Garland, 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.
Garland
73.2
#772 nationally
Merced
64.3
#1702 nationally
Garland leads in crime level (6.4 vs 21.5). Garland leads in median household income ($71,044 vs $59,233). Garland leads in cost of living index (102 vs 121).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Garland, TX | Merced, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 73.2 (#772) | 64.3 (#1702) |
| Population | 243,470 | 93,692 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $287,246 | $397,570 |
| Median Household Income | $71,044 | $59,233 |
| Average Commute | 29.7 min | 27 min |
| Walk Score | 40 | 42 |
| Crime Level | 6.4 | 21.5 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 102 | 121 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+22.2 | R+4.4 |
C
73.2 Score
Garland, TX
Growing Texas city with expanding opportunities
Median Home
$287,246
Population
243,470
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
40
Southwest
View Garland, 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 →