Moving from Shreveport, LA to Ann Arbor, MI
Relocating 1072 mi from Shreveport to Ann Arbor 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
| Shreveport | Ann Arbor | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 84.766 | 100.88 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 72.558 | 98.184 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.691 | 93.711 | 100.0 |
| Services | 52.286 | 125.3 | 100.0 |
Overall prices come in 19.0% above Shreveport — 84.766 → 100.88 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
19.0% jump on the typical home value — a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Shreveport -2.4%, Ann Arbor +3.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Shreveport | Ann Arbor |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 67°F | 48°F |
| January avg low | 37°F | 16°F |
| July avg high | 94°F | 84°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.9" | 59.3" |
| Annual precipitation | 51.4" | 37.9" |
Annual average temperature gap of 18.4°F — a meaningful climate change across the move.
Heavy-snow city: expect 59.3 in of snowfall annually at Ann Arbor.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: SHREVEPORT, LA US, ANN ARBOR SE, MI US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Shreveport | Ann Arbor |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 183,483 | 121,179 |
| Median household income | $48,465 | $81,089 |
| Median age | 37.5 | 27.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 15.5% | 30.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.43 | 2.43 |
Expect median household income to rise 19.0% — $48,465 → $81,089 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Ann Arbor MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Educational Instruction and Library Occupations | 29,010 | $50,890 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 25,400 | $81,710 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 24,670 | $42,280 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 15,280 | $32,120 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 13,740 | $36,520 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Louisiana and Michigan
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Michigan'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
- You are moving to a much snowier climate — Ann Arbor averages 59.3 in annually vs 0.9 in at origin. Don't bury the winter gear in a hard-to-reach box.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (18.4°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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 Michigan after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
What is the climate difference between Shreveport and Ann Arbor?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 48.2°F in Ann Arbor vs 66.6°F in Shreveport (18.4°F colder). Annual snowfall: 59.3 in vs 0.9 in. Annual precipitation: 37.9 in vs 51.4 in.
How much do homes cost in Ann Arbor compared to Shreveport?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $523,391 in Ann Arbor vs $135,092 in Shreveport — a 287.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Ann Arbor more expensive than Shreveport?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Ann Arbor is 19.0% higher than Shreveport (100.88 vs 84.766, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Ann Arbor, MI from Shreveport, LA?
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.
How does the job market in Ann Arbor compare to Shreveport?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,690 in the Ann Arbor MSA vs $39,150 in the Shreveport MSA, on total employment of 215,300 and 170,470 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Shreveport vs Ann Arbor?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $81,089 in Ann Arbor vs $48,465 in Shreveport — a 67.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Shreveport to Ann Arbor?
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.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Shreveport.
City profiles: Shreveport, LA · Ann Arbor, MI.