2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Columbia, MD vs Merced, CA

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Highlights
Are people in Merced older or younger than people in Columbia?
- The Median Age in Merced is 9.3 years younger than in Columbia.

Are housing costs cheaper in Merced or Columbia?
- Merced housing costs are 15.6% less expensive than Columbia housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Merced or Columbia?
- The average commute for residents of Merced is 7.0 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Columbia.

Things to do in Columbia?
Columbia, Maryland is a vibrant city located in Howard County. From its lush green parks to its many cultural attractions, Columbia has something for everyone! Visitors can explore outdoor activities like Tribble Mill Park or take in some culture at sites like the Robinson Nature Center. Plus, those looking for an educational experience can browse places like The Mall in Columbia or the Banneker Historical Park. And when they've had their fill of activities, visitors can enjoy a delicious meal from restaurants like Quarry Lake Restaurant & Bar or Bob Evans. With so much to offer, Columbia is an ideal destination for a memorable experience!

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.

 Columbia, MDMerced, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock85,993329,725,481
 Median Income$113,592  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock29.638.4
 Avg. Home Price$441,800  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock9.3%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time30.58  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Columbia    28 Reviews

Over 5 years ago

Lived here for a while, beautiful opportunities, pays well, overall nice  More

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Been here 30 years was great at first but once they added a transit bus from baltimore to columbia 15-18 years ago that was the beginning of the end. And about 5 years  More

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Columbia can be described in one word: unequal. The neighborhood I live in, River Hill, is jam-packed with almost million-dollar homes, while the neighborhoods of Long  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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