2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Merced, CA vs Lake Havasu City, AZ

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Highlights
Are people in Lake Havasu City older or younger than people in Merced?
- The Median Age in Lake Havasu City is 25.2 years older than in Merced.

Are housing costs cheaper in Lake Havasu City or Merced?
- Lake Havasu City housing costs are 16.9% more expensive than Merced housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Lake Havasu City or Merced?
- The average commute for residents of Lake Havasu City is 2.8 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 Lake Havasu City?
Lake Havasu City, Arizona is a scenic lakeside destination nestled in the foothills of the lower Colorado River. It offers residents and visitors an array of outdoor activities, attractions and amenities. With 300 days of sunshine per year and close proximity to Lake Havasu State Park, it’s easy to explore the area’s natural beauty. In addition to boating, fishing, swimming and hiking, there are multiple golf courses, zip lines, ATV trails and water sports available for recreation. Meanwhile, culture enthusiasts can enjoy art galleries, museums and theaters as well as a vibrant nightlife scene. With so much to do and see in Lake Havasu City, it's no wonder why this destination continues to draw people from all over the world!

 Merced, CALake Havasu City, AZUnited States
 Population  Unlock56,510329,725,481
 Median Income$52,305  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock54.838.4
 Avg. Home Price$373,000  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock6.2%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 Havasu City    21 Reviews

Over 4 years ago

First I want to begin this review by saying I am a young black woman who stopped here for 1 day on her way to California with my husband, who is white. Every  More

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Over 4 years ago

Unfortunately, many on the far-right like to “claim” Lake Havasu City, but that’s going to change very soon as more Dems move in and help to build the economy and add  More

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My wife and I purchased last year for a few reasons: we got tired of the people in California; city living and crime. Not trying to insult anyone just true. As we  More

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