Moving from Shreveport, LA to Chicago, IL
A move from Shreveport, LA to Chicago, IL covers 863 mi and around 15h 29m of driving through 4 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.
863 mi Β· 15h 29m by car Β· IL β MO β AR β LA
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β MO β AR β LA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 57, I 30, I 55 |
| Major cities en route | Naperville, Joliet, Memphis, Little Rock |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Shreveport | Chicago | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 84.766 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 72.558 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.691 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 52.286 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Major COL jump: 22.2% higher overall in Chicago vs Shreveport on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Chicago: 22.2% above Shreveport on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Shreveport -2.4%, Chicago +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Shreveport | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 67Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 37Β°F | 20Β°F |
| July avg high | 94Β°F | 81Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.9" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 51.4" | β |
Major climate step-down: 15.8Β°F cooler annual average in Chicago vs Shreveport.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: SHREVEPORT, LA US, CHICAGO NORTHERLY IS, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Shreveport | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 183,483 | 2,707,648 |
| Median household income | $48,465 | $75,134 |
| Median age | 37.5 | 35.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 15.5% | 24.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.43 | 2.36 |
Median household income in Chicago is 22.2% above Shreveport ($48,465 vs $75,134, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Chicago MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 519,810 | $46,540 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 497,550 | $41,020 |
| Management Occupations | 405,130 | $125,280 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 386,070 | $38,490 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 368,000 | $33,540 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Louisiana and Illinois
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Illinois'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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (15.8Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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 Illinois after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Chicago compare to Shreveport?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Chicago MSA vs $39,150 in the Shreveport MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 170,470 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Chicago, IL from Shreveport, LA?
The driving distance is 863 mi and the route typically takes 15h 29m via I 57 and I 30. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Shreveport to Chicago?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 863 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Chicago compared to Shreveport?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $317,283 in Chicago vs $135,092 in Shreveport β a 134.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Chicago more expensive than Shreveport?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Chicago is 22.2% higher than Shreveport (103.595 vs 84.766, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Shreveport vs Chicago?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $75,134 in Chicago vs $48,465 in Shreveport β a 55.0% higher 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 Shreveport.
City profiles: Shreveport, LA Β· Chicago, IL.