Gilbert, AZ 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.
Gilbert
72.3
#903 nationally
Merced
64.3
#1702 nationally
Gilbert leads in median household income ($105,842 vs $59,233). Merced leads in walk score (42 vs 28). Gilbert leads in cost of living index (112 vs 121).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Gilbert, AZ | Merced, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 72.3 (#903) | 64.3 (#1702) |
| Population | 275,411 | 93,692 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $570,915 | $397,570 |
| Median Household Income | $105,842 | $59,233 |
| Average Commute | 27.8 min | 27 min |
| Walk Score | 28 | 42 |
| Crime Level | Very Low | 21.5 |
| School Rating | 8.6 | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 112 | 121 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+3.5 | R+4.4 |
C-
72.3 Score
Gilbert, AZ
Fastest-growing town turned family haven
Median Home
$570,915
Population
275,411
Crime
Very Low
Schools
A
Southwest
View Gilbert, AZ →
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 →