Moving from St. Paul, MN to Shreveport, LA
A move from St. Paul, MN to Shreveport, LA covers 986 mi and around 18h 20m of driving through 5 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.
986 mi Β· 18h 20m by car Β· MN β IA β MO β AR β LA
Distance & route
| Route through | MN β IA β MO β AR β LA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 71, I 49, I 35 |
| Major cities en route | Minneapolis, Des Moines, Kansas City, Kansas City, Independence |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| St. Paul | Shreveport | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 104.822 | 84.766 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.493 | 72.558 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 103.065 | 93.691 | 100.0 |
| Services | 111.838 | 52.286 | 100.0 |
Shreveport is 19.1% cheaper than St. Paul overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
YoY change: St. Paul β, Shreveport -2.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | St. Paul | Shreveport |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 47Β°F | 67Β°F |
| January avg low | 9Β°F | 37Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 94Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 29.2" | 51.4" |
Shreveport runs 20.1Β°F warmer on the annual average (46.5Β°F vs 66.6Β°F) β a climate shift you will feel in cooling bills and wardrobe alike.
Shreveport gets essentially no annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β winter gear can largely stay in storage.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ST PAUL DOWNTOWN AP, MN US, SHREVEPORT, LA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | St. Paul | Shreveport |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 307,762 | 183,483 |
| Median household income | $73,055 | $48,465 |
| Median age | 33.5 | 37.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25.2% | 15.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.5 | 2.43 |
Median household income in Shreveport is 19.1% below St. Paul ($73,055 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 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 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-35 and I-94 across Minnesota can see short closures in winter storms β 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 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.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (20.1Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- 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 does household income compare in St. Paul vs Shreveport?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $48,465 in Shreveport vs $73,055 in St. Paul β a 33.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Shreveport more expensive than St. Paul?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Shreveport is 19.1% lower than St. Paul (84.766 vs 104.822, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from St. Paul to Shreveport?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 986 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Shreveport, LA from St. Paul, MN?
The driving distance is 986 mi and the route typically takes 18h 20m via US 71 and I 49. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Shreveport compare to St. Paul?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $39,150 in the Shreveport MSA vs $54,850 in the St. Paul MSA, on total employment of 170,470 and 1,911,030 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 St. Paul.
City profiles: St. Paul, MN Β· Shreveport, LA.