Merced, CA vs Riverside, CA
Cost of Living Comparison
Merced, CA is more affordable by 8.2 index points
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Category | Merced, CA | Riverside, CA | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 98.3 | 106.4 | -8.2 |
| Housing | 78.6 | 129.3 | -50.7 |
| Goods | 105.2 | 101.4 | +3.7 |
| Utilities | 158.3 | 148.6 | +9.7 |
| Other Services | 100.3 | 101.3 | -1.0 |
Income & Housing Comparison
| Metric | Merced, CA | Riverside, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $64,772 | $81,041 |
| Median Home Value | $342,300 | $452,400 |
| Median Monthly Rent | $1,200 | $1,643 |
| Per Capita Income | $26,869 | $33,460 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Merced, CA or Riverside, CA cheaper to live in?
Merced, CA is more affordable. The cost of living difference is 8.2 index points (Merced, CA: 98.3, Riverside, CA: 106.4).
Where is housing cheaper, Merced, CA or Riverside, CA?
Housing is more affordable in Merced, CA. Housing index: Merced, CA (78.6) vs Riverside, CA (129.3).