Moving from Mobile, AL to Shreveport, LA
The 411 mi from Mobile to Shreveport translate to about 7h 57m behind the wheel through 3 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
411 mi Β· 7h 57m by car Β· AL β MS β LA
Distance & route
| Route through | AL β MS β LA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 20, US 80, US 49 |
| Major cities en route | Jackson |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Mobile | Shreveport | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.098 | 84.766 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.185 | 72.558 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.397 | 93.691 | 100.0 |
| Services | 60.116 | 52.286 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Mobile (88.098) and Shreveport (84.766) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Shreveport: 3.8% below Mobile on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Mobile -2.1%, Shreveport -2.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Mobile | Shreveport |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 69Β°F | 67Β°F |
| January avg low | 43Β°F | 37Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 94Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 60.5" | 51.4" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Effectively snow-free year in Shreveport β NOAA normals show near-zero annual snowfall.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MOBILE DWTN AP, AL US, SHREVEPORT, LA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Mobile | Shreveport |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 185,097 | 183,483 |
| Median household income | $51,090 | $48,465 |
| Median age | 37.7 | 37.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20% | 15.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.39 | 2.43 |
Income steps down 3.8%: $51,090 in Mobile vs $48,465 in Shreveport.
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 Alabama 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 β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% 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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Shreveport average 94Β°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 β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- Hurricane season runs June through November β 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 the job market in Shreveport compare to Mobile?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $39,150 in the Shreveport MSA vs $41,660 in the Mobile MSA, on total employment of 170,470 and 169,730 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Shreveport more expensive than Mobile?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Shreveport is 3.8% lower than Mobile (84.766 vs 88.098, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Shreveport compared to Mobile?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $135,092 in Shreveport vs $194,564 in Mobile β a 30.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Mobile to Shreveport?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 411 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Shreveport, LA from Mobile, AL?
The driving distance is 411 mi and the route typically takes 7h 57m via I 20 and US 80. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Mobile vs Shreveport?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $48,465 in Shreveport vs $51,090 in Mobile β a 5.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Mobile.
City profiles: Mobile, AL Β· Shreveport, LA.