Moving from Ann Arbor, MI to Shreveport, LA
Relocating 1072 mi from Ann Arbor to Shreveport is a 19h 14m drive through 6 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item — rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
1072 mi · 19h 14m by car · LA → AR → MO → IL → IN → MI
Distance & route
| Route through | LA → AR → MO → IL → IN → MI |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 57, I 94, I 30 |
| Major cities en route | Little Rock, Memphis, Joliet, Naperville, Chicago |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Ann Arbor | Shreveport | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.88 | 84.766 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 98.184 | 72.558 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.711 | 93.691 | 100.0 |
| Services | 125.3 | 52.286 | 100.0 |
Expect about 16.0% lower overall cost of living — BEA RPP 2024 has Shreveport at 84.766 vs Ann Arbor at 100.88.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 16.0% lower home prices — ZHVI goes from $523,391 to $135,092 moving to Shreveport.
YoY change: Ann Arbor +3.2%, Shreveport -2.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Ann Arbor | Shreveport |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48°F | 67°F |
| January avg low | 16°F | 37°F |
| July avg high | 84°F | 94°F |
| Annual snowfall | 59.3" | 0.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 37.9" | 51.4" |
Expect 18.4°F warmer on average per year — plan for air conditioning and a summer-heavy wardrobe.
Shreveport gets essentially no annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — winter gear can largely stay in storage.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: ANN ARBOR SE, MI US, SHREVEPORT, LA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Ann Arbor | Shreveport |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 121,179 | 183,483 |
| Median household income | $81,089 | $48,465 |
| Median age | 27.7 | 37.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 30.5% | 15.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.43 | 2.43 |
Expect median household income to fall 16.0% — $81,089 → $48,465 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Shreveport MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 23,700 | $36,480 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 16,310 | $29,300 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 16,190 | $22,900 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 15,220 | $34,870 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 15,190 | $69,280 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Michigan and Louisiana
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Louisiana's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- Lake-effect snow bands across the western Upper Peninsula can require chains on US-2.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Shreveport average 94°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Pack rain gear on top: Shreveport averages 51.4 in of annual precipitation — waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (18.4°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Hurricane season runs June through November — stock a basic emergency kit during unpack.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in Louisiana after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Ann Arbor vs Shreveport?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $48,465 in Shreveport vs $81,089 in Ann Arbor — a 40.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Shreveport compare to Ann Arbor?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $39,150 in the Shreveport MSA vs $49,690 in the Ann Arbor MSA, on total employment of 170,470 and 215,300 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Ann Arbor to Shreveport?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1072 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
What is the climate difference between Ann Arbor and Shreveport?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 66.6°F in Shreveport vs 48.2°F in Ann Arbor (18.4°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 0.9 in vs 59.3 in. Annual precipitation: 51.4 in vs 37.9 in.
How much do homes cost in Shreveport compared to Ann Arbor?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $135,092 in Shreveport vs $523,391 in Ann Arbor — a 74.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Shreveport more expensive than Ann Arbor?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Shreveport is 16.0% lower than Ann Arbor (84.766 vs 100.88, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Shreveport, LA from Ann Arbor, MI?
The driving distance is 1072 mi and the route typically takes 19h 14m via I 57 and I 94. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Ann Arbor.
City profiles: Ann Arbor, MI · Shreveport, LA.