lawyer
-1%Bankruptcy Lawyer
-41%💰 Salaries & Jobs in Shreveport
Annual compensation by experience level, role, and specialization
Software Developer Salary
-7%Registered Nurse Salary
-25%Teacher Salary
-1%Electrician Salary
-45%Plumber Salary
-32%Accountant Salary
-35%Physical Therapist Salary
-11%Police Officer Salary
-19%Dentist Salary
-34%Real Estate Agent Salary
-39%How Much Income Do You Need in Shreveport?
✅ Best For
- Retirees on fixed incomes
- First-time business owners
- Remote workers keeping coastal salaries
- Anyone building an emergency fund
⚠️ Not Ideal For
- Workers in highly specialized tech roles
- Those seeking dense urban amenities
Talk to current residents about hidden costs. The sticker savings are real — just factor in any commute or lifestyle adjustments. Local subreddits and Facebook groups are goldmines for this intel.
CostOfCity Value Index
The CostOfCity Value Index combines cost-of-living data with median income, savings potential, and cost growth trends to produce a single score. Higher = better value for your money. Updated quarterly.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Shreveport
How does Shreveport compare to other cities in LA?
Within Louisiana, Shreveport has a cost index of 82. Nearby options include Tyler and Beaumont, which offer useful comparison points.
Is Shreveport, LA expensive to live in?
Shreveport's cost of living index is 82, which is 18% below the national average of 100. Shreveport is one of the more affordable US cities.
What is the median household income in Shreveport?
The median household income in Shreveport is approximately $34,000 per year. Adjusted for local cost of living (index: 82), this goes further than in many US cities.
Explore Shreveport in Depth
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Compare Shreveport Costs Nationally
See how Shreveport ranks on major household and life expenses against 300+ US cities — cheapest to most expensive.
Popular Shreveport cost & affordability searches
- → Rent prices in Shreveport, LA
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- → Monthly budget for a single adult in Shreveport
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