Moving from Gresham, OR to Seattle, WA
The 183 mi from Gresham to Seattle translate to about 3h 43m behind the wheel through 2 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
183 mi Β· 3h 43m by car Β· WA β OR
Distance & route
| Route through | WA β OR |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 5, I 205, I 84 |
| Major cities en route | Everett, Bellevue, Renton, Kent, Tacoma |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Gresham | Seattle | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 105.421 | 111.133 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 106.974 | 92.814 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.222 | 103.972 | 100.0 |
| Services | 125.114 | 151.314 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 105.421 in Gresham to 111.133 in Seattle, a 5.4% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Seattle: 5.4% above Gresham on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Gresham -0.5%, Seattle -2.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Gresham | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 37Β°F | 37Β°F |
| July avg high | 82Β°F | 77Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 3.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 40.7" | 37.8" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Light snow year: Seattle gets around 3.8 in annually.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: PORTLAND TROUTDALE AP, OR US, SEATTLE SAND PT WSFO, WA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Gresham | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 112,818 | 741,440 |
| Median household income | $73,608 | $121,984 |
| Median age | 37.2 | 35.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 15.2% | 37.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.68 | 2.1 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 5.4% between Gresham and Seattle (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Seattle MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 225,240 | $54,470 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 197,190 | $97,870 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 190,190 | $48,950 |
| Computer and Mathematical Occupations | 171,820 | $140,760 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 167,750 | $40,980 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Oregon and Washington
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Washington'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
- 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 east of the Cascades peaks July through September; earthquake preparedness is standard west of the mountains.
- 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 Washington after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Gresham to Seattle?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 183 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Seattle more expensive than Gresham?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Seattle is 5.4% higher than Gresham (111.133 vs 105.421, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Seattle, WA from Gresham, OR?
The driving distance is 183 mi and the route typically takes 3h 43m via I 5 and I 205. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Seattle compare to Gresham?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $65,260 in the Seattle MSA vs $55,940 in the Gresham MSA, on total employment of 2,079,090 and 1,206,150 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Gresham vs Seattle?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $121,984 in Seattle vs $73,608 in Gresham β a 65.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Seattle compared to Gresham?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $868,680 in Seattle vs $471,181 in Gresham β a 84.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Gresham.
City profiles: Gresham, OR Β· Seattle, WA.