D
24%
Overall NAT. AVG.
4%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
63%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Gresham Oregon National
Cost of living124111100
Groceries104104100
Health care108105100
Housing163124100
Transportation108106100
Utilities109106100
Lifestyle & Entertainment106107100
Household Items104104100
Education & Childcare115109100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Gresham, OR

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Gresham? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Gresham stands at 124, making it 24% higher than the national average. The cost of living directly affects the affordability of one's desired lifestyle. Knowing the cost of housing, transportation, groceries and other essentials in the new area allows people to gauge whether they can maintain their preferred standard of living.

If you're in pursuit of an economical living environment, Gresham may not fit the bill, as it ranks among the most expensive places to reside in the United States. Just a minority of regions exhibit a cost of living that is more than 20% higher than the national average, and, unfortunately, Gresham falls within this bracket.

Housing costs significantly influence the Gresham cost of living index, typically accounting for a substantial portion of one's post-tax income. Regrettably, within this particular region, expenses related to both residential ownership and renting exceeded those observed in an average city by 63.2%. This entails elements such as housing and rental prices, mortgage interest rates and insurance costs.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Gresham?

The most insightful perspective on a city comes from its residents. We recently surveyed 8 locals to gauge their perception of the cost of living in Gresham. The feedback revealed that 38% of respondents found the cost of living to be reasonable, with prices on the decline, while 63% regarded it as notably expensive with prices that continue to rise.

Is Gresham Affordable?

Is Gresham affordable? This is a pivotal question, especially when mulling over a move, as affordability carries substantial weight in your decision-making process. Factors such as the cost of living index (discussed earlier), housing expenses and income levels all contribute to a location's affordability. For instance, in Gresham, the median home price is 78.6% higher than the national average and monthly rent prices are 27.1% higher than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Gresham boasting a median household income of $86,729, 6.6% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Gresham?

Taxes: Cities that enforce higher taxes, covering both sales taxes and income taxes, can be a factor contributing to a higher cost of living. Paying more in taxes for everyday essentials like clothing and food inevitably leads to higher expenses. A higher income tax rate can further contribute to an overall elevated cost of living. In Gresham, the baseline sales tax rate begins at 0%, and income tax rates start at 4.75%.

Transportation: If public transportation is limited or not available, residents may need to own and maintain vehicles, which can add to the cost of living. Gas, insurance, regular maintenance and potentially lease or finance payments will all need to be paid on a monthly basis. In Gresham, the transportation index is 8.1% higher than the national average.

Subsidies: Some areas might offer government subsidies or assistance programs that help lower cost of living for residents. These programs can include anything from Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and crop subsidies. Areas that offer less subsidies, could see an increase in their cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data for Gresham shown above is based on a U.S. average baseline score of 100, making it easier to compare how far your dollar may go from one city to another. Housing uses U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all remaining values are AI-assisted estimates informed by regional pricing, climate, transportation dynamics, and local economic factors. These scores are best used for directional comparisons between cities.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Gresham is 12% higher than the Oregon average
  • The cost of living in Gresham is 24% higher than the national average
  • Gresham housing is 63% higher than the national average
  • Oregon general sales tax is 100% lower than the national average
  • Oregon state income tax is 83% higher than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Gresham

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Compare Gresham, OR Cost of Living

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      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$120,893$10,074$2,821$3,627
      Renters$56,901$4,742$1,328$1,707
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in Gresham, OR, is the percentage of monthly income that should be spent on housing expenses, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Generally speaking, no more than 28 percent of your total gross income should be spent on your housing expenses and not more than 36 percent of your gross income on total expenses, including debts. In Gresham, the median monthly income is $120,893 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $2,821 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $56,901, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $1,328 on monthly rental expenses.

      Oregon Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Oregon 0% 0%

      Oregon Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Oregon 4.75% 9.9%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Johnson City, OR5548317.4%
      Wood Village, OR4,1821098.6%
      Walnut Grove, WA9,54611514.9%
      Hazel Dell, WA22,53212524.7%
      Fairview, OR9,68012423.5%
      Gresham, OR114,45812424.2%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Everett, WA114,50313333.2%
      Pueblo, CO114,377990.8%
      Lakeland, FL114,2881032.5%
      Miami Gardens, FL114,67211211.8%
      Lowell, MA114,17012625.9%
      Gresham, OR114,45812424.2%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.