Moving from Memphis, TN to Shreveport, LA
The 358 mi from Memphis to Shreveport translate to about 6h 22m behind the wheel through 3 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary — MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
358 mi · 6h 22m by car · TN → AR → LA
Distance & route
| Route through | TN → AR → LA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 30, I 40, US 70 |
| Major cities en route | Little Rock |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Memphis | Shreveport | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.179 | 84.766 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 74.097 | 72.558 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.221 | 93.691 | 100.0 |
| Services | 79.807 | 52.286 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in Shreveport are 8.0% below Memphis — a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow typical home value is 8.0% lower in Shreveport than Memphis as of 2026-03.
YoY change: Memphis -3.1%, Shreveport -2.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Memphis | Shreveport |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 63°F | 67°F |
| January avg low | 33°F | 37°F |
| July avg high | 92°F | 94°F |
| Annual snowfall | 2.7" | 0.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 54.9" | 51.4" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 63.4°F vs 66.6°F per NOAA 1991–2020 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 1991–2020 (stations: MEMPHIS INTL AP, TN US, SHREVEPORT, LA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Memphis | Shreveport |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 629,063 | 183,483 |
| Median household income | $51,211 | $48,465 |
| Median age | 34.3 | 37.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.9% | 15.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.47 | 2.43 |
Income steps down 8.0%: $51,211 in Memphis vs $48,465 in Shreveport.
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 Tennessee 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 the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain 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
When is the best time to move from Memphis 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 358 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Shreveport, LA from Memphis, TN?
The driving distance is 358 mi and the route typically takes 6h 22m via I 30 and I 40. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Shreveport more expensive than Memphis?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Shreveport is 8.0% lower than Memphis (84.766 vs 92.179, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Shreveport compare to Memphis?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $39,150 in the Shreveport MSA vs $43,400 in the Memphis MSA, on total employment of 170,470 and 625,340 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
What is the climate difference between Memphis and Shreveport?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 66.6°F in Shreveport vs 63.4°F in Memphis (3.2°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 0.9 in vs 2.7 in. Annual precipitation: 51.4 in vs 54.9 in.
How does household income compare in Memphis vs Shreveport?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $48,465 in Shreveport vs $51,211 in Memphis — a 5.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Shreveport compared to Memphis?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $135,092 in Shreveport vs $144,710 in Memphis — a 6.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Memphis.
City profiles: Memphis, TN · Shreveport, LA.