Gresham, OR vs Santa Maria, CA: 119 vs 137

$1,508/mo ↓ 18%

Median Rent

$1,842/mo ↑ 22%

$73,608/yr ↓ 13%

Median Income

$84,617/yr ↑ 15%

$440,000 ↓ 8%

Home Value

$478,200 ↑ 9%

$1,590/mo ↓ 11%

Owner Costs

$1,789/mo ↑ 13%

112,818

Population

109,880

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Gresham, OR and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 119 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $334/month cheaper in Gresham, saving renters about $4,008/year.

Median household income is $11,009/year higher in Santa Maria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Gresham is $440,000 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

Oregon has a lower income tax rate, making Gresham slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Gresham vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is Gresham or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Gresham is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 137 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Gresham and Santa Maria?

Median rent in Gresham is $1,508/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $334/month.

Which city has higher income, Gresham or Santa Maria?

Median household income is $73,608 in Gresham and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $11,009/year higher in Santa Maria.

How do taxes compare between Oregon and California?

Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.

Should I move to Gresham or Santa Maria?

It depends on your priorities. Gresham has a cost index of 119 with median rent of $1,508/mo, while Santa Maria has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,842/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.

Cost of Living: Gresham, OR vs Santa Maria, CA (2026)

Gresham

Santa Maria

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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