Moving from Rochester, MN to Shreveport, LA
Relocating 951 mi from Rochester to Shreveport is a 17h 44m drive through 5 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item — rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
951 mi · 17h 44m by car · LA → AR → MO → IA → MN
Distance & route
| Route through | LA → AR → MO → IA → MN |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 71, I 49, I 35 |
| Major cities en route | Overland Park, Olathe, Lee S Summit, Independence, Kansas City |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Rochester | Shreveport | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.821 | 84.766 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 87.389 | 72.558 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.433 | 93.691 | 100.0 |
| Services | 78.628 | 52.286 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL drop: 6.7% cheaper overall in Shreveport than Rochester on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
6.7% drop on the typical home value — a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Rochester +3.9%, Shreveport -2.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Rochester | Shreveport |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 45°F | 67°F |
| January avg low | 7°F | 37°F |
| July avg high | 80°F | 94°F |
| Annual snowfall | 53.1" | 0.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 34.7" | 51.4" |
Annual average temperature gap of 21.8°F — a meaningful climate change across the move.
Effectively snow-free year in Shreveport — NOAA normals show near-zero annual snowfall.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: ROCHESTER INTL AP, MN US, SHREVEPORT, LA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Rochester | Shreveport |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 121,638 | 183,483 |
| Median household income | $87,767 | $48,465 |
| Median age | 36.4 | 37.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 27.7% | 15.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.4 | 2.43 |
Expect median household income to fall 6.7% — $87,767 → $48,465 per ACS 5-year estimates (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 Minnesota 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-35 and I-94 across Minnesota can see short closures in winter storms — check MnDOT 511.
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 (21.8°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
Is Shreveport more expensive than Rochester?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Shreveport is 6.7% lower than Rochester (84.766 vs 90.821, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Rochester vs Shreveport?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $48,465 in Shreveport vs $87,767 in Rochester — a 44.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Shreveport, LA from Rochester, MN?
The driving distance is 951 mi and the route typically takes 17h 44m via US 71 and I 49. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Shreveport compared to Rochester?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $135,092 in Shreveport vs $339,455 in Rochester — a 60.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
What is the climate difference between Rochester and Shreveport?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 66.6°F in Shreveport vs 44.8°F in Rochester (21.8°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 0.9 in vs 53.1 in. Annual precipitation: 51.4 in vs 34.7 in.
When is the best time to move from Rochester 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 951 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Shreveport compare to Rochester?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $39,150 in the Shreveport MSA vs $55,970 in the Rochester MSA, on total employment of 170,470 and 119,430 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Rochester.
City profiles: Rochester, MN · Shreveport, LA.