2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Merced, CA vs Fort Dodge, IA

Change Cities
Highlights
Are people in Fort Dodge older or younger than people in Merced?
- The Median Age in Fort Dodge is 7.4 years older than in Merced.

Are housing costs cheaper in Fort Dodge or Merced?
- Fort Dodge housing costs are 69.6% less expensive than Merced housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Fort Dodge or Merced?
- The average commute for residents of Fort Dodge is 9.4 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 Fort Dodge?
Fort Dodge is a city located in Webster County Iowa along U.S Route 20 near Iowa's border with Minnesota. Home to more than 24 810 inhabitants Fort Dodge's economy relies heavily on animal health care industry since it has become home to several pharmaceutical companies manufacturing products used both nationally and internationally this makes Fort Dodge one if not the main contributor when comes to producing health supplies needed globally unfortunately though not every inhabitant benefits from this riches however locals enjoy an array if amenities such as regular art exhibitions galleries minor league sports teams bowling centers shopping malls local festivals exciting events plenty off amazing eateries plus lots off other family attractions that make this charming little Midwestern gem an desirable destination you won't regret visiting!

 Merced, CAFort Dodge, IAUnited States
 Population  Unlock24,826329,725,481
 Median Income$52,305  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock3738.4
 Avg. Home Price$373,000  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.9%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

   |    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

Reviews for Fort Dodge    4 Reviews

Corrupt politicians always scheming to funnel public money to wealthy private interests, creating a welfare dependent economy that will be imploding sooner than later,  More

   |    Reply

Over 10 years ago

Before moving to the Fort Dodge area please consider other options. The city is a decaying town, streets have definitely seen better days and are filthy. There are not  More

   |    Reply

Over 15 years ago

I see that everyone is rather hard on Fort Dodge. I grew up and lived there until I married and (like a failed pioneer) moved east to Gettysburg, Pa. It was the best  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Fort Dodge


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.