Cost of Living: Tempe, AZ vs Gresham, OR (2026)

Tempe

Arizona
120
VS

Gresham

Oregon
119

Tempe and Gresham have a similar cost of living.

$1,623/mo ↑ 8%
Median Rent
$1,508/mo ↓ 7%
$77,643/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$73,608/yr ↓ 5%
$421,900 ↓ 4%
Home Value
$440,000 ↑ 4%
$1,554/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,590/mo ↑ 2%
186,419
Population
112,818

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
9.9%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tempe, AZ and Gresham, OR, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $115/month cheaper in Gresham, saving renters about $1,380/year.

Median household income is $4,035/year higher in Tempe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tempe is $421,900 compared to $440,000 in Gresham.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Tempe slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tempe vs Gresham — common questions

Is Tempe 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 Tempe and Gresham?
Median rent in Tempe is $1,623/month and in Gresham it's $1,508/month — a difference of $115/month.
Which city has higher income, Tempe or Gresham?
Median household income is $77,643 in Tempe and $73,608 in Gresham. Median household income is $4,035/year higher in Tempe.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Oregon?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Tempe or Gresham?
It depends on your priorities. Tempe has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,623/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 Tempe details → View Gresham details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Tempe and Gresham

Tempe vs. Brownsville Tempe vs. Paradise Tempe vs. Akron Tempe vs. Mobile Tempe vs. Providence Tempe vs. Newport News Gresham vs. Beaumont Gresham vs. Las Cruces Gresham vs. Springfield Gresham vs. Lansing Gresham vs. Odessa Gresham vs. Pompano Beach