Moving from Topeka, KS to Shreveport, LA
Relocating 562 mi from Topeka to Shreveport is a 11h 1m drive through 4 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
562 mi Β· 11h 1m by car Β· LA β TX β OK β KS
Distance & route
| Route through | LA β TX β OK β KS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 75, US 271, OK 375 |
| Major cities en route | Broken Arrow, Tulsa |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Topeka | Shreveport | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.82 | 84.766 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.942 | 72.558 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.027 | 93.691 | 100.0 |
| Services | 64.987 | 52.286 | 100.0 |
No material COL gap at the headline level β BEA RPP for both cities falls within 5% (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
4.6% drop on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Topeka -1.1%, Shreveport -2.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Topeka | Shreveport |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55Β°F | 67Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 37Β°F |
| July avg high | 89Β°F | 94Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 37.3" | 51.4" |
Expect 11.7Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Effectively snow-free year in Shreveport β NOAA normals show near-zero annual snowfall.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: TOPEKA - NWS, KS US, SHREVEPORT, LA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Topeka | Shreveport |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 126,103 | 183,483 |
| Median household income | $55,902 | $48,465 |
| Median age | 38.2 | 37.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.5% | 15.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 2.43 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 4.6% lower in Shreveport than Topeka.
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 Kansas 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.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (11.7Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- 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
Is Shreveport more expensive than Topeka?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Shreveport is 4.6% lower than Topeka (84.766 vs 88.82, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Shreveport compare to Topeka?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $39,150 in the Shreveport MSA vs $45,340 in the Topeka MSA, on total employment of 170,470 and 113,350 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Shreveport, LA from Topeka, KS?
The driving distance is 562 mi and the route typically takes 11h 1m via US 75 and US 271. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Topeka to Shreveport?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 562 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Topeka vs Shreveport?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $48,465 in Shreveport vs $55,902 in Topeka β a 13.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Shreveport compared to Topeka?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $135,092 in Shreveport vs $190,096 in Topeka β a 28.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Topeka.
City profiles: Topeka, KS Β· Shreveport, LA.