2026 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Merced, CA vs Lake Mary, FL

Change Cities
Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Lake Mary or is it cheaper to live in Merced?
- Lake Mary is 3.1% less expensive than Merced.

Which city has more affordable housing, Lake Mary or Merced?
- Lake Mary housing costs are 13.1% more expensive than Merced housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Merced or is Health Care more affordable in Lake Mary.
- Health related expenses are 14.1% less in Lake Mary.
 Merced, CALake Mary, FLUnited States
 Overall  Unlock105.7100
 Food & Groceries99.5  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock104.2100
 Housing110.3  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$426,100$338,100
 Utilities110  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock108.4100
 Miscellaneous108.7  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
DID YOU KNOW?

In order to keep your same standard of living your salary can vary greatly - whether you buy or rent, require child care, or want to include taxes. This is why we are now offering a Premium Salary & Cost of Living Calculator.

Our Premium Calculator Includes:
- Compare Cities cost of living across 9 different categories
- Personal salary calculations can optionally include Home ownership or rental, Child care, and Taxes (with details on state and local sales, income, property and automobile taxes)
- Includes the cost of Child Care for toddlers or infants, at a day care center or home care
- Grocery prices, detailed for 29 staple items in six categories
- Difference in cost of Utilities, including electric, gas and fuel oil
- Health Care Premiums and hospital expenses for major surgeries
- Taxes, Fees and Expenses you should know about, such as local car insurance rates, automobile taxes and registration, commuting costs.
- and 100s of other items you should consider before you relocate

Upgrade to Premium | See Example

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 6 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 Lake Mary    3 Reviews

I moved here from PA 11 years ago. I've seen this place grow and for the better. Everything is conveniently located. We have every store and restaurant imaginable,  More

   |    Reply

Over 19 years ago

A lot of shopping, nice and quiet residential areas, beautiful, great for  More

   |    Reply

Overall, a very nice place to  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Lake Mary


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.