Merced, CA vs Provo, UT
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
Provo
73.8
#678 nationally
Provo leads in average commute (20.8 min vs 27 min). Provo leads in cost of living index (104 vs 121). Provo leads in median household income ($62,891 vs $59,233).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Merced, CA | Provo, UT |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 64.3 (#1702) | 73.8 (#678) |
| Population | 93,692 | 117,335 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $397,570 | $485,084 |
| Median Household Income | $59,233 | $62,891 |
| Average Commute | 27 min | 20.8 min |
| Walk Score | 42 | 44 |
| Crime Level | 21.5 | Very Low |
| School Rating | N/A | 7.8 |
| Cost of Living Index | 121 | 104 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+4.4 | R+39.8 |
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
73.8 Score
Provo, UT
BYU energy meets startup culture
Median Home
$485,084
Population
117,335
Crime
Very Low
Schools
B+
West
View Provo, UT →