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

Modesto

California
120
VS

Gresham

Oregon
119

Modesto and Gresham have a similar cost of living.

$1,609/mo ↑ 7%
Median Rent
$1,508/mo ↓ 6%
$77,899/yr ↑ 6%
Median Income
$73,608/yr ↓ 6%
$415,600 ↓ 6%
Home Value
$440,000 ↑ 6%
$1,613/mo ↑ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,590/mo ↓ 1%
218,614
Population
112,818

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
9.9%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Gresham, OR, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $101/month cheaper in Gresham, saving renters about $1,212/year.

Median household income is $4,291/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $440,000 in Gresham.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Gresham — common questions

Is Modesto or Gresham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Gresham is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Gresham?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Gresham it's $1,508/month — a difference of $101/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Gresham?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $73,608 in Gresham. Median household income is $4,291/year higher in Modesto.
How do taxes compare between California and Oregon?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Modesto or Gresham?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/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.
View Modesto details → View Gresham details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Modesto and Gresham

Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley Gresham vs. Beaumont Gresham vs. Las Cruces Gresham vs. Springfield Gresham vs. Lansing Gresham vs. Odessa Gresham vs. Pompano Beach