Uprootmap
Merced vs Santa Cruz
Merced and Santa Cruz
Photo: Michael / Wikimedia, CC BY 2.0
Assumed income $83,730, same in both cities. Example, until you change it.
Other cities
So you know: homicide deaths in Santa Cruz are under the US rate in this release, 3.1 versus 6.5 per 100,000. CDC via County Health Rankings, CDC NVSS 2017–2023 (CHR 2025 release).
Why people look at Merced to Santa Cruz
In 2022-2023, 33 households filed a move from Merced to Santa Cruz (about 64 people, average adjusted gross income $55,727). 86 households went the other way. Source: IRS migration.
A one-bedroom asking rent is about $1,271 in Merced and $2,638 in Santa Cruz. Merced has a state tax on wages. Santa Cruz has a state tax on wages. Local pay in Santa Cruz is 98% of the national level for the same work, against 85% in Merced.
Santa Cruz averages 247 sunny days, with July highs around 77°F and January nights around 44°F. Merced is 255 sunny days, 105°F in July, 41°F in January. Commutes average 27 minutes in Santa Cruz and 31 in Merced.
These figures are projections built from available public data. Conditions change, and the numbers may not reflect current prices, taxes, or immigration rules. Check official sources before you make decisions.
Who already made this move
In 2022-2023, 33 households moved Merced → Santa Cruz (about 64 people, average AGI $55,727). 86 households went the other way.
Source: IRS SOI county-to-county migration. Not a moving company; not a recommendation.
The monthly number is take-home pay minus rent and the other bills. The gap between Merced and Santa Cruz changes with the job, remote or local pay, and bedrooms. How we figure this.
What the move itself costs
About 86 road miles, 1 bedroom. Typical ranges, not quotes.
- Full-service mover
- $1,600–$3,000
- Container or pod
- $1,100–$2,050
- Rent a truck
- $400–$700
Explore more
Dig into Santa Cruz
Questions
Is Santa Cruz cheaper than Merced after tax and rent?
No. Santa Cruz leaves about $1,214 less a month, so the cost of living is higher there for this household. A one-bedroom is about $1,271 in Merced and $2,638 in Santa Cruz.
Does Santa Cruz have state income tax?
Santa Cruz is in California, which taxes wage income.
Did people actually move from Merced to Santa Cruz?
Yes, when the IRS published that flow. The count and their average income are on this page. Leftover prices the same household in both cities.