Moving from Cambridge, MA to Shreveport, LA
A 1625 mi cross-country move between Cambridge and Shreveport is 30h 44m on paper and typically three to five days in practice, through 12 states. Nearly every household line β rent, taxes, climate, commute β usually shifts. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data to make those differences visible on a single screen.
1625 mi Β· 30h 44m by car Β· LA β MS β AL β GA β TN β VA β WV β PA β NJ β NY β CT β MA
Distance & route
| Route through | LA β MS β AL β GA β TN β VA β WV β PA β NJ β NY β CT β MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 81, I 20, US 11 |
| Major cities en route | Jackson, Tuscaloosa, Birmingham, Chattanooga, Knoxville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Cambridge | Shreveport | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 108.266 | 84.766 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.768 | 72.558 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.651 | 93.691 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.424 | 52.286 | 100.0 |
Shreveport sits 21.7% cheaper than Cambridge on the BEA RPP, one of the larger gaps you will see between U.S. metros.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $1,041,569 in Cambridge to $135,092 in Shreveport, a 21.7% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Cambridge -1.5%, Shreveport -2.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Cambridge | Shreveport |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 67Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 37Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 94Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 49.4" | 51.4" |
Annual average temperature jumps 15.4Β°F β 51.2Β°F in Cambridge vs 66.6Β°F in Shreveport, per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Snowfall is a non-factor at the destination: Shreveport sees under an inch a year per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: JAMAICA PLAIN, MA US, SHREVEPORT, LA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cambridge | Shreveport |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 117,794 | 183,483 |
| Median household income | $126,469 | $48,465 |
| Median age | 30.5 | 37.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29.8% | 15.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.38 | 2.43 |
Shreveport households earn about 21.7% less than Cambridge at the median β $126,469 β $48,465 on ACS 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 Massachusetts 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.
Winter driving along this route
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-77 at Flat Top Mountain and I-64 through the Greenbrier Valley see chain requirements in winter storms.
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter β check 511NY.
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 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 (15.4Β°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
How far is Shreveport, LA from Cambridge, MA?
The driving distance is 1625 mi and the route typically takes 30h 44m via I 81 and I 20. The trip crosses 12 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Shreveport more expensive than Cambridge?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Shreveport is 21.7% lower than Cambridge (84.766 vs 108.266, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Cambridge to Shreveport?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1625 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 Cambridge vs Shreveport?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $48,465 in Shreveport vs $126,469 in Cambridge β a 61.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Shreveport compared to Cambridge?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $135,092 in Shreveport vs $1,041,569 in Cambridge β a 87.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Cambridge.
City profiles: Cambridge, MA Β· Shreveport, LA.