Merced, CA vs Santa Cruz, CA
Cost of Living Comparison
Merced, CA is more affordable by 11.6 index points
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Category | Merced, CA | Santa Cruz, CA | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 98.3 | 109.9 | -11.6 |
| Housing | 78.6 | 164.3 | -85.7 |
| Goods | 105.2 | 105.2 | 0.0 |
| Utilities | 158.3 | 152.7 | +5.6 |
| Other Services | 100.3 | 100.3 | 0.0 |
Income & Housing Comparison
| Metric | Merced, CA | Santa Cruz, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $64,772 | $104,409 |
| Median Home Value | $342,300 | $951,300 |
| Median Monthly Rent | $1,200 | $2,094 |
| Per Capita Income | $26,869 | $52,887 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Merced, CA or Santa Cruz, CA cheaper to live in?
Merced, CA is more affordable. The cost of living difference is 11.6 index points (Merced, CA: 98.3, Santa Cruz, CA: 109.9).
Where is housing cheaper, Merced, CA or Santa Cruz, CA?
Housing is more affordable in Merced, CA. Housing index: Merced, CA (78.6) vs Santa Cruz, CA (164.3).