Moving from Portland, OR to Gresham, OR
Relocating from Portland, OR to Gresham, OR? The drive is 15 mi β about 27 min. Local does not always mean identical: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and NOAA climate can all shift a few percent across short distances. The sections below compare each data layer directly.
15 mi Β· 27 min by car Β· OR
Distance & route
| Route through | OR |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 84, US 30 |
| Major cities en route | Hillsboro, Vancouver |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Portland | Gresham | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 105.421 | 105.421 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 106.974 | 106.974 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.222 | 105.222 | 100.0 |
| Services | 125.114 | 125.114 | 100.0 |
Portland and Gresham sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP β the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes in Gresham run about 0.0% cheaper β ZHVI $534,638 β $471,181 (2026-03).
YoY change: Portland -1.1%, Gresham -0.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Portland | Gresham |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55Β°F | 55Β°F |
| January avg low | 37Β°F | 37Β°F |
| July avg high | 80Β°F | 82Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 3.6" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 44.1" | 40.7" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 54.8Β°F vs 54.7Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: PORTLAND KGW-TV, OR US, PORTLAND TROUTDALE AP, OR US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Portland | Gresham |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 642,715 | 112,818 |
| Median household income | $88,792 | $73,608 |
| Median age | 38.6 | 37.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 32.1% | 15.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.24 | 2.68 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 0.0% lower in Gresham than Portland.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Gresham MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 141,870 | $47,870 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 104,880 | $44,260 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 99,580 | $34,860 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 96,250 | $41,260 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 92,520 | $79,400 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
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
- 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 peaks July through September east of the Cascades β register for county emergency alerts.
- 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.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Gresham compare to Portland?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $55,940 in the Gresham MSA vs $55,940 in the Portland MSA, on total employment of 1,206,150 and 1,206,150 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Portland to Gresham?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 15 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 Gresham compared to Portland?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $471,181 in Gresham vs $534,638 in Portland β a 11.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Gresham, OR from Portland, OR?
The driving distance is 15 mi and the route typically takes 27 min via I 84 and US 30. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Portland vs Gresham?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $73,608 in Gresham vs $88,792 in Portland β a 17.1% lower 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 Portland.
City profiles: Portland, OR Β· Gresham, OR.