Moving from Meridian, ID to Gresham, OR
Moving from Meridian, ID to Gresham, OR covers 410 mi and about 7h 34m by car through 3 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.
410 mi Β· 7h 34m by car Β· ID β OR β WA
Distance & route
| Route through | ID β OR β WA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 84, US 30, ID 55 |
| Major cities en route | Boise City, Nampa, Vancouver, Portland, Hillsboro |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Meridian | Gresham | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 98.391 | 105.421 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 70.695 | 106.974 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.179 | 105.222 | 100.0 |
| Services | 105.58 | 125.114 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL step-up: 7.1% pricier overall in Gresham than Meridian on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow typical home value is 7.1% lower in Gresham than Meridian as of 2026-03.
YoY change: Meridian 0.0%, Gresham -0.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Meridian | Gresham |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53Β°F | 55Β°F |
| January avg low | 26Β°F | 37Β°F |
| July avg high | 93Β°F | 82Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 17.6" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 11.5" | 40.7" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 53.2Β°F vs 54.7Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: BOISE AIR TERMINAL, ID US, PORTLAND TROUTDALE AP, OR US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Meridian | Gresham |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 124,865 | 112,818 |
| Median household income | $98,686 | $73,608 |
| Median age | 37.4 | 37.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29.3% | 15.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.75 | 2.68 |
Median household income in Gresham is 7.1% below Meridian ($98,686 vs $73,608, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Gresham MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median 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 Idaho and Oregon
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 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
- Lookout Pass (I-90) and Galena Summit (SH-75) require winter tires or chains during storms.
- Cascade passes on I-84 and OR-58 can require chains or close entirely during winter storms.
- Snoqualmie Pass on I-90 and White Pass on US-12 see frequent chain requirements December through March β check WSDOT mountain passes report.
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 far is Gresham, OR from Meridian, ID?
The driving distance is 410 mi and the route typically takes 7h 34m via I 84 and US 30. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Gresham compare to Meridian?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $55,940 in the Gresham MSA vs $45,320 in the Meridian MSA, on total employment of 1,206,150 and 372,470 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Gresham compared to Meridian?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $471,181 in Gresham vs $526,994 in Meridian β a 10.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Meridian to Gresham?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 410 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Gresham more expensive than Meridian?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Gresham is 7.1% higher than Meridian (105.421 vs 98.391, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Meridian vs Gresham?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $73,608 in Gresham vs $98,686 in Meridian β a 25.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Meridian.
City profiles: Meridian, ID Β· Gresham, OR.