Moving from Shreveport, LA to Dayton, OH
Relocating 886 mi from Shreveport to Dayton is a 16h 9m drive through 5 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.
886 mi · 16h 9m by car · LA → AR → TN → KY → OH
Distance & route
| Route through | LA → AR → TN → KY → OH |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 65, I 30 |
| Major cities en route | Little Rock, Memphis, Cincinnati |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Shreveport | Dayton | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 84.766 | 92.694 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 72.558 | 95.388 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.691 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 52.286 | 72.712 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 9.4% higher cost of living — rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
No meaningful housing gap at the typical-home level: ZHVI $135,092 vs $136,592.
YoY change: Shreveport -2.4%, Dayton +1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Shreveport | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 67°F | 53°F |
| January avg low | 37°F | 20°F |
| July avg high | 94°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.9" | 12.3" |
| Annual precipitation | 51.4" | 41.7" |
Expect 13.3°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Dayton averages 12.3 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: SHREVEPORT, LA US, DAYTON MCD, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Shreveport | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 183,483 | 136,741 |
| Median household income | $48,465 | $43,454 |
| Median age | 37.5 | 34.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 15.5% | 12.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.43 | 2.36 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 9.4% lower in Dayton than Shreveport.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Louisiana and Ohio
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Ohio'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
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Dayton averages 12.3 in of snow per year on NOAA normals — pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (13.3°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 Ohio after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Shreveport to Dayton?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 886 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Shreveport vs Dayton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $43,454 in Dayton vs $48,465 in Shreveport — a 10.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Dayton compared to Shreveport?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $136,592 in Dayton vs $135,092 in Shreveport — a 1.1% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Dayton more expensive than Shreveport?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Dayton is 9.4% higher than Shreveport (92.694 vs 84.766, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Dayton, OH from Shreveport, LA?
The driving distance is 886 mi and the route typically takes 16h 9m via I 40 and I 65. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
What is the climate difference between Shreveport and Dayton?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 53.3°F in Dayton vs 66.6°F in Shreveport (13.3°F colder). Annual snowfall: 12.3 in vs 0.9 in. Annual precipitation: 41.7 in vs 51.4 in.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Shreveport.
City profiles: Shreveport, LA · Dayton, OH.