Escondido, 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.
Escondido
61.3
#1912 nationally
Merced
64.3
#1702 nationally
Escondido leads in crime level (11.9 vs 21.5). Escondido leads in median household income ($77,554 vs $59,233). Merced leads in cost of living index (121 vs 150).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Escondido, CA | Merced, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 61.3 (#1912) | 64.3 (#1702) |
| Population | 148,122 | 93,692 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $796,994 | $397,570 |
| Median Household Income | $77,554 | $59,233 |
| Average Commute | 27.7 min | 27 min |
| Walk Score | 45 | 42 |
| Crime Level | 11.9 | 21.5 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 150 | 121 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+16.8 | R+4.4 |
D-
61.3 Score
Escondido, CA
Mid-size California city with community character
Median Home
$796,994
Population
148,122
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
45
Pacific
View Escondido, 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 →