Merced, CA vs Modesto, CA

Merced is moderately more affordable than Modesto, with a 14.3% lower cost of living index. Merced scores 103 compared to 120 for Modesto, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Modesto can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Merced is $1,293/month compared to $1,609/month in Modesto — a 20% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Merced is more affordable at $347,700 median vs $415,600.

Median household income in Merced is $59,938 compared to $77,899 in Modesto (-23.1%). While Modesto is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Merced spend roughly 25.9% of their income on rent, more than the 24.8% in Modesto.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (62.3°F vs 63.1°F). Modesto receives more rainfall at 12.3" per year compared to 11.8" in Merced.