Moving from Gresham, OR to Long Beach, CA
A move from Gresham, OR to Long Beach, CA covers 998 mi and around 18h 57m of driving through 2 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
998 mi Β· 18h 57m by car Β· CA β OR
Distance & route
| Route through | CA β OR |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 5, I 405, I 5 TRUCK |
| Major cities en route | Santa Ana, Irvine, Huntington Beach, Garden Grove, Orange |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Gresham | Long Beach | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 105.421 | 113.566 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 106.974 | 158.589 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.222 | 106.623 | 100.0 |
| Services | 125.114 | 170.433 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Long Beach is 7.7% higher than Gresham, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Long Beach is 7.7% above Gresham β $471,181 vs $857,861 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Gresham -0.5%, Long Beach +0.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Gresham | Long Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55Β°F | 65Β°F |
| January avg low | 37Β°F | 47Β°F |
| July avg high | 82Β°F | 81Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 40.7" | 12.0" |
Long Beach runs 10.2Β°F warmer on the annual average (54.7Β°F vs 64.9Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: PORTLAND TROUTDALE AP, OR US, LONG BEACH DAUGHERTY FLD, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Gresham | Long Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 112,818 | 458,491 |
| Median household income | $73,608 | $83,969 |
| Median age | 37.2 | 36.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 15.2% | 22.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.68 | 2.68 |
Median household income in Long Beach is 7.7% above Gresham ($73,608 β $83,969, ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Long Beach MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 746,160 | $48,810 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 570,740 | $35,580 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 516,960 | $40,560 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 494,430 | $39,510 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 461,490 | $33,530 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Oregon and California
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check California'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
- Donner Pass (I-80) and Tejon Pass (I-5 Grapevine) see chain requirements and occasional closures December through March.
- 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
- Dry climate: Long Beach sees only 12.0 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 (10.2Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Wildfire season in California typically peaks July through October β register for county emergency alerts during unpack.
- 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 California after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Long Beach compare to Gresham?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,490 in the Long Beach MSA vs $55,940 in the Gresham MSA, on total employment of 6,185,570 and 1,206,150 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Long Beach more expensive than Gresham?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Long Beach is 7.7% higher than Gresham (113.566 vs 105.421, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Gresham vs Long Beach?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $83,969 in Long Beach vs $73,608 in Gresham β a 14.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Gresham to Long Beach?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 998 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 Long Beach compared to Gresham?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $857,861 in Long Beach vs $471,181 in Gresham β a 82.1% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Long Beach, CA from Gresham, OR?
The driving distance is 998 mi and the route typically takes 18h 57m via I 5 and I 405. The trip crosses 2 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 Gresham.
City profiles: Gresham, OR Β· Long Beach, CA.