
Cheap Apartments for Rent in Merced, CA from $500 (8 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in Merced.


Sierra Meadows

Yosemite Apartments

The Retreat at Merced
Your Guide to Co-Signers: The Risks, Rewards, and Everything in Between
Thinking about getting a co-signer for your rental application? We break down what a co-signer is, the potential benefits, and the serious risks for both parties. Find out if it's the right choice for you.

Saratoga

Ridgeview Meadows

2355 K St

Sunny View Apartments
Roommate Matching: Finding the Right Fit and Avoiding Pitfalls
When searching for a roommate, follow this list of essential steps and set clear expectations to create a solid foundation for a harmonious living situation.
Merced, CA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Merced?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cheap Merced Studio Apartments | $1,130 | $1,095 | $1,300 |
| Cheap Merced 1 Bedroom Apartments | $1,381 | $825 | $1,695 |
| Cheap Merced 2 Bedroom Apartments | $1,495 | $685 | $1,995 |
| Cheap Merced 3 Bedroom Apartments | $1,609 | $1,049 | $2,040 |
| Cheap Merced 4 Bedroom Apartments | $1,208 | $549 | $2,500 |
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Merced, CA Local Guide

- Merced Neighborhoods
- Nearby Cities
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Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in Merced, CA
Pricing Updated: 01/26/2026Current apartment rentals in the Merced, CA area range in price from $549 to $2,500 with an overall median price of $2,057. The three Merced neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are Southwest Merced at $825, Central Merced at $825, and Claremont Reserve in Atwater at $1,000. Here is today’s list of the top 10 neighborhoods with the lowest median pricing for Merced Apartments for rent:
| Neighborhood | Median Price | Min Price | Available Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southwest Merced | $1,550 | $825 | 16 |
| Central Merced | $1,675 | $825 | 18 |
| Claremont Reserve in Atwater | $1,800 | $1,000 | 10 |
| Fairview Meadows | $1,850 | $1,250 | 4 |
| Mill House at Fahrens Creek | $1,917 | $1,250 | 27 |
| Gardenstone at Bellevue Ranch | $2,000 | $1,095 | 20 |
| North Merced | $2,000 | $825 | 33 |
| The Crossings at Fahrens Creek | $2,000 | $1,095 | 25 |
| Reverie | $2,200 | $549 | 26 |
| Fahren's Park | $2,250 | $1,250 | 39 |
Cheapest Available Merced Apartments for Rent
 The cheapest available apartment rental in Merced, CA is a 4 Beds unit found at Merced Station in the Reverie neighborhood priced from $549. The Retreat at Merced in the Central Merced neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $783. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Merced apartments for rent:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Merced Station | D2 | 4BR,4BA | $549 |
| The Retreat at Merced | One Bedroom/One Bathroom | 1BR,1BA | $783 |
| Brookdale Gardens | 0BR/1.0BA | Studio,1BA | $1,095 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Merced, CA
As of January 26, 2026 the best value apartment in the Merced area is the $1.57 price per square foot 2BR/2.0BA Model at Willowbrook Apartments in the in the Mill House at Fahrens Creek neighborhood starting from $1,600. The second greatest value Merced apartment is the The Harbor Remodel W/D Hook Ups Model at Bear Creek North starting at $1,795 with a $1.80 price per square foot in the Gateways neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Merced apartments based on price per square foot:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Willowbrook Apartments | 2BR/2.0BA | 2BR,2BA | $1.57 |
| Bear Creek North | The Harbor Remodel W/D Hook Ups | 2BR,1.5BA | $1.80 |
| Merced Station | B1 | 2BR,2BA | $1.41 |
| The Villages | Yale | 2BR,2BA | $1.70 |
| Northwood Village | 1x1 Evergreen Remodel W/D Hook Ups | 1BR,1BA | $1.75 |
| Willow Glen | 2 Bedroom 1 Bath | 2BR,1.5BA | $1.80 |
| Bear Creek Park & Creekside Apartments | Cypress Upstairs | 2BR,1BA | $1.72 |
| Village Terrace | Villa with Garage | 1BR,1BA | $1.84 |
| 1680-1695 Ellen Ave | 1685-D | 2BR,1BA | $1.80 |
| The Retreat at Merced | One Bedroom/One Bathroom | 1BR,1BA | $1.23 |
Don't Settle: How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money
