Baltimore, MD 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.
Baltimore
75.5
#444 nationally
Merced
64.3
#1702 nationally
Merced leads in crime level (21.5 vs 44.0). Baltimore leads in walk score (64 vs 42). Baltimore leads in cost of living index (108 vs 121).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Baltimore, MD | Merced, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 75.5 (#444) | 64.3 (#1702) |
| Population | 565,239 | 93,692 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $189,754 | $397,570 |
| Median Household Income | $58,349 | $59,233 |
| Average Commute | 30.1 min | 27 min |
| Walk Score | 64 | 42 |
| Crime Level | 44.0 | 21.5 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 108 | 121 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+13.9 | R+4.4 |
C
75.5 Score
Baltimore, MD
Major Maryland city with a diverse economy
Median Home
$189,754
Population
565,239
Crime
Very High
Walk Score
64
Northeast
View Baltimore, MD →
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 →