Gardner, MA 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.
Gardner
66.9
#1484 nationally
Merced
64.3
#1702 nationally
Gardner leads in crime level (9.0 vs 21.5). Merced leads in average commute (27 min vs 31.7 min). Gardner leads in cost of living index (109 vs 121).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Gardner, MA | Merced, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 66.9 (#1484) | 64.3 (#1702) |
| Population | 20,974 | 93,692 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $379,602 | $397,570 |
| Median Household Income | $56,974 | $59,233 |
| Average Commute | 31.7 min | 27 min |
| Walk Score | 39 | 42 |
| Crime Level | 9.0 | 21.5 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 109 | 121 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+10.0 | R+4.4 |
D
66.9 Score
Gardner, MA
Small Massachusetts city with local appeal
Median Home
$379,602
Population
20,974
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
39
Northeast
View Gardner, MA →
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 →