Moving from Billings, MT to Shreveport, LA
Moving from Billings, MT to Shreveport, LA is a 1510 mi cross-country relocation — about 26h 35m of driving through 6 states. At this range professional movers, a PODS or U-Pack container, or an auto-transport service are usually on the table. The sections below pull current BEA cost-of-living, Zillow ZHVI, Census ACS, BLS wages, and NOAA climate normals for a side-by-side view.
1510 mi · 26h 35m by car · LA → TX → OK → CO → WY → MT
Distance & route
| Route through | LA → TX → OK → CO → WY → MT |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 287, I 25, US 87 |
| Major cities en route | Tyler, Mesquite, Dallas, Garland, Richardson |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Billings | Shreveport | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.526 | 84.766 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 72.437 | 72.558 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.006 | 93.691 | 100.0 |
| Services | 77.364 | 52.286 | 100.0 |
Shreveport is 9.4% cheaper than Billings overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Shreveport is 9.4% below Billings — $392,209 vs $135,092 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Billings +1.8%, Shreveport -2.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Billings | Shreveport |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48°F | 67°F |
| January avg low | 18°F | 37°F |
| July avg high | 87°F | 94°F |
| Annual snowfall | 57.4" | 0.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 14.3" | 51.4" |
Shreveport runs 18.4°F warmer on the annual average (48.2°F vs 66.6°F) — a climate shift you will feel in cooling bills and wardrobe alike.
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: BILLINGS LOGAN INTL AP, MT US, SHREVEPORT, LA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Billings | Shreveport |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 118,321 | 183,483 |
| Median household income | $71,855 | $48,465 |
| Median age | 38.1 | 37.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25% | 15.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.35 | 2.43 |
Median household income in Shreveport is 9.4% below Billings ($71,855 vs $48,465, ACS 5-year 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 Montana 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
- Mountain passes on I-70 west of Denver and on I-25 near Raton can close for snow November through April — check CDOT alerts before departure.
- I-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April — check WYDOT 511 before departure.
- Montana interstates can close without notice in winter storms — check MDT 511 before entering the state November through April.
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
What is the climate difference between Billings and Shreveport?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 66.6°F in Shreveport vs 48.2°F in Billings (18.4°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 0.9 in vs 57.4 in. Annual precipitation: 51.4 in vs 14.3 in.
How much do homes cost in Shreveport compared to Billings?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $135,092 in Shreveport vs $392,209 in Billings — a 65.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Shreveport more expensive than Billings?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Shreveport is 9.4% lower than Billings (84.766 vs 93.526, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Billings 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 1510 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Shreveport compare to Billings?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $39,150 in the Shreveport MSA vs $46,000 in the Billings MSA, on total employment of 170,470 and 89,600 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Billings vs Shreveport?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $48,465 in Shreveport vs $71,855 in Billings — a 32.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Shreveport, LA from Billings, MT?
The driving distance is 1510 mi and the route typically takes 26h 35m via US 287 and I 25. 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 Billings.
City profiles: Billings, MT · Shreveport, LA.