Goleta, 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.
Goleta
65.8
#1608 nationally
Merced
64.3
#1702 nationally
Goleta leads in crime level (5.6 vs 21.5). Goleta leads in median household income ($113,889 vs $59,233). Merced leads in cost of living index (121 vs 192).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Goleta, CA | Merced, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 65.8 (#1608) | 64.3 (#1702) |
| Population | 32,665 | 93,692 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $1,364,943 | $397,570 |
| Median Household Income | $113,889 | $59,233 |
| Average Commute | 18 min | 27 min |
| Walk Score | 44 | 42 |
| Crime Level | 5.6 | 21.5 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 192 | 121 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+26.7 | R+4.4 |
D
65.8 Score
Goleta, CA
Small California city with local appeal
Median Home
$1,364,943
Population
32,665
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
44
Pacific
View Goleta, 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 →