Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Gresham, OR (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Gresham

Oregon
119

Boston is 48% more expensive than Gresham.

$2,093/mo ↑ 39%
Median Rent
$1,508/mo ↓ 28%
$94,755/yr ↑ 29%
Median Income
$73,608/yr ↓ 22%
$710,400 ↑ 61%
Home Value
$440,000 ↓ 38%
$2,176/mo ↑ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,590/mo ↓ 27%
663,972
Population
112,818

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
9.9%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
0%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Gresham, OR, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $585/month cheaper in Gresham, saving renters about $7,020/year.

Median household income is $21,147/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $440,000 in Gresham.

Massachusetts has a lower income tax rate, making Boston slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Gresham — common questions

Is Boston or Gresham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Gresham is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Gresham?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Gresham it's $1,508/month — a difference of $585/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Gresham?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $73,608 in Gresham. Median household income is $21,147/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Oregon?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Gresham?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/mo, while Gresham has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,508/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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