Merced, CA vs Santa Maria, CA
Cost of Living Comparison
Merced, CA is more affordable by 10.5 index points
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Category | Merced, CA | Santa Maria, CA | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 98.3 | 108.8 | -10.5 |
| Housing | 78.6 | 151.4 | -72.8 |
| Goods | 105.2 | 105.2 | 0.0 |
| Utilities | 158.3 | 149.8 | +8.5 |
| Other Services | 100.3 | 100.3 | 0.0 |
Income & Housing Comparison
| Metric | Merced, CA | Santa Maria, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $64,772 | $92,332 |
| Median Home Value | $342,300 | $714,800 |
| Median Monthly Rent | $1,200 | $1,964 |
| Per Capita Income | $26,869 | $44,635 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Merced, CA or Santa Maria, CA cheaper to live in?
Merced, CA is more affordable. The cost of living difference is 10.5 index points (Merced, CA: 98.3, Santa Maria, CA: 108.8).
Where is housing cheaper, Merced, CA or Santa Maria, CA?
Housing is more affordable in Merced, CA. Housing index: Merced, CA (78.6) vs Santa Maria, CA (151.4).