Merced, CA vs Oakland, 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
Oakland
62
#1880 nationally
Oakland leads in walk score (73 vs 42). Oakland leads in median household income ($85,459 vs $59,233). Merced leads in cost of living index (121 vs 155).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Merced, CA | Oakland, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 64.3 (#1702) | 62 (#1880) |
| Population | 93,692 | 433,823 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $397,570 | $717,798 |
| Median Household Income | $59,233 | $85,459 |
| Average Commute | 27 min | 32.1 min |
| Walk Score | 42 | 73 |
| Crime Level | 21.5 | High |
| School Rating | N/A | 4.8 |
| Cost of Living Index | 121 | 155 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+4.4 | D+53.6 |
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 Score
Oakland, CA
Gritty, diverse, and full of culture
Median Home
$717,798
Population
433,823
Crime
High
Schools
C
Pacific
View Oakland, CA →