Merced, CA vs Orinda, 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.
Merced
64.3
#1702 nationally
Orinda
60
#1942 nationally
Orinda leads in crime level (1.6 vs 21.5). Merced leads in walk score (42 vs 9). Orinda leads in median household income ($250,001 vs $59,233).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Merced, CA | Orinda, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 64.3 (#1702) | 60 (#1942) |
| Population | 93,692 | 19,364 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $397,570 | $1,987,799 |
| Median Household Income | $59,233 | $250,001 |
| Average Commute | 27 min | 35.6 min |
| Walk Score | 42 | 9 |
| Crime Level | 21.5 | 1.6 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 121 | 275 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+4.4 | D+38.0 |
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 →
D-
60 Score
Orinda, CA
Small California city with local appeal
Median Home
$1,987,799
Population
19,364
Crime
Low
Walk Score
9
Pacific
View Orinda, CA →