Category / Metric	Shreveport	San Antonio
Financial Overview
Median Income	$48,486	$62,322
Unemployment Rate	4.3%	4.2%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$184,900	$264,900
Price per SqFt	$112	$153
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$927	$1,197
Housing Cost Index	59.7	94.2
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	92.0	91.9
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.40	$2.35
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	789.0	798.0
Bachelor's Degree+	27.9%	30.5%
Air Quality (AQI)	38	39

Here is the Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown: San Antonio vs. Shreveport.

San Antonio vs. Shreveport: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown

Choosing between San Antonio and Shreveport isn't just about picking a dot on a map; it’s about choosing a lifestyle. One is a booming Texas metropolis steeped in history and modern growth, while the other is a gritty, soulful Southern city offering some of the lowest living costs in the country.

If you’re looking for a relocation expert to help you decide, you’ve come to the right place. We’re going to break this down dollar-for-dollar, street-by-street, and vibe-by-vibe. Let’s find out where you truly belong.

1. The Vibe Check: Culture & Lifestyle

San Antonio is the Alamo City, but don’t let the history fool you—this place is growing fast. It’s a massive urban sprawl (population 1.4 million) that blends Spanish colonial charm with modern military presence (thanks to Joint Base San Antonio) and a booming healthcare and tech sector. The River Walk is the tourist heart, but locals live in a patchwork of distinct neighborhoods, from the hip Pearl District to the suburbs of Stone Oak. It’s vibrant, diverse, and feels like a big city that hasn't lost its soul.

Shreveport is the soul of Louisiana. With a population of just 177,225, it’s a fraction of the size of San Antonio. This is a city defined by resilience, riverboat casinos, and deep Southern roots. It’s the gateway to Louisiana’s "Ark-La-Tex" region. The pace is slower, the community ties are tighter, and the culture is unapologetically Cajun and Blues. It’s not a city of skyscrapers; it’s a city of character.

Who is each city for?

San Antonio is for the career-minded professional, the family looking for suburban stability with city amenities, and anyone who wants big-city energy without the extreme price tag of Austin or Dallas.
Shreveport is for the budget-conscious retiree, the remote worker seeking low overhead, and the person who values community history over constant expansion.

2. The Dollar Power: Cost of Living & Salary

This is where the gap widens significantly. Texas has no state income tax, while Louisiana has a progressive income tax (ranging from 1% to 6%). That alone gives San Antonio a leg up on earnings, but Shreveport fights back with rock-bottom expenses.

Cost of Living Comparison

Category	San Antonio	Shreveport	Winner
Rent (1BR)	$1,197	$927	Shreveport
Housing Index	94.2 (Nat'l Avg = 100)	59.7 (Nat'l Avg = 100)	Shreveport
Utilities	~$160/mo	~$180/mo	San Antonio
Groceries	+5% vs Nat'l Avg	-5% vs Nat'l Avg	Shreveport

Salary Wars: The Purchasing Power Reality

Let’s look at a $100,000 salary to see where your money feels heavier.

In San Antonio, with a median income of $62,322, a six-figure salary puts you in a very comfortable bracket. However, you are competing in a hotter market. Your $100k translates to roughly $86,500 after taxes (thanks to that 0% state income tax). Your rent is higher, but your earning potential is higher due to a more diverse and robust job market.

In Shreveport, the median income is much lower at $48,486. If you bring in $100k here, you are a top earner. After Louisiana state taxes (roughly 4-5% effective rate), you take home about $95,000. Combined with rent that is 22% cheaper and a housing index that is nearly half of San Antonio’s, your purchasing power here is immense. You can live like royalty on a middle-class income.

The Insight: Shreveport wins the pure "bang for your buck" contest. However, San Antonio offers higher salary ceilings and no state income tax, which balances the scales for high-earning professionals.

3. The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent

San Antonio is a Seller’s Market.
The median home price is $264,900. While that’s affordable for a major US city, inventory moves fast. The "Housing Index" of 94.2 indicates prices are near the national average, but demand is high due to population growth. Renting is a solid option for newcomers, but buying is a strong long-term investment if you can get in.

Shreveport is a Buyer’s Market.
The median home price is $184,900, and the Housing Index of 59.7 screams value. You get significantly more square footage and land for your money. Inventory is higher, and competition is lower. This is a market where you can negotiate. If homeownership is your goal and budget is a concern, Shreveport is a no-brainer.

4. The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

Traffic & Commute

San Antonio: Traffic is real. As the 7th largest city in the US, rush hour on I-10, I-35, and Loop 1604 can be brutal. Commutes can easily hit 30-45 minutes in the sprawl.
Shreveport: Traffic is minimal. You can cross the city in 15-20 minutes almost any time of day. The stress of a commute is virtually non-existent.

Weather

San Antonio: It’s hot. Summers regularly hit 100°F+ with high humidity. Winters are mild (rarely freezing), but the heat is the defining factor.
Shreveport: The data point of 61.0°F is likely an annual average, but it’s deceptive. Shreveport has four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and humid (similar to San Antonio), but winters can see freezing temps and occasional ice storms. It’s more volatile.

Crime & Safety

San Antonio: Violent Crime Rate: 798.0/100k.
Shreveport: Violent Crime Rate: 789.0/100k.

The Reality Check: Both cities have violent crime rates significantly above the national average (~380/100k). Statistically, they are nearly identical in safety. However, safety in both cities is hyper-local. San Antonio has safer suburbs (like Alamo Ranch or Boerne), while Shreveport has safer pockets (like South Highland or Broadmoor). You must research specific neighborhoods; the city-wide stats are too similar to be a deciding factor.

5. The Verdict

After breaking down the data and the vibes, here is the final verdict.

Winner for Families: San Antonio

Why: While Shreveport is cheaper, San Antonio offers a better balance of jobs, schools, and family activities. The school districts in the suburbs (NEISD, NISD) are solid, and the city is packed with kid-friendly attractions (San Antonio Zoo, Six Flags, SeaWorld). The job market is more stable for long-term career growth.

Winner for Singles/Young Pros: San Antonio

Why: The nightlife in the Pearl District and Southtown, the growing tech/healthcare scene, and the sheer size of the city offer more networking and dating opportunities. While Shreveport has charm, it lacks the economic dynamism and social density a young professional typically craves.

Winner for Retirees: Shreveport

Why: This is a landslide victory. For retirees on a fixed income, Shreveport is a financial safe haven. The cost of living allows Social Security and savings to stretch incredibly far. The slower pace, lack of traffic, and strong sense of community are perfect for relaxing in your golden years.

Final Pros & Cons

🏙️ San Antonio

Pros:

No State Income Tax: Keeps more of your paycheck.
Robust Job Market: Diverse economy (Military, Healthcare, Tech).
Big City Amenities: World-class dining, culture, and sports.
Family Friendly: Endless activities for kids.

Cons:

Traffic: Commutes can be long and frustrating.
Summers: Brutal, prolonged heat and humidity.
Growth Pains: Rapid expansion is driving up costs and congestion.

🌳 Shreveport