Elizabeth, NJ 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.
Elizabeth
66.6
#1519 nationally
Merced
64.3
#1702 nationally
Elizabeth leads in crime level (11.2 vs 21.5). Elizabeth leads in walk score (80 vs 42). Merced leads in cost of living index (121 vs 126).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Elizabeth, NJ | Merced, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 66.6 (#1519) | 64.3 (#1702) |
| Population | 135,829 | 93,692 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $548,370 | $397,570 |
| Median Household Income | $59,939 | $59,233 |
| Average Commute | 26.7 min | 27 min |
| Walk Score | 80 | 42 |
| Crime Level | 11.2 | 21.5 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 126 | 121 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+24.2 | R+4.4 |
D
66.6 Score
Elizabeth, NJ
Mid-size New Jersey city with community character
Median Home
$548,370
Population
135,829
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
80
Northeast
View Elizabeth, NJ →
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 →