Merced, CA vs Monterey, 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.
Merced
64.3
#1702 nationally
Monterey
62.7
#1834 nationally
Monterey leads in crime level (10.5 vs 21.5). Monterey leads in median household income ($98,003 vs $59,233). Merced leads in cost of living index (121 vs 192).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Merced, CA | Monterey, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 64.3 (#1702) | 62.7 (#1834) |
| Population | 93,692 | 29,116 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $397,570 | $1,179,065 |
| Median Household Income | $59,233 | $98,003 |
| Average Commute | 27 min | 19.1 min |
| Walk Score | 42 | 53 |
| Crime Level | 21.5 | 10.5 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 121 | 192 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+4.4 | D+29.9 |
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 →
D-
62.7 Score
Monterey, CA
Small California city with local appeal
Median Home
$1,179,065
Population
29,116
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
53
Pacific
View Monterey, CA →