Indianapolis, IN 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.
Indianapolis
73.5
#722 nationally
Merced
64.3
#1702 nationally
Indianapolis leads in cost of living index (89 vs 121). Merced leads in walk score (42 vs 31). Indianapolis leads in average commute (24.1 min vs 27 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Indianapolis, IN | Merced, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 73.5 (#722) | 64.3 (#1702) |
| Population | 887,642 | 93,692 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $232,142 | $397,570 |
| Median Household Income | $54,321 | $59,233 |
| Average Commute | 24.1 min | 27 min |
| Walk Score | 31 | 42 |
| Crime Level | Moderate-High | 21.5 |
| School Rating | 5.8 | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 89 | 121 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+27.7 | R+4.4 |
C
73.5 Score
Indianapolis, IN
The Crossroads of America
Median Home
$232,142
Population
887,642
Crime
Moderate-High
Schools
C+
Midwest
View Indianapolis, IN →
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 →
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