2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Merced, CA vs Cortez, CO

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Highlights
Are people in Cortez older or younger than people in Merced?
- The Median Age in Cortez is 8.3 years older than in Merced.

Are housing costs cheaper in Cortez or Merced?
- Cortez housing costs are 25.8% less expensive than Merced housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Cortez or Merced?
- The average commute for residents of Cortez is 4.8 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Merced.

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.

Things to do in Cortez?
Living in Cortez, CO is an incredible experience. From the stunning views of the red rock mesas and snow-capped mountains to the small-town community feel, this area offers something for everyone. With plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy like fishing, camping, horseback riding, and rock climbing, it's a great place to spend time outdoors. The town also boasts a number of historic sites such as Hovenweep National Monument, Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, and Mesa Verde National Park. With so much to do and explore in and around Cortez, it's no wonder why so many choose to call it home!

 Merced, CACortez, COUnited States
 Population  Unlock8,742329,725,481
 Median Income$52,305  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock37.938.4
 Avg. Home Price$373,000  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock7.4%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time23.56  Unlock26.38
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 Cortez    6 Reviews

A digital nomad / nature lover's sunny, perfect weather paradise, at half the cost of touristy Durango. Cortez is Colorado's under-the-radar town that's mostly only  More

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I moved out to Cortez, Colorado after a 30 day trip around the US. Of all the places I visited, this was the place I deemed best to move for a multitude of reasons. It  More

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I've live on this area and cannot recommend it to anyone. Cortez and Montezuma county are horrible. School are bad. After meeting several local teachers I am surprised  More

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