1295 Esplanade Dr
MercedCA95348
Cheap Apartments for Rent in Merced, CA from $950 (43 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in Merced.
4159 Sattui Ct
MercedCA95348
2367 River Rock Dr
MercedCA95340
1495 Breezeway Ct
MercedCA95340
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Rent Specials
$950 - $1,5001 to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now
1680-1695 Ellen Ave
1680-1695 Ellen AveMerced, CA 95341
2407-2407 O St
MercedCA95340
70 E 12th St
MercedCA95341
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$1,095 - $1,395Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now
Brookdale Gardens
147 Brookdale DrMerced, CA 95340
Rent According to Income: A Look at Income-Restricted Rentals
Find income-restricted rentals and housing subsidies. Explore government programs designed to help low-income families secure stable, affordable housing.
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$1,100
Total Monthly Price
Base Rent$1,100
Total Monthly Price$1,100
958 Barney St
958 Barney StMerced, CA 95340
328 W 13th St
MercedCA95341
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$1,125 - $1,2501 to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now
Osito Apartments
2560 Midge AveMerced, CA 95340
2
132 W 18th St
MercedCA95340
1007 W 18th St
MercedCA95340
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$1,2252 Bedroom Apartments Available Now
1047 W 19TH ST
1047-1065 W 19th StMerced, CA 95340
1705 W N Bear Creek Dr
MercedCA95348
236-240 W 20th St
MercedCA95340
Renters Insurance 101: What It Is, What It Covers, and Why You Need It
From theft to fire to water damage, the unexpected can happen to any renter. Discover why renters insurance is one of the smartest and most affordable investments you can make as a tenant.
536 W 10th St
MercedCA95341
2597-2597 Glen Ave
MercedCA95340
1819 Q St
MercedCA95340
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1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments
The Retreat at Merced
1137 B StMerced, CA 95341
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1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments
Sierra Meadows
720 W 15th StMerced, CA 95340
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Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments
Yosemite Apartments
3270-3278 Denver AveMerced, CA 95348
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1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments
Laurel Glen
777 Loughborough DrMerced, CA 95348
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1 Bedroom Apartments
617 W Santa Fe Ave
617 W Santa Fe AveMerced, CA 95340
How I Find the Perfect Rental for My Clients: A Real Estate Pro's Guide
Finding the right apartment starts with three things: location, cost, and amenities. Get the insider perspective from a real estate professional on how to nail all three.
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Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments
340-347
149-163 W 11th StMerced, CA 95341
11 W 25th St
MercedCA95340
2307 N St
MercedCA95340
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Studio Apartments
46w18th
46 W 18th StMerced, CA 95340
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2 to 4 Bedroom Apartments
The Grove Merced
340 S Parsons AveMerced, CA 95341
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1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments
Ridgeview Meadows
2111 Cold Springs AveMerced, CA 95341
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Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments
2355 K St
2355 K StMerced, CA 95340
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3 to 4 Bedroom Apartments
Sunny View Apartments
988 D StMerced, CA 95340
What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much
Learn the official definition (spending 30% or more of your gross income on housing) and how to calculate your exact rent-to-income ratio. This guide offers expert tips on factoring in total housing costs (including utilities and fees) and budgeting accurately to avoid unnecessary financial strain.
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1 Bedroom Apartments
E12th 101
101 E 12th StMerced, CA 95341
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2 Bedroom Apartments
3372-3378 San Mateo Ct
3372-3378 San Mateo CtMerced, CA 95348
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1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments
Crest Apartments
341-351 W 21st StMerced, CA 95340
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2 Bedroom Apartments
1002kst
1002-1018 K StMerced, CA 95341
655 W 7th St
MercedCA95341
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Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments
Saratoga
669 Loughborough DrMerced, CA 95348
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Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments
Brookdale North
344 Brookdale DrMerced, CA 95340
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1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments
River Glen Apartments
2560 Glen AveMerced, CA 95340
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.
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1 Bedroom Apartments
147 N. Parsons Ave.
147 N Parsons AveMerced, CA 95341
4695 Jema Wy
MercedCA95348
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Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments
Tioga Apartment Homes
705-715 W Main StMerced, CA 95340
Showing Results 1-43, Page 1 of 1
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 | $1,397 | $1,095 | $1,700 |
| Cheap Merced 1 Bedroom Apartments | $1,399 | $950 | $1,900 |
| Cheap Merced 2 Bedroom Apartments | $1,626 | $1,200 | $2,200 |
| Cheap Merced 3 Bedroom Apartments | $2,024 | $1,600 | $2,280 |
| Cheap Merced 4 Bedroom Apartments | $1,898 | $1,046 | $2,400 |
Note: Properties with the Total Monthly Price badge include all required fees. Hover over the badge for details.
Browse Top Apartments in Merced
See all Apartments in MercedExplore Merced
Merced, CA Local Guide
Written By:
Staff Writer Local Guide Expert
- Merced Neighborhoods
- Nearby Cities
- ZIP codes
- Local Counties
Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in Merced, CA
Pricing Updated: 09/18/2026Current apartment rentals in the Merced, CA area range in price from $849 to $2,650 with an overall median price of $1,593. The three Merