Cost of Living in Merced, CA
Population 89,766 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
The Merced cost-of-living profile is closer to the US median than most headline-grabbing metros — typical homes around $348,000, rents near $1,293 a month. At 12.3%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Merced is about 35 miles southeast of Modesto, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 16% lower than Modesto's $416,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Merced
The median home value in Merced is $347,700 — 14% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,293/month, 2% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $59,938/year is 20% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 12.3%, above the national average of 4.8%. California's top state income tax rate is 13.3% and the combined sales tax is 8.7%. The climate averages highs of 76.4°F and lows of 48.2°F. Overall, Merced has a cost of living index of 108 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 8% more expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 56 | 62 | 68 | 74 | 83 | 91 | 96 | 95 | 91 | 80 | 66 | 56 |
| Low °F | 37 | 39 | 42 | 45 | 52 | 58 | 62 | 61 | 57 | 49 | 41 | 36 |
| Precip" | 2.37 | 2.20 | 1.82 | 1.12 | 0.55 | 0.12 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.05 | 0.64 | 1.02 | 1.91 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Merced, CA?
Merced has a cost index of 108 (100 = national average). It is 8% above the national average.
What is average rent in Merced, CA?
The median gross rent in Merced is $1,293 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Merced?
The median home value in Merced is $347,700 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Merced?
The median household income in Merced is $59,938 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Merced, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Merced is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Merced, CA affordable?
Merced is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 108 (100 = US average).
What is the weather like in Merced?
Merced has average high temperatures of 76.4°F and average lows of 48.2°F. Annual precipitation is 11.8". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Merced at a Glance
- Population
- 89,766
- Median Income
- $59,938
- Home Value
- $347,700
- Median Rent
- $1,293/mo
- Unemployment
- 12.3%
- Avg High Temp
- 76.4°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
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California Rankings
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