Moving from Providence, RI to Shreveport, LA
A 1598 mi cross-country move between Providence and Shreveport is 30h 9m on paper and typically three to five days in practice, through 13 states. Nearly every household line — rent, taxes, climate, commute — usually shifts. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data to make those differences visible on a single screen.
1598 mi · 30h 9m by car · RI → CT → NY → NJ → PA → MD → WV → VA → TN → GA → AL → MS → LA
Distance & route
| Route through | RI → CT → NY → NJ → PA → MD → WV → VA → TN → GA → AL → MS → LA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 81, I 20, I 59 |
| Major cities en route | Brockton, New Haven, Waterbury, Bridgeport, Stamford |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Providence | Shreveport | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 101.773 | 84.766 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.809 | 72.558 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 97.116 | 93.691 | 100.0 |
| Services | 103.851 | 52.286 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL drop: 16.7% cheaper overall in Shreveport than Providence on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
16.7% drop on the typical home value — a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Providence +2.3%, Shreveport -2.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Providence | Shreveport |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52°F | 67°F |
| January avg low | 22°F | 37°F |
| July avg high | 84°F | 94°F |
| Annual snowfall | 36.6" | 0.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 47.5" | 51.4" |
Annual temperature rises 14.5°F moving to Shreveport per NOAA normals.
Effectively snow-free year in Shreveport — NOAA normals show near-zero annual snowfall.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: PROVIDENCE T F GREEN AP, RI US, SHREVEPORT, LA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Providence | Shreveport |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 190,214 | 183,483 |
| Median household income | $66,772 | $48,465 |
| Median age | 32.9 | 37.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.3% | 15.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.71 | 2.43 |
Shreveport households earn about 16.7% less than Providence at the median — $66,772 → $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 Rhode Island 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
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter — check 511NY.
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- I-77 at Flat Top Mountain and I-64 through the Greenbrier Valley see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- 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.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (14.5°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- 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 does household income compare in Providence vs Shreveport?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $48,465 in Shreveport vs $66,772 in Providence — a 27.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
What is the climate difference between Providence and Shreveport?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 66.6°F in Shreveport vs 52.1°F in Providence (14.5°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 0.9 in vs 36.6 in. Annual precipitation: 51.4 in vs 47.5 in.
Is Shreveport more expensive than Providence?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Shreveport is 16.7% lower than Providence (84.766 vs 101.773, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Shreveport compared to Providence?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $135,092 in Shreveport vs $426,007 in Providence — a 68.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Providence 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 1598 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Shreveport, LA from Providence, RI?
The driving distance is 1598 mi and the route typically takes 30h 9m via I 81 and I 20. The trip crosses 13 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Providence.
City profiles: Providence, RI · Shreveport, LA.