Bethlehem, PA 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.
Bethlehem
74.1
#632 nationally
Merced
64.3
#1702 nationally
Bethlehem leads in crime level (5.6 vs 21.5). Bethlehem leads in walk score (59 vs 42). Bethlehem leads in cost of living index (99 vs 121).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Bethlehem, PA | Merced, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 74.1 (#632) | 64.3 (#1702) |
| Population | 78,300 | 93,692 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $364,711 | $397,570 |
| Median Household Income | $62,072 | $59,233 |
| Average Commute | 22.6 min | 27 min |
| Walk Score | 59 | 42 |
| Crime Level | 5.6 | 21.5 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 99 | 121 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+2.7 | R+4.4 |
C
74.1 Score
Bethlehem, PA
Pennsylvania community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$364,711
Population
78,300
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
59
Northeast
View Bethlehem, PA →
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 →