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

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Highlights
Are people in Merced older or younger than people in Fresno?
- The Median Age in Merced is 2.1 years younger than in Fresno.

Are housing costs cheaper in Merced or Fresno?
- Merced housing costs are 3.7% more expensive than Fresno housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Merced or Fresno?
- The average commute for residents of Merced is 1.9 minutes longer than it is for residents of Fresno.

Things to do in Fresno?
Fresno, California is a great destination for adventure seekers and relaxation enthusiasts alike. Spend the day exploring the Forestiere Underground Gardens or pay a visit to nearby Millerton Lake. Enjoy some shopping and dining in Old Town Clovis or take in some of the city's art and culture with a trip to the Fresno Art Museum. For those looking for outdoor recreation, Woodward Park offers bike trails, camping sites, and disc golf courses. Whether you're looking for unique attractions or just an escape from city life, Fresno has something for everyone!

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.

 Fresno, CAMerced, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock85,993329,725,481
 Median Income$57,211  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock29.638.4
 Avg. Home Price$359,700  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock9.3%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time21.62  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Fresno    77 Reviews

I'm not gonna say this city is terrible, but it certainly has many issues that need to be taken care of and unfortunately the city council has done a poor job keeping up  More

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I've lived in Fresno my entire life and when I became an adult, I began to realize how much being a resident here really sucks, it might be cheaper than most other  More

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Lived here since 2002. I may be flamed for this, but.. total dump and I would rate 0 stars if I could. You only really move here to move out. As good as a gas stop.  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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