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

Change Cities
Highlights
Are people in Merced older or younger than people in Gardena?
- The Median Age in Merced is 10.4 years younger than in Gardena.

Are housing costs cheaper in Merced or Gardena?
- Merced housing costs are 45.7% less expensive than Gardena housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Merced or Gardena?
- The average commute for residents of Merced is 4.4 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Gardena.

Things to do in Gardena?
Gardena, California is a vibrant city located in Los Angeles County. Gardena offers residents and visitors alike plenty of attractions and activities, such as the Gardena Valley Japanese Cultural Institute and Hermosa Beach Expressway Park. It is also home to a variety of shops and restaurants, movie theaters, bowling alleys, spas, fitness centers, and more. In addition to its lively culture and wonderful array of amenities, Gardena offers easy access to the beach and other nearby cities. With its warm weather and breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, Gardena is an ideal place to visit or call home!

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.

 Gardena, CAMerced, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock85,993329,725,481
 Median Income$68,413  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock29.638.4
 Avg. Home Price$686,300  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock9.3%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time28  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Gardena    6 Reviews

As an alumni of Maria Regina, I am extremely proud that I had the wonderful opportunity to send my children here. The quality of the Christian-Catholic education they  More

   |    Reply

1. Crime. Gardena is a relatively low income city and attracts a lot neighboring losers. You have to watch your surroundings at all times. One woman was severely  More

   |    Reply

My husband has a job opportunity in Gardena. We're considering leaving Seattle for the first time in our lives and moving to LA. We love our home and neighborhood, but  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Gardena

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

   |    Reply

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

   |    Reply

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

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Merced


Premium Subscription
Includes Cost of Living compares for child care, utilities, transportation, health, taxes, housing for home owners vs renters, weather, insurance premiums and so much more.


The premier source for comprehensive city data for over 30 years.

© Best Places. All rights reserved.