Is Birmingham, AL cheaper than Shreveport, LA?

Based on cost of living data, Birmingham, AL is 9.4% cheaper than Shreveport, LA. This translates to saving $703 per month.

What salary do I need in Birmingham, AL to live like I do in Shreveport, LA?

If you earn $150,000 in Shreveport, LA, you'd need approximately $141,560.974 in Birmingham, AL to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Shreveport, LA and Birmingham, AL?

Housing in Birmingham, AL is 5.6% cheaper than in Shreveport, LA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,085/month in Birmingham, AL compared to $934/month in Shreveport, LA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Shreveport, LA to Birmingham, AL?

Moving from Shreveport, LA to Birmingham, AL could save you approximately $703 per month, or $8439 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Shreveport, LA vs Birmingham, AL: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Shreveport, LA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $703/month moving to Birmingham, AL

$150.0K in your current city equals $141.6K in Birmingham, AL

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↓ 9.4%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$703

Savings

Annual Impact

$8.4K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Shreveport, LA

Population:178K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$119K

Birmingham, AL

Population:201K

Cost Index:

(9% below avg)

Median Home:$90K

Shreveport, LA

The Pelican State

178K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Louisiana, this city has a population of 178K residents.

Birmingham, AL

The Heart of Dixie

201K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Alabama, this city has a population of 201K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Shreveport, LA vs Birmingham, AL

Category	Shreveport, LA	Birmingham, AL	Difference	Change
Healthcare	$629/mo	$514/mo	↓ $114less	18.2%
Housing	$2,037/mo	$1,923/mo	↓ $114less	5.6%
Transportation	$1,284/mo	$1,202/mo	↓ $82.27less	6.4%
Other	$1,640/mo	$1,574/mo	↓ $66.65less	4.1%
All Utilities	$560/mo	$541/mo	↓ $18.95less	3.4%
Groceries	$974/mo	$959/mo	↓ $14.93less	1.5%

Healthcare

↓ 18.2%

Shreveport, LA

$629

Birmingham, AL

$514

Difference

$114

less

Housing

↓ 5.6%

Shreveport, LA

$2,037

Birmingham, AL

$1,923

Difference

$114

less

Transportation

↓ 6.4%

Shreveport, LA

$1,284

Birmingham, AL

$1,202

Difference

$82.27

less

Other

↓ 4.1%

Shreveport, LA

$1,640

Birmingham, AL

$1,574

Difference

$66.65

less

All Utilities

↓ 3.4%

Shreveport, LA

$560

Birmingham, AL

$541

Difference

$18.95

less

Groceries

↓ 1.5%

Shreveport, LA

$974

Birmingham, AL

$959

Difference

$14.93

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Birmingham, AL: Birmingham Occupational Tax$1,500/yr (1.0%)

Shreveport, LA has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$732

To$880

↑ $148

1 Bed

From$824

To$990

↑ $166

2 Bed

From$934

To$1,085

↑ $151

3 Bed

From$1,228

To$1,360

↑ $132

Shreveport, LAZIP-level data

1BR range: $810–$1,200/mo

Birmingham, ALZIP-level data

1BR range: $900–$1,580/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,124

Monthly in Shreveport, LA

$6,713

Monthly in Birmingham, AL

$411

Difference

Home Values

Shreveport

Birmingham

$119K

Median Value

$90K

↓ -6.2%

YoY Change

↓ -1.7%

↓ -0.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +16.6%

$27K - $194K

Price Range

$57K - $376K

Homes in Birmingham are 24% less expensive than Shreveport

Calculate payment - Shreveport Calculate payment - Birmingham

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $290

Per year

Monthly Difference

$24.17

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.2%

Rate difference

Shreveport, LA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Louisiana State Tax

Effective: 5.2%

$7.8K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.8%

$44.8K

Take-Home Pay

$8,770/month

$105.2K

Birmingham, AL

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Alabama State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.6%

$44.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,794/month

$105.5K

Additional Tax Information

Shreveport, LA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.6%

Property Tax:0.5%

Birmingham, AL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.1%

Property Tax:0.4%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.