Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs Gresham, OR (2026)

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Gresham

Oregon
119

Raleigh is 8% cheaper than Gresham.

$1,468/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,508/mo ↑ 3%
$82,424/yr ↑ 12%
Median Income
$73,608/yr ↓ 11%
$377,800 ↓ 14%
Home Value
$440,000 ↑ 16%
$1,487/mo ↓ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,590/mo ↑ 7%
470,763
Population
112,818

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
9.9%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Gresham, OR, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $8,816/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $440,000 in Gresham.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Raleigh slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Gresham — common questions

Is Raleigh or Gresham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Raleigh is cheaper to live in with an index of 110 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Gresham?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Gresham it's $1,508/month — a difference of $40/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Gresham?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $73,608 in Gresham. Median household income is $8,816/year higher in Raleigh.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Oregon?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or Gresham?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/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 Raleigh details → View Gresham details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Raleigh and Gresham

Raleigh vs. Colorado Springs Raleigh vs. Long Beach Raleigh vs. Omaha Raleigh vs. Virginia Beach Raleigh vs. Atlanta Raleigh vs. Miami Gresham vs. Beaumont Gresham vs. Las Cruces Gresham vs. Springfield Gresham vs. Lansing Gresham vs. Odessa Gresham vs. Pompano Beach