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

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Highlights
Are people in Merced older or younger than people in Irvine?
- The Median Age in Merced is 4.2 years younger than in Irvine.

Are housing costs cheaper in Merced or Irvine?
- Merced housing costs are 66.9% less expensive than Irvine housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Merced or Irvine?
- The average commute for residents of Merced is 1.6 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Irvine.

Things to do in Irvine?
Irvine, California is an exciting city with something to suit everyone's taste. Enjoy the beautiful beaches at Laguna Beach and visit the unique shops of the Irvine Spectrum Center. Visit one of the many theaters or museums, explore University Park or take a walk along the San Diego Creek Trail. For those looking for outdoor recreation, there’s no lack of option - from mountain biking and skateboarding to kayaking and rock climbing. With its world-class schools, sprawling parks, and entertainment venues - it’s easy to see why Irvine is such a desirable place to live!

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.

 Irvine, CAMerced, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock85,993329,725,481
 Median Income$114,027  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock29.638.4
 Avg. Home Price$1,128,000  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock9.3%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time25.13  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Irvine    42 Reviews

We've lived in Irvine since '87. We have raised two children within the ISUD. Both are grown up. Sure, there have been many changes since then.. the City has  More

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I've lived in Irvine for 2 years and in Orange County for 10 so I'm pretty familiar with the area by now and all it has to offer. Perhaps my review of this place has  More

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I wouldn't live elsewhere. I originally moved to Irvine in 2002 from the Midwest, not knowing what it even was. I left and moved around a great deal locally in OC,  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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