Moving from Salem, OR to Gresham, OR
It is a 62 mi drive, roughly 1h 26m, between Salem, OR and Gresham, OR. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate — not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
62 mi · 1h 26m by car · OR
Distance & route
| Route through | OR |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 5, OR 99E, I 205 |
| Major cities en route | Hillsboro, Portland, Vancouver |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Salem | Gresham | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.649 | 105.421 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 104.689 | 106.974 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.261 | 105.222 | 100.0 |
| Services | 110.333 | 125.114 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable — 103.649 vs 105.421 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 1.7% higher home prices per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Salem +0.5%, Gresham -0.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Salem | Gresham |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 54°F | 55°F |
| January avg low | 36°F | 37°F |
| July avg high | 84°F | 82°F |
| Annual snowfall | — | — |
| Annual precipitation | 40.1" | 40.7" |
Annual average temperatures in Salem (54.1°F) and Gresham (54.7°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: SALEM MCNARY FLD, OR US, PORTLAND TROUTDALE AP, OR US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Salem | Gresham |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 176,666 | 112,818 |
| Median household income | $71,900 | $73,608 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 37.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.3% | 15.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.64 | 2.68 |
Median household incomes in Salem ($71,900) and Gresham ($73,608) are within a few percent (ACS 2023).
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 20–30% 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 — 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
Is Gresham more expensive than Salem?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Gresham is 1.7% higher than Salem (105.421 vs 103.649, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Salem vs Gresham?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $73,608 in Gresham vs $71,900 in Salem — a 2.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Gresham compared to Salem?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $471,181 in Gresham vs $436,318 in Salem — a 8.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Gresham compare to Salem?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $55,940 in the Gresham MSA vs $48,750 in the Salem MSA, on total employment of 1,206,150 and 181,870 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Salem to Gresham?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 62 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Gresham, OR from Salem, OR?
The driving distance is 62 mi and the route typically takes 1h 26m via I 5 and OR 99E. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Salem.
City profiles: Salem, OR · Gresham, OR.