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

Pasadena

California
220
VS

Gresham

Oregon
119

Pasadena is 85% more expensive than Gresham.

$2,218/mo ↑ 47%
Median Rent
$1,508/mo ↓ 32%
$103,778/yr ↑ 41%
Median Income
$73,608/yr ↓ 29%
$1,045,000 ↑ 138%
Home Value
$440,000 ↓ 58%
$2,340/mo ↑ 47%
Owner Costs
$1,590/mo ↓ 32%
136,462
Population
112,818

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pasadena, CA and Gresham, OR, the overall cost of living indices are 220 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $710/month cheaper in Gresham, saving renters about $8,520/year.

Median household income is $30,170/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pasadena is $1,045,000 compared to $440,000 in Gresham.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pasadena vs Gresham — common questions

Is Pasadena or Gresham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Gresham is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pasadena and Gresham?
Median rent in Pasadena is $2,218/month and in Gresham it's $1,508/month — a difference of $710/month.
Which city has higher income, Pasadena or Gresham?
Median household income is $103,778 in Pasadena and $73,608 in Gresham. Median household income is $30,170/year higher in Pasadena.
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 Pasadena or Gresham?
It depends on your priorities. Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with median rent of $2,218/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 Pasadena details → View Gresham details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Pasadena and Gresham

Pasadena vs. Dayton Pasadena vs. Miramar Pasadena vs. Cedar Rapids Pasadena vs. Victorville Pasadena vs. Hampton Pasadena vs. Elizabeth Gresham vs. Beaumont Gresham vs. Las Cruces Gresham vs. Springfield Gresham vs. Lansing Gresham vs. Odessa Gresham vs. Pompano Beach