Merced, CA vs Pasadena, TX
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
Pasadena
75.2
#490 nationally
Pasadena leads in crime level (15.5 vs 21.5). Pasadena leads in cost of living index (94 vs 121). Pasadena leads in median household income ($64,698 vs $59,233).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Merced, CA | Pasadena, TX |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 64.3 (#1702) | 75.2 (#490) |
| Population | 93,692 | 146,716 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $397,570 | $218,827 |
| Median Household Income | $59,233 | $64,698 |
| Average Commute | 27 min | 25.7 min |
| Walk Score | 42 | 43 |
| Crime Level | 21.5 | 15.5 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 121 | 94 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+4.4 | D+5.5 |
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 →
C
75.2 Score
Pasadena, TX
Mid-size Texas city with community character
Median Home
$218,827
Population
146,716
Crime
High
Walk Score
43
Southwest
View Pasadena, TX →