Moving from Charlotte, NC to Shreveport, LA
A move from Charlotte, NC to Shreveport, LA covers 846 mi and around 15h 44m of driving through 6 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
846 mi · 15h 44m by car · NC → SC → GA → AL → MS → LA
Distance & route
| Route through | NC → SC → GA → AL → MS → LA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 20, US 80, I 85 |
| Major cities en route | Concord, Sandy Springs, Atlanta, South Fulton, Birmingham |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Charlotte | Shreveport | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.348 | 84.766 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.164 | 72.558 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.58 | 93.691 | 100.0 |
| Services | 97.635 | 52.286 | 100.0 |
Shreveport is 12.9% cheaper than Charlotte overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Shreveport is 12.9% below Charlotte — $397,125 vs $135,092 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Charlotte -1.3%, Shreveport -2.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Charlotte | Shreveport |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 61°F | 67°F |
| January avg low | 32°F | 37°F |
| July avg high | 90°F | 94°F |
| Annual snowfall | 3.5" | 0.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 43.6" | 51.4" |
Shreveport runs 5.2°F warmer on the annual average (61.4°F vs 66.6°F, NOAA 1991–2020).
Shreveport gets essentially no annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — winter gear can largely stay in storage.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: CHARLOTTE DOUGLAS AP, NC US, SHREVEPORT, LA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Charlotte | Shreveport |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 886,283 | 183,483 |
| Median household income | $78,438 | $48,465 |
| Median age | 34.4 | 37.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 30.4% | 15.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.45 | 2.43 |
Median household income in Shreveport is 12.9% below Charlotte ($78,438 vs $48,465, ACS 5-year 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 North Carolina 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 — 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 Pigeon Gap and I-26 over Saluda Grade can see chain requirements in winter storms.
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 94°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 — waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- Hurricane season runs June through November — 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 Charlotte, NC?
The driving distance is 846 mi and the route typically takes 15h 44m via I 20 and US 80. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Shreveport more expensive than Charlotte?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Shreveport is 12.9% lower than Charlotte (84.766 vs 97.348, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
What is the climate difference between Charlotte and Shreveport?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 66.6°F in Shreveport vs 61.4°F in Charlotte (5.2°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 0.9 in vs 3.5 in. Annual precipitation: 51.4 in vs 43.6 in.
How does the job market in Shreveport compare to Charlotte?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $39,150 in the Shreveport MSA vs $47,830 in the Charlotte MSA, on total employment of 170,470 and 1,311,360 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Charlotte to Shreveport?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 846 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Charlotte vs Shreveport?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $48,465 in Shreveport vs $78,438 in Charlotte — a 38.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Shreveport compared to Charlotte?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $135,092 in Shreveport vs $397,125 in Charlotte — a 66.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Charlotte.
City profiles: Charlotte, NC · Shreveport, LA.