Side-by-side comparison of home prices, mortgage payments, and housing costs between Lafayette and Shreveport, Louisiana. Using Louisiana's 0.55% property tax rate and $3,500/year insurance. Updated for 2026.
Shreveport is significantly more affordable than Lafayette, with homes priced 31% lower on average. That translates to $456/month in savings on your total housing payment. For budget-conscious buyers in Louisiana, Shreveport offers a much more accessible path to homeownership.
Estimated PITI payments assuming 10% down, 6.5% rate, 30-year fixed mortgage with PMI. Uses Louisiana's 0.55% property tax rate.
Buying in Shreveport saves you approximately $456/month ($5,472/year) compared to Lafayette, based on median home prices with identical loan terms.
Shreveport is the better choice for first-time buyers, with a median price of $155K versus $225K in Lafayette. That's $70K less to save for a down payment. You'd need roughly $5K for an FHA 3.5% down payment in Shreveport, compared to $8K in Lafayette. Louisiana offers the LHC Mortgage Revenue Bond program (Up to $10,000 soft second loan) which applies in both cities.
Shreveport has the better price-to-rent ratio at 14.7x versus 17.9x in Lafayette. A lower ratio generally signals better rental income relative to purchase price. Average rent in Shreveport is $880/month on a $155K median home, making it a stronger candidate for buy-and-rent investors.
Shreveport (pop. 187,593) offers more amenities, schools, and services typical of a larger city, while Lafayette (pop. 126,185) may offer a quieter, more community-oriented lifestyle. Shreveport offers both more options and lower housing costs, making it attractive for families who want urban amenities without a premium price.