Fremont, CA vs Merced, CA: Cost of Living Comparison
Merced has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Fremont | Merced | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 261 | 99 | Merced |
| Housing | 370 ($2,034) | 100 ($905) | Merced |
| Transportation | 101 ($3.50) | 117 ($3.50) | Fremont |
| Food & groceries | 236 ($968) | 80 ($328) | Merced |
| Utilities | 235 ($666) | 100 ($180) | Merced |
| Healthcare | 235 ($481) | 100 ($130) | Merced |
| Median annual wage | 120 ($58,240) | 120 ($58,240) | Tie |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fremont, CA or Merced, CA cheaper to live in?
Merced, CA is cheaper overall by about 162 index points (Fremont, CA: 261, Merced, CA: 99; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Fremont, CA vs Merced, CA?
A single adult needs roughly $91,350/year in Fremont, CA and $34,650/year in Merced, CA to cover basic living costs.