Clearwater, FL 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.
Clearwater
70.9
#1044 nationally
Merced
64.3
#1702 nationally
Clearwater leads in crime level (6.0 vs 21.5). Clearwater leads in average commute (22.8 min vs 27 min). Clearwater leads in cost of living index (111 vs 121).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Clearwater, FL | Merced, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 70.9 (#1044) | 64.3 (#1702) |
| Population | 116,850 | 93,692 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $346,065 | $397,570 |
| Median Household Income | $59,358 | $59,233 |
| Average Commute | 22.8 min | 27 min |
| Walk Score | 42 | 42 |
| Crime Level | 6.0 | 21.5 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 111 | 121 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+5.2 | R+4.4 |
C-
70.9 Score
Clearwater, FL
Mid-size Florida city with community character
Median Home
$346,065
Population
116,850
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
42
Southeast
View Clearwater, FL →
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 →