Moving from Gresham, OR to Tempe, AZ
The drive from Gresham, OR to Tempe, AZ runs 1265 mi β about 25h 7m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
1265 mi Β· 25h 7m by car Β· AZ β NV β OR
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ β NV β OR |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 95, US 93, US 20 |
| Major cities en route | Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Scottsdale, Phoenix |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Gresham | Tempe | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 105.421 | 103.316 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 106.974 | 93.332 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.222 | 95.024 | 100.0 |
| Services | 125.114 | 121.236 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Gresham (105.421) and Tempe (103.316) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Home prices line up β $471,181 vs $468,281 on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Gresham -0.5%, Tempe -1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Gresham | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55Β°F | 72Β°F |
| January avg low | 37Β°F | 39Β°F |
| July avg high | 82Β°F | 106Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 40.7" | 8.8" |
Major climate step-up: 17.1Β°F warmer annual average in Tempe vs Gresham.
Effectively snow-free year in Tempe β NOAA normals show near-zero annual snowfall.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: PORTLAND TROUTDALE AP, OR US, TEMPE ASU, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Gresham | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 112,818 | 186,419 |
| Median household income | $73,608 | $77,643 |
| Median age | 37.2 | 29.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 15.2% | 28.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.68 | 2.42 |
Income steps up 2.0%: $73,608 in Gresham vs $77,643 in Tempe.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Tempe MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 314,170 | $45,080 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 205,010 | $34,400 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 204,700 | $37,700 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 199,140 | $40,870 |
| Management Occupations | 170,690 | $105,420 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Oregon and Arizona
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Arizona'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-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
- I-80 east of Reno and US-50 across the Sierra can require chains in winter storms.
- 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
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Tempe average 106Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Tempe sees only 8.8 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (17.1Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- 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 Arizona after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Tempe compare to Gresham?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Tempe MSA vs $55,940 in the Gresham MSA, on total employment of 2,289,130 and 1,206,150 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Tempe, AZ from Gresham, OR?
The driving distance is 1265 mi and the route typically takes 25h 7m via US 95 and US 93. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Gresham to Tempe?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1265 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 Tempe compared to Gresham?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $468,281 in Tempe vs $471,181 in Gresham β a 0.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Tempe more expensive than Gresham?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Tempe is 2.0% lower than Gresham (103.316 vs 105.421, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Gresham vs Tempe?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $77,643 in Tempe vs $73,608 in Gresham β a 5.5% 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 Gresham.
City profiles: Gresham, OR Β· Tempe, AZ.