Discover the insider tips from an attorney and real estate agent on how to negotiate your next apartment lease. Find out what's on the table and what's not, so you can save money and get the best terms possible.
Read ArticleThe Ultimate Long-Distance Moving Checklist: Tips from a Real Estate Pro
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Read ArticleCash or credit? Understanding the Importance of Credit Score in Real Estate and Renting
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Read ArticleQuick Rent Budget Calculator
How much rent can you afford?
The common "Rule of Thumb" is that rent should be no more than 30% of your income. How much is that? Enter your monthly income and click "Calculate My Budget" to find out.
Merced Overview
The city of Merced has great health and educational facilities, providing a high quality of life for the locals. Apartments in Merced are readily available both for those who wish to purchase a home and those who want to rent. The city has a number of parks as well as an emerging college town. The prospects of future job growth are great, making the city attractive to young professionals.
Why live in Merced, CA?
Merced city offers high quality of life and looking for apartments in Merced will give you a chance to experience this life. The size of the city will allow you to have the small town feel. There are enough shopping areas to meet your shopping needs and outdoor recreational opportunities are abundant. The levels of crime and drug use are low, making the city a great environment in which to live with your family. There are enough health and education facilities in the city, a factor that makes it easy to access the important services.
Best Local Schools in Merced, CA
Allan Peterson Elementary
Rudolph Rivera Middle
School data provided by Great Schools
Remember the 3 Rules of Real Estate:Location, Location, Location!
Explore Merced, CA Rentals by Map
See the most popular apartments and homes in Merced, CA
Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Merced Apartments
What is a cheap apartment in Merced?
A cheap apartment is any apartment up to the 30% percentile of cost for the area, which in Merced is under $1,350.
What is the price of a cheap apartment in Merced?
The cheapest apartment in Merced is The Retreat at Merced which is listed at $783, while the average apartment in Merced costs $2,057.
What types of apartments are the cheapest in Merced?
Student, low-income, and by-the-bed apartments are typically the cheapest rentals in most cities, though they require qualifying criteria to rent. There are 34 regular apartments in Merced that we think qualify as ‘cheap apartments’ that do not have special requirements to apply to rent.
How do the prices of cheap apartments compare to the average apartment in Merced?
Cheap apartments in Merced have an average cost of $787 which is $1,270 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in Merced.
Expert Rental Resources
The rental experts at ApartmentHomeLiving.com provide you with top advice, tools, and tips for understanding the leasing process and finding the perfect rental. Here are a few helpful rental and leasing articles from our experts to guide you on your search.
Articles, How-To's, and Tips

18 Must-Ask Rental Tour Questions That Reveal the Truth about a Property
Written by: Lauren Harrington
Renting your next home can feel thrilling and overwhelming at the same time.

A Renters Guide for Tips on Writing Your Notice for Not Renewing Your Apartment
Written by: Bob Mallory
Packing up everything you own to move is so stressful for many that ending your apartment lease can feel like a small or unimportant task. Ending your lease involves more than simply turning over your keys on the last day.

Renting with Roommates: Realistic Expectations for Shared Lease
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Given the high costs for housing, I have found that many people are looking for a roommate to share expenses. These arrangements can increase opportunities for more desirable and larger spaces.

Apartment Common Area Rules: What Renters Need to Know
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Back in the day when I rented one of my first apartments, the property didn’t even have laundry in the building. Now, rental properties are often competing against each other to provide the best amenities.