Gresham, OR vs. Tualatin, OR: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Considering a move to the Portland suburbs in 2025? Here’s a rapid-fire cost of living comparison between Gresham and Tualatin:
- 🏠 Median home price: $450K in Gresham vs $600K in Tualatin
- 🏢 Typical 2BR apartment rent: $1,600/mo in Gresham vs $1,900/mo in Tualatin
- ⚡ Average utility bills: $180/mo in Gresham vs $200/mo in Tualatin
- 🥑 Groceries for a family of 4: $900/mo in Gresham vs $1,000/mo in Tualatin
- 💸 Property tax rate: 1.5% in Gresham vs 1.6% in Tualatin
This article provides a detailed cost of living comparison between Gresham and Tualatin. It is perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life cost of living in these two Portland suburbs in 2025.
1. Housing Costs
Housing is typically the biggest expense for most households. Here’s how Gresham and Tualatin compare:
| Housing Type | Gresham | Tualatin |
|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $450,000 | $600,000 |
| Typical 2BR Apartment Rent | $1,600 | $1,900 |
| Typical 3BR House Rent | $2,200 | $2,600 |
🏆 Winner: Gresham. Housing costs, both for renting and buying, are notably lower in Gresham compared to Tualatin.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs are fairly similar between the two cities, but Gresham has a slight edge:
- Gresham: Expect monthly utility bills around $180 for a typical household. Usage is fairly steady year-round thanks to the mild climate.
- Tualatin: Average utility costs are closer to $200/month. Rates are slightly higher than in Gresham.
🏆 Winner: Gresham. While the difference is minor, Gresham residents save about $20/month on utilities on average.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery costs are comparable in Gresham and Tualatin, with Gresham being slightly more affordable:
- Expect to spend around $900/month on groceries for a family of four in Gresham.
- The same size family in Tualatin typically spends closer to $1,000/month.
- Eating out and entertainment costs are similar. A meal out for two averages $50-60 in both cities.
🏆 Winner: Gresham. Grocery and daily living costs are about 10% lower in Gresham compared to Tualatin.
4. Taxes and Fees
Both Gresham and Tualatin have property tax rates slightly above the national average:
- Gresham property tax rate: 1.5%
- Tualatin property tax rate: 1.6%
- Oregon has no sales tax. State income tax ranges from 5-9.9% based on income.
🏆 Winner: Gresham. The property tax rate is 0.1% lower in Gresham, which can add up to hundreds in annual savings for homeowners.
5. Cost Summary
| Category | Gresham | Tualatin |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (Mortgage/Rent) | $1,600 | $1,900 |
| Utilities | $180 | $200 |
| Groceries | $900 | $1,000 |
| Transportation | $80 | $80 |
| Misc | $400 | $450 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $3,160 | $3,630 |
Figures above are estimates for a family of four renting a 2BR apartment. See monthly budget examples for Gresham residents.
6. Lifestyle Fit
While Gresham is more affordable overall, Tualatin offers a few key lifestyle advantages:
- Tualatin is more walkable and has better public transit access. The WES Commuter Rail connects Tualatin to Beaverton.
- Gresham offers more affordable housing options and space for the money. Lots tend to be larger in Gresham.
- Tualatin is closer to major employers like Intel, Nike, and Columbia Sportswear.
- Both suburbs are great for families, with highly-rated schools and ample parks and recreation.
7. FAQ
Q: Is Gresham more affordable than Tualatin?
A: Yes, the cost of living is about 10-15% lower in Gresham compared to Tualatin, mainly due to lower housing costs.
Q: Which city has lower rent?
A: Gresham. A typical 2BR apartment rents for around $1,600/month in Gresham vs $1,900/month in Tualatin.
Q: Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
A: Gresham. The median home price in Gresham is about $450,000 compared to $600,000 in Tualatin.
8. Conclusion
Overall, Gresham is the more affordable place to live, with lower costs for housing, utilities, and groceries. A household moving from Tualatin to Gresham could easily save $400+ per month on living costs.
However, Tualatin offers key lifestyle perks like walkability and transit access that may be worth the premium for some. It’s also located closer to major employers in the “Silicon Forest” tech corridor.
Ultimately, the best fit depends on your budget, housing needs, and lifestyle priorities. Be sure to compare your full cost of living in Gresham or Tualatin to make an informed choice!