Moving from Gresham, OR to Spokane, WA
It is a 341 mi drive, roughly 6h 25m, between Gresham, OR and Spokane, WA. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate β not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
341 mi Β· 6h 25m by car Β· WA β OR
Distance & route
| Route through | WA β OR |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 395, I 84, US 30 |
| Major cities en route | Spokane Valley, Vancouver, Portland, Hillsboro |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Gresham | Spokane | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 105.421 | 100.346 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 106.974 | 91.196 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.222 | 105.028 | 100.0 |
| Services | 125.114 | 97.059 | 100.0 |
No material COL gap at the headline level β BEA RPP for both cities falls within 5% (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing comes in 4.8% under Gresham β $471,181 β $395,325 on the latest ZHVI.
YoY change: Gresham -0.5%, Spokane 0.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Gresham | Spokane |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55Β°F | 50Β°F |
| January avg low | 37Β°F | 26Β°F |
| July avg high | 82Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 40.7" | 17.4" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: PORTLAND TROUTDALE AP, OR US, SPOKANE FELTS FLD, WA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Gresham | Spokane |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 112,818 | 229,228 |
| Median household income | $73,608 | $65,745 |
| Median age | 37.2 | 37.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 15.2% | 20.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.68 | 2.37 |
Households in Spokane earn about 4.8% less at the median β ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Spokane MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 31,380 | $46,000 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 23,780 | $38,530 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 22,620 | $44,880 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 22,480 | $35,500 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 17,820 | $95,340 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Oregon and Washington
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Washington'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
- Snoqualmie Pass on I-90 and White Pass on US-12 see frequent chain requirements December through March β check WSDOT mountain passes report.
- Cascade passes on I-84 and OR-58 can require chains or close entirely during winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Wildfire season east of the Cascades peaks July through September; earthquake preparedness is standard west of the mountains.
- 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 Washington after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Spokane compare to Gresham?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,920 in the Spokane MSA vs $55,940 in the Gresham MSA, on total employment of 255,160 and 1,206,150 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Spokane, WA from Gresham, OR?
The driving distance is 341 mi and the route typically takes 6h 25m via US 395 and I 84. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Spokane more expensive than Gresham?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Spokane is 4.8% lower than Gresham (100.346 vs 105.421, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Gresham vs Spokane?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,745 in Spokane vs $73,608 in Gresham β a 10.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Spokane compared to Gresham?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $395,325 in Spokane vs $471,181 in Gresham β a 16.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Gresham to Spokane?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 341 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Gresham.
City profiles: Gresham, OR Β· Spokane, WA.