Dallas, TX 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.
Dallas
70.1
#1132 nationally
Merced
64.3
#1702 nationally
Dallas leads in cost of living index (105 vs 121). Dallas leads in walk score (46 vs 42). Dallas leads in median household income ($61,899 vs $59,233).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Dallas, TX | Merced, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 70.1 (#1132) | 64.3 (#1702) |
| Population | 1,304,379 | 93,692 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $309,590 | $397,570 |
| Median Household Income | $61,899 | $59,233 |
| Average Commute | 27.4 min | 27 min |
| Walk Score | 46 | 42 |
| Crime Level | Moderate-High | 21.5 |
| School Rating | 5.8 | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 105 | 121 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+22.2 | R+4.4 |
C-
70.1 Score
Dallas, TX
Big D - business and culture collide
Median Home
$309,590
Population
1,304,379
Crime
Moderate-High
Schools
C+
Southwest
View Dallas, TX →
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 →