Chicago
Illinois
Pop. 2,721,914
VS
Shreveport
Louisiana
Pop. 186,183

Full comparison across 7 data categories from U.S. government sources

63
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
70
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
It's a tie 2–2
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
⚡ TL;DR
Shreveport wins 2–2 overall (70/100)
💰 Shreveport is more affordable
💼 Shreveport has lower unemployment
🛡️ Chicago has fewer disasters

📋 Chicago vs Shreveport — The Verdict

It's a close call — Chicago (63/100) and Shreveport (70.2/100) each win 2 categories. On affordability, Shreveport has a clear edge with home prices 45% lower. For safety-conscious movers, Chicago has a notably lower disaster history with 11 fewer declarations in 20 years. Shreveport may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.

💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Shreveport are 45% lower — a difference of $135,600 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Shreveport saves you $369/month — that's $4,428 per year.
💵
Households in Chicago earn $25,706 more per year (56% higher median income).
🌬️
Shreveport has cleaner air with an AQI 37 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
🛡️
Chicago has experienced 11 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
💰 Chicago vs Shreveport: Cost of Living Comparison
65
vs
90
Median Home Value
$304,500
$168,900
Median Rent /mo
$1,314
$945
Median Income
$71,673
$45,967
Electricity ¢/kWh
¢
¢
The affordability gap is significant — Shreveport offers home prices 45% lower than Chicago, translating to $135,600 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
💼 Chicago vs Shreveport: Job Market & Salaries
55
vs
45
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
4.2%
Job Growth YoY
%
%
Labor Force
N/A
N/A
Job markets are essentially equivalent in both cities — the difference in unemployment rates is negligible. Focus on which city has more openings in your specific field.
🌡️ Chicago vs Shreveport: Weather & Climate
50
vs
40
Summer High
°F
9.2°F
Winter Low
°F
3.8°F
Sunny Days /yr
Annual Rain
"
0.5"
Annual Snow
"
-77.8"
📊 See Full City Rankings →
🌿 Chicago vs Shreveport: Air Quality & Environment
70
vs
100
Air Quality (AQI)
60
23 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Water Violations
0
0
Shreveport wins on air quality with an AQI 37 points lower. For allergy sufferers, families with young children, or anyone with respiratory concerns, this difference is medically significant.
🌐 Chicago vs Shreveport: Internet & Infrastructure
50
vs
50
Max Internet Speed
N/A Mbps
N/A Mbps
ISP Providers
0
0
Fiber Available
❌ No
❌ No
Solar Potential (kWh/m²/day)
Internet and utility infrastructure data helps assess remote work viability and monthly overhead costs in each city.
⚠️ Chicago vs Shreveport: Natural Disaster Risk
95
vs
95
Disasters (20 years)
10
21
Flood Zone
None
None
Earthquake Risk
Low
Low
Hurricane Risk
Low
High
Chicago has a markedly lower disaster history — 11 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.

❓ Moving from Chicago to Shreveport: Common Questions

Is Chicago or Shreveport cheaper to live in?
Shreveport is more affordable overall. Home prices are $135,600 lower in Shreveport. Monthly rent is $945 in Shreveport vs $1,314 in Chicago.
Does Chicago or Shreveport have better weather?
Chicago scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 40/100).
Is Chicago or Shreveport better for finding a job?
Shreveport currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in Chicago vs 4.2% in Shreveport. Median household income is $71,673 in Chicago and $45,967 in Shreveport.
Which city is safer — Chicago or Shreveport?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Chicago is safer. Chicago has had 10 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 21 in Shreveport. Chicago scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Shreveport.
Should I move from Chicago to Shreveport?
Based on our data, Shreveport scores 70.2/100 vs Chicago's 63.0/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Shreveport is more affordable, while Chicago has a better climate.

Planning to move from Chicago to Shreveport?

Compare quotes from top-rated moving companies and save up to 40%

Get Free Moving Quotes →

🔗 Related Comparisons

More cities in Illinois → More cities in Louisiana →

📊 Data: U.S. Census Bureau (ACS), Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS), NOAA Climate Normals, EPA AirNow & TRI, NREL PVWatts, FEMA Disaster Declarations, FCC Broadband Data. Last updated: April 5, 2026.