Moving from Chesapeake, VA to Shreveport, LA
A move from Chesapeake, VA to Shreveport, LA covers 1171 mi and around 22h 15m of driving through 7 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.
1171 mi Β· 22h 15m by car Β· VA β NC β SC β GA β AL β MS β LA
Distance & route
| Route through | VA β NC β SC β GA β AL β MS β LA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 20, I 85, US 80 |
| Major cities en route | Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Hampton, Newport News, Raleigh |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Chesapeake | Shreveport | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.941 | 84.766 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.579 | 72.558 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.767 | 93.691 | 100.0 |
| Services | 99.805 | 52.286 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in Shreveport are 13.5% below Chesapeake β a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Shreveport typical home at $135,092 is 13.5% under Chesapeake at $420,756 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Chesapeake +2.9%, Shreveport -2.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Chesapeake | Shreveport |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 63Β°F | 67Β°F |
| January avg low | 34Β°F | 37Β°F |
| July avg high | 93Β°F | 94Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 48.6" | 51.4" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 63.0Β°F vs 66.6Β°F 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: FENTRESS NAAS, VA US, SHREVEPORT, LA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Chesapeake | Shreveport |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 251,153 | 183,483 |
| Median household income | $94,189 | $48,465 |
| Median age | 37.7 | 37.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.4% | 15.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.72 | 2.43 |
Median household income in Shreveport is 13.5% below Chesapeake ($94,189 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 Virginia 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-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- 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 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.
- 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 Chesapeake, VA?
The driving distance is 1171 mi and the route typically takes 22h 15m via I 20 and I 85. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Shreveport compare to Chesapeake?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $39,150 in the Shreveport MSA vs $46,990 in the Chesapeake MSA, on total employment of 170,470 and 737,200 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Shreveport compared to Chesapeake?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $135,092 in Shreveport vs $420,756 in Chesapeake β a 67.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Shreveport more expensive than Chesapeake?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Shreveport is 13.5% lower than Chesapeake (84.766 vs 97.941, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Chesapeake to Shreveport?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1171 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 Chesapeake vs Shreveport?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $48,465 in Shreveport vs $94,189 in Chesapeake β a 48.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Chesapeake.
City profiles: Chesapeake, VA Β· Shreveport, LA.