Merced, CA

Average · 99

California · Population 89,766 · Updated March 2026

$1,293
Median Rent / Month
$59,938
Median Income
$347,700
Median Home Value
$1,352
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Merced

25.9%
Rent-to-Income Ratio
Moderate
Rent takes 25-35% of median income — moderate affordability.

Tax Burden in California

State-level tax rates that affect your costs

13.3%
Income Tax (Top Rate)
7.25%
Sales Tax
0.71%
Property Tax Rate

Estimated Annual Costs

$15,516
Annual Rent
$7,972
State Income Tax
$2,469
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Merced has a cost of living close to the national average, offering a balanced mix of expenses and amenities. With a cost index of 99 (where 100 equals the national median), Merced residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,293/month while earning a median household income of $59,938/year.

The median home value in Merced, CA is $347,700, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,352 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. With a rent-to-income ratio of 25.9%, Merced falls within the generally affordable range, though it's approaching the 30% burden threshold.

California's top income tax rate of 13.3% is among the highest in the nation, adding to the overall cost burden. Combined with a 7.25% sales tax rate and 0.71% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment is a factor in the total cost of living in Merced.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Merced

What is the cost of living in Merced, CA?
The cost of living index in Merced, CA is 99 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,293, median household income is $59,938/year, and the median home value is $347,700.
Is Merced, CA affordable?
Yes, Merced is more affordable than the national average with a cost index of 99. The rent-to-income ratio is 25.9%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Merced, CA?
The median gross rent in Merced, CA is $1,293 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $15,516.
What is the median household income in Merced?
The median household income in Merced, CA is $59,938 per year. This compares to the national median of approximately $80,000.
What are the taxes like in California?
California has a top income tax rate of 13.3%, a sales tax of 7.25%, and an effective property tax rate of 0.71%.