Moving from Gresham, OR to Santa Ana, CA
A move from Gresham, OR to Santa Ana, CA covers 1008 mi and around 19h 8m 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.
1008 mi Β· 19h 8m by car Β· CA β OR
Distance & route
| Route through | CA β OR |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 5, I 5 TRUCK, I 205 |
| Major cities en route | Irvine, Huntington Beach, Garden Grove, Costa Mesa, Anaheim |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Gresham | Santa Ana | 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 |
BEA RPP moves from 105.421 in Gresham to 113.566 in Santa Ana, a 7.7% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Santa Ana: 7.7% above Gresham on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Gresham -0.5%, Santa Ana -0.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Gresham | Santa Ana |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55Β°F | 66Β°F |
| January avg low | 37Β°F | 49Β°F |
| July avg high | 82Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 40.7" | 12.5" |
Santa Ana runs 11.4Β°F warmer on the annual average (54.7Β°F vs 66.1Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Effectively snow-free year in Santa Ana β NOAA normals show near-zero annual snowfall.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: PORTLAND TROUTDALE AP, OR US, SANTA ANA FIRE STN, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Gresham | Santa Ana |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 112,818 | 311,639 |
| Median household income | $73,608 | $88,354 |
| Median age | 37.2 | 34.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 15.2% | 12.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.68 | 3.91 |
Median household income in Santa Ana is 7.7% above Gresham ($73,608 vs $88,354, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Santa Ana 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: Santa Ana sees only 12.5 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 (11.4Β°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 household income compare in Gresham vs Santa Ana?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $88,354 in Santa Ana vs $73,608 in Gresham β a 20.0% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Santa Ana, CA from Gresham, OR?
The driving distance is 1008 mi and the route typically takes 19h 8m via I 5 and I 5 TRUCK. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Santa Ana compared to Gresham?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $866,066 in Santa Ana vs $471,181 in Gresham β a 83.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Santa Ana compare to Gresham?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,490 in the Santa Ana 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.
When is the best time to move from Gresham to Santa Ana?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1008 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Santa Ana more expensive than Gresham?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Santa Ana is 7.7% higher than Gresham (113.566 vs 105.421, 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 Gresham.
City profiles: Gresham, OR Β· Santa Ana, CA.