2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Merced, CA vs Lake Elsinore, CA

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Highlights
Are people in Lake Elsinore older or younger than people in Merced?
- The Median Age in Lake Elsinore is 2.2 years older than in Merced.

Are housing costs cheaper in Lake Elsinore or Merced?
- Lake Elsinore housing costs are 41.4% more expensive than Merced housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Lake Elsinore or Merced?
- The average commute for residents of Lake Elsinore is 20.6 minutes longer 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 Lake Elsinore?
Lake Elsinore, California is a vibrant city located in the heart of Riverside County. This welcoming community offers plenty for visitors to explore such as the Diamond Stadium or one of many popular restaurants. Residents here also take advantage of all the outdoor activities available at Lake Elsinore Recreational Area, The Wildomar Off-Highway Vehicle Areas, and Ortega Oak Preserve Park. With its excellent school systems, thriving businesses, and numerous recreational opportunities it's no wonder why so many people choose to make Lake Elsinore their home.

 Merced, CALake Elsinore, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock68,822329,725,481
 Median Income$52,305  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock31.838.4
 Avg. Home Price$373,000  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock7.6%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 Lake Elsinore    10 Reviews

The new comfort index for Lake Elsinore is 78. I lived in Lake Elsinore for 10 years, and there are usually 100+ days that the temperature is over 90, and several weeks  More

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8/23/2013 To someone thinking of moving to Lake Elsinore I really want to write this to you because I was in you position a year and a half ago. I was living in Delmar  More

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Over 15 years ago

How is the area near the Ortegas? I see a lot of families. Is this a good place for kids and  More

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