Moving from Bellevue, WA to Gresham, OR

Moving from Bellevue, WA to Gresham, OR covers 185 mi and about 3h 47m by car through 2 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully β€” the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.

185 mi Β· 3h 47m by car Β· WA β†’ OR

COL -5.1% Home values -68.9% Ξ” +1.5Β°F annual

Distance & route

Driving
185 mi
Drive time
3h 47m
States
2
Fuel (25 mpg)
7 gal
Route throughWA β†’ OR
Primary highwaysI 5, I 205, I 405
Major cities en routeSeattle, Everett, Renton, Kent, Tacoma

Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.

Cost of living

BellevueGreshamU.S. avg
All items (RPP)111.133105.421100.0
Rents92.814106.974100.0
Goods103.972105.222100.0
Services151.314125.114100.0

Gresham is 5.1% cheaper than Bellevue overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).

Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.

Housing prices

Bellevue β€” typical home
$1,516,154
Gresham β€” typical home
$471,181
Bellevue β€” typical rent
$2,630/mo
Gresham β€” typical rent
$1,600/mo

Typical home value in Gresham is 5.1% below Bellevue β€” $1,516,154 vs $471,181 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).

YoY change: Bellevue -2.7%, Gresham -0.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.

Climate

1991–2020 normalsBellevueGresham
Annual avg temperature53Β°F55Β°F
January avg low37Β°F37Β°F
July avg high77Β°F82Β°F
Annual snowfall3.8"β€”
Annual precipitation37.8"40.7"

Annual average temperatures in Bellevue (53.2Β°F) and Gresham (54.7Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).

Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: SEATTLE SAND PT WSFO, WA US, PORTLAND TROUTDALE AP, OR US).

Demographics

ACS 5-year 2023BellevueGresham
Population151,199112,818
Median household income$161,300$73,608
Median age38.337.2
Bachelor's degree or higher36.2%15.2%
Avg household size2.462.68

Median household income in Gresham is 5.1% below Bellevue ($161,300 vs $73,608, ACS 5-year 2023).

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.

Jobs & wages

Bellevue MSA β€” median wage
$65,260
Gresham MSA β€” median wage
$55,940
Bellevue MSA β€” employment
2,079,090
Gresham MSA β€” employment
1,206,150

Top occupations in Gresham MSA

OccupationEmploymentMedian 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.

Moving between Washington and Oregon

Washington income tax
no state income tax
Oregon income tax
9.9% top marginal

State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Oregon'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 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

  • 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 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.
  • Register to vote in Oregon after establishing residency.

Frequently asked

How much do homes cost in Gresham compared to Bellevue?

Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $471,181 in Gresham vs $1,516,154 in Bellevue β€” a 68.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.

How does the job market in Gresham compare to Bellevue?

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $55,940 in the Gresham MSA vs $65,260 in the Bellevue MSA, on total employment of 1,206,150 and 2,079,090 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.

How far is Gresham, OR from Bellevue, WA?

The driving distance is 185 mi and the route typically takes 3h 47m via I 5 and I 205. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.

When is the best time to move from Bellevue 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 185 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β€” see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.

How does household income compare in Bellevue vs Gresham?

Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $73,608 in Gresham vs $161,300 in Bellevue β€” a 54.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.

Is Gresham more expensive than Bellevue?

Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Gresham is 5.1% lower than Bellevue (105.421 vs 111.133, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.

Plan the move

Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Bellevue.

City profiles: Bellevue, WA Β· Gresham, OR.

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