Merced, CA vs San Mateo, 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
San Mateo
63
#1808 nationally
San Mateo leads in crime level (6.7 vs 21.5). San Mateo leads in median household income ($149,152 vs $59,233). Merced leads in cost of living index (121 vs 249).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Merced, CA | San Mateo, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 64.3 (#1702) | 63 (#1808) |
| Population | 93,692 | 101,327 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $397,570 | $1,685,162 |
| Median Household Income | $59,233 | $149,152 |
| Average Commute | 27 min | 28.5 min |
| Walk Score | 42 | 68 |
| Crime Level | 21.5 | 6.7 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 121 | 249 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+4.4 | D+50.3 |
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
63 Score
San Mateo, CA
Mid-size California city with community character
Median Home
$1,685,162
Population
101,327
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
68
Pacific
View San Mateo, CA →