2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Merced, CA vs Arlington Heights, IL

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Arlington Heights or is it cheaper to live in Merced?
- Arlington Heights is 3.1% less expensive than Merced.

Which city has more affordable housing, Arlington Heights or Merced?
- Arlington Heights housing costs are 20.7% more expensive than Merced housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Merced or is Health Care more affordable in Arlington Heights.
- Health related expenses are 27.5% less in Arlington Heights.
 Merced, CAArlington Heights, ILUnited States
 Overall  Unlock105.7100
 Food & Groceries99.5  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock88.0100
 Housing110.3  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$363,900$338,100
 Utilities110  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock125.9100
 Miscellaneous108.7  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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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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Reviews for Arlington Heights    9 Reviews

Over 7 years ago

I’ve lived in this city my whole life and it is the absolute best. The people are so kind and always greet you with a smile. The education systems are very good and it  More

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Over 12 years ago

Downtown Arlington Heights has a lot going on, especially in the summer. There are good restaurants and other businesses, and the festivals/music are very good, too. A  More

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Over 14 years ago

After growing up in Deerfield, IL, there is no doubt in my mind that places like Deerfield and Arlington Heights have exceptional education for children. Education  More

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