2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Carlsbad, CA vs Merced, CA

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Highlights
Are people in Merced older or younger than people in Carlsbad?
- The Median Age in Merced is 12.9 years younger than in Carlsbad.

Are housing costs cheaper in Merced or Carlsbad?
- Merced housing costs are 71.7% less expensive than Carlsbad housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Merced or Carlsbad?
- The average commute for residents of Merced is 4.5 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Carlsbad.

Things to do in Carlsbad?
Carlsbad, California is a stunning coastal city in San Diego County that offers something for everybody. From its beautiful beaches to the bustling downtown area and vibrant art scene, Carlsbad has something to offer anyone looking to explore the city. With year-round sunny weather, plenty of outdoor activities such as surfing, kayaking and hiking, and world-class resorts and spas, there is no shortage of ways to enjoy your time here. Whether you're visiting for a day or planning to stay longer, Carlsbad will be sure to leave you with lasting memories!

Things to do in Merced?
Merced, California is a mid-sized city located in Central Valley known for its proximity to Yosemite National Park or Lake Yosemite making it an ideal spot for outdoor recreation.

 Carlsbad, CAMerced, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock85,993329,725,481
 Median Income$119,302  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock29.638.4
 Avg. Home Price$1,320,200  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock9.3%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time28.02  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Carlsbad    38 Reviews

I've lived in Carlsbad (92008) for 8 years now and really appreciate all that it has to offer. Yes, ALL of San Diego County is expensive, but Carlsbad has [possibly]  More

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Over 4 years ago

Carlson has the worst winters. It averages about 10 meters of snow per week. Every shop is  More

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Ok, I get it, the climate is mild and tolerable but even that is over-rated when you consider how many cloudy days there are in this town. The sun coming out at 3 and  More

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Reviews for Merced    44 Reviews

Merced is totally slept on - you want a little bit of everything CA has to offer, at a fraction of the price of other CA cities? Merced is the place to go. The town  More

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Over 5 years ago

Good place to live. More affordable than most of california. The city is growing and there is alot of business and growth here. Moved from the Bay area years ago and  More

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Great place to live. Lots of progress and changes coming to the city. Great place to raise a family. UC Merced is expanding and businesses are investing. Downtown is  More

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