Chesapeake, VA 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.
Chesapeake
68.8
#1279 nationally
Merced
64.3
#1702 nationally
Chesapeake leads in crime level (9.3 vs 21.5). Merced leads in walk score (42 vs 21). Chesapeake leads in median household income ($92,703 vs $59,233).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Chesapeake, VA | Merced, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 68.8 (#1279) | 64.3 (#1702) |
| Population | 253,886 | 93,692 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $429,092 | $397,570 |
| Median Household Income | $92,703 | $59,233 |
| Average Commute | 26 min | 27 min |
| Walk Score | 21 | 42 |
| Crime Level | 9.3 | 21.5 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 119 | 121 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+3.8 | R+4.4 |
D+
68.8 Score
Chesapeake, VA
Growing Virginia city with expanding opportunities
Median Home
$429,092
Population
253,886
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
21
Northeast
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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 →