Alameda, CA vs Merced, CA
Side-by-side comparison of housing, income, commute, safety, and quality of life.
Score Snapshot
No universal winner
Scores summarize the published model. Use the objective metric differences below and your own priorities to choose.
Alameda
63.4
#1768 nationally
Merced
64.3
#1702 nationally
Alameda leads in crime level (8.7 vs 21.5). Alameda leads in median household income ($129,917 vs $59,233). Merced leads in cost of living index (121 vs 206).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Alameda, CA | Merced, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 63.4 (#1768) | 64.3 (#1702) |
| Population | 75,353 | 93,692 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $1,156,096 | $397,570 |
| Median Household Income | $129,917 | $59,233 |
| Average Commute | 33.4 min | 27 min |
| Walk Score | 68 | 42 |
| Crime Level | 8.7 | 21.5 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 206 | 121 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+53.6 | R+4.4 |
D
63.4 Score
Alameda, CA
California community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$1,156,096
Population
75,353
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
68
Pacific
View Alameda, CA →
D
64.3 Score
Merced, CA
California community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$397,570
Population
93,692
Crime
High
Walk Score
42
Pacific
View Merced, CA →