Lake Forest, California vs. Merced, California

Cost of Living Comparison

The cost of living in Merced, California is 35.8% cheaper than Lake Forest, California.

You would need a salary of $32,080 in Merced, California to maintain the standard of living you have in Lake Forest, California.
Comparison highlights
• Overall, Merced, California is cheaper than Lake Forest, California
• Median Home Cost is the biggest factor in the cost of living difference.
Median Home Cost
60% cheaper in Merced
than in Lake Forest, California
Lake Forest, CA vs. Merced, CA
Compared to Lake Forest, Merced is:
  Homeowner
      No Child Care, Taxes not Considered
  35.8% lower
      Child Care, Taxes not Considered
      Child Care, Taxes Considered
      No Child Care, Taxes Considered
  Renter
      No Child Care, Taxes not Considered
      Child Care, Taxes not Considered
      Child Care, Taxes Considered
      No Child Care, Taxes Considered
  Food
  4.0% lower
  Housing (Homeowner)
  63.9% lower
  Housing (Rent)
  Median Home Cost
  Utilities
  8.6% higher
  Commute
  9.4% lower
  Health
  29.9% higher
  Taxes
  Childcare
  Personal
  8.1% lower