2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Waterloo, IA vs Merced, CA

Change Cities
Highlights
Are people in Merced older or younger than people in Waterloo?
- The Median Age in Merced is 7.2 years younger than in Waterloo.

Are housing costs cheaper in Merced or Waterloo?
- Merced housing costs are 208.3% more expensive than Waterloo housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Merced or Waterloo?
- The average commute for residents of Merced is 8.0 minutes longer than it is for residents of Waterloo.

Things to do in Waterloo?
Waterloo, Iowa is a charming city located in the heart of northeast Iowa. It features a small-town atmosphere combined with big city amenities. Residents here enjoy plenty of shopping and entertainment options such as Crossroads Mall or the National Cattle Congress Grounds. There are also several outdoor activities to take part in at George Wyth State Park or Sullivan Lake. With its strong economy, scenic beauty and amazing attractions, it's no wonder why so many people choose to call Waterloo their home!

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.

 Waterloo, IAMerced, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock85,993329,725,481
 Median Income$49,430  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock29.638.4
 Avg. Home Price$121,000  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock9.3%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time15.53  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Waterloo    5 Reviews

The bike racks recently installed on the MET buses was a great idea for a community that has numerous bike riders and  More

   |    Reply

Over 17 years ago

Unless you're into getting wasted on a regular basis there's not a lot to do here. Most people barhop for fun. Being someone who doesn't drink and doesn't enjoy being  More

   |    Reply

Over 17 years ago

So the weather is emotional here - on and off during the summer its hot and rainy, yet during the fall it is quite often beautiful. Winters can be long, and spring can  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Waterloo

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


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.