Rentometer, Inc. | Data as of 10/22/2025
Merced’s thriving metro rental market offers a diverse mix of apartments and single‑family homes that cater to students, young professionals, and growing families alike. With the University of California, Merced campus and a revitalized downtown, the city attracts a steady flow of renters seeking convenient access to education, employment, and cultural amenities. Neighborhoods such as Riverdale, West Merced, and the historic downtown corridor provide a range of housing styles, from modern apartment complexes to classic ranch‑style homes, all within walking distance of parks, dining, and public transit.
Renters can find studio units in both apartments and houses starting in the $1000‑range, while one‑bedroom apartments typically sit around the $1300‑range, reflecting the city’s balanced cost of living. Larger living spaces, including two‑ and three‑bedroom apartments, often fall within the $1500‑$1900 brackets, and spacious four‑plus‑bedroom homes can command rates approaching the $2400 range. This variety ensures that individuals and families can select accommodations that match their budget and lifestyle, whether they prioritize proximity to the Merced River, easy highway access, or a vibrant community atmosphere.
Beyond housing, Merced boasts attractions such as the Merced County Historical Society museum, the vibrant Merced Farmers Market, and nearby natural escapes like Lake Yosemite. These amenities, combined with a supportive rental market and a range of property types, make Merced an appealing destination for anyone looking to settle in California’s central valley while enjoying a welcoming, well‑connected community.
| Property Type | Bedrooms | Average | Median | Min - Max | 25th - 75th |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apartment | Studio | $1,158 | $1,050 | $975 - $1,450 | $975 - $1,450 |
| Apartment | 1 Bedroom | $1,325 | $1,317 | $650 - $1,695 | $1,240 - $1,500 |
| Apartment | 2 Bedroom | $1,464 | $1,565 | $840 - $1,845 | $1,250 - $1,691 |
| Apartment | 3 Bedroom | $1,754 | $1,755 | $1,170 - $2,550 | $1,270 - $1,995 |
| House | Studio | $1,073 | $1,050 | $895 - $1,300 | $1,000 - $1,300 |
| House | 1 Bedroom | $1,166 | $1,150 | $850 - $1,650 | $1,050 - $1,300 |
| House | 2 Bedroom | $1,707 | $1,650 | $1,100 - $2,500 | $1,500 - $1,800 |
| House | 3 Bedroom | $2,162 | $2,100 | $860 - $5,000 | $1,995 - $2,295 |
| House | 4+ Bedroom | $2,486 | $2,400 | $550 - $6,500 | $2,295 - $2,600 |
In the current period, the average rent in Merced, CA was $1,110 for Studio, $1,252 for 1 Bedroom, $1,575 for 2 Bedroom, $2,148 for 3 Bedroom, and $2,374 for 4+ Bedroom.
Data provided by Rentometer, Inc.