Tualatin, OR vs. Gresham, OR: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
This article provides a cost of living comparison: Tualatin vs Gresham. It is perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life cost of Tualatin vs Gresham in 2025.
1. Housing Costs
Housing is typically the biggest factor in cost of living differences. Here’s how Tualatin and Gresham compare for common housing options:
| Housing Type | Tualatin | Gresham |
|---|---|---|
| Median 2BR Apartment Rent | $1,850 | $1,450 |
| Median 3BR Home Price | $550,000 | $425,000 |
🏆 Winner: Gresham. Housing costs are about 20-25% lower in Gresham compared to Tualatin.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs are fairly similar between the two cities. Expect the following average monthly bills:
- Electricity: $100-120
- Gas: $50-70 (higher in winter)
- Water/Sewer/Trash: $90-110
- Internet: $60-80
🏆 Winner: Tie. No significant difference in utility costs.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery and restaurant prices are comparable in Tualatin and Gresham. Budget about $400-500 per person for groceries and dining out. A few local differences:
- Tualatin has more upscale grocery options like New Seasons and Whole Foods
- Gresham has a wider variety of affordable ethnic markets and restaurants
🏆 Winner: Tie. Similar overall costs, with Tualatin a bit pricier for specialty items.
4. Taxes and Fees
Key tax differences between Tualatin and Gresham:
- Property tax rate: Tualatin 1.1%, Gresham 1.4%
- Tualatin has higher water/sewer fees (about $15/month more)
- Gresham charges a $7.50/month street maintenance fee
- HOA fees range $200-400 in both cities
🏆 Winner: Tualatin. Lower property taxes offset the higher utility fees.
5. Cost Summary Table
| Category | Tualatin | Gresham |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (3BR home) | $2,500 | $1,900 |
| Utilities | $350 | $325 |
| Groceries | $500 | $450 |
| Transportation | $200 | $150 |
| Taxes & Fees | $450 | $500 |
| Misc | $500 | $400 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $4,500 | $3,725 |
6. Lifestyle Fit
While Gresham is more affordable, Tualatin offers a few key lifestyle advantages:
- Lower crime rates and highly-rated schools
- Closer to major employers like Intel, Nike, Columbia Sportswear
- More upscale shopping and dining options
However, Gresham has benefits like:
- Better public transportation and MAX light rail access
- Larger lots and more affordable single-family homes
- Closer to outdoor recreation in the Columbia River Gorge
7. FAQ
Q: Is Tualatin more affordable than Gresham?
A: No, Gresham has a lower overall cost of living, primarily due to cheaper housing. See our full Cost of Living in Tualatin guide for more details.
Q: Which city has lower rent?
A: Gresham. Typical rent for a 2BR apartment is about $400 less per month than in Tualatin.
Q: Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
A: Gresham, by about $125,000 for a comparable 3BR house. However, Tualatin homes may appreciate faster.
8. Conclusion
Tualatin and Gresham offer a cost-vs-lifestyle tradeoff. Gresham is 15-20% cheaper overall, making it ideal for:
- Young professionals on a tighter budget
- Families looking for affordable single-family homes
- Those who prioritize space and don’t mind a longer commute
Tualatin is pricier but may be worth it for:
- Families seeking top-notch schools and lower crime
- Professionals who value a shorter commute to major employers
- Those who enjoy upscale amenities and are less price-sensitive
Ultimately, the choice depends on your budget, lifestyle, and personal preferences. Be sure to check out our other Monthly Budget Examples for Tualatin Residents for more insights.