2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Bakersfield, CA vs Merced, CA

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Highlights
Are people in Merced older or younger than people in Bakersfield?
- The Median Age in Merced is 1.7 years younger than in Bakersfield.

Are housing costs cheaper in Merced or Bakersfield?
- Merced housing costs are 6.8% more expensive than Bakersfield housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Merced or Bakersfield?
- The average commute for residents of Merced is 0.9 minutes longer than it is for residents of Bakersfield.

Things to do in Bakersfield?
Bakersfield, California is an enchanting city with plenty of attractions to explore. Visitors can take in the local culture and flavor at the Kern County Fairgrounds or explore the scenic trails and gardens of Enchanted Forest Park. History buffs will enjoy visiting the Kern County Museum, while art lovers can explore galleries and theatres throughout the city. Outdoor enthusiasts can kayak down aqueducts or learn about natural wonders on a boat ride. With its warm climate, unique history and plenty of activities for all ages, Bakersfield promises to provide any visitor with an unforgettable experience.

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.

 Bakersfield, CAMerced, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock85,993329,725,481
 Median Income$69,014  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock29.638.4
 Avg. Home Price$349,300  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock9.3%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time22.64  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Bakersfield    75 Reviews

I am a millennial, born and raised here. As someone who wrestled with staying for years, there are a lot of valid reasons to not come to Bakersfield. Air quality, summer  More

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Over 4 years ago

I have lived here all of my life. 40+ years. It used to be fun and kinda safe but now it is so scary to go outside. We are literally a homeless dumping ground and there  More

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I moved here from Seattle 25 years ago, when it had a population of 200,000, and practically the only place to get coffee was a place called “Duke’s Ranch”. Why did I  More

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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

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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

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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

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