Fresno, 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 | Fresno | Merced | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 100 | 99 | Merced |
| Housing | 100 ($927) | 100 ($905) | Tie |
| Transportation | 110 ($3.50) | 117 ($3.50) | Fresno |
| Food & groceries | 89 ($365) | 80 ($328) | Merced |
| Utilities | 100 ($180) | 100 ($180) | Tie |
| Healthcare | 100 ($130) | 100 ($130) | Tie |
| 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 Fresno, CA or Merced, CA cheaper to live in?
Merced, CA is cheaper overall by about 1 index points (Fresno, CA: 100, Merced, CA: 99; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Fresno, CA vs Merced, CA?
A single adult needs roughly $35,000/year in Fresno, CA and $34,650/year in Merced, CA to cover basic living costs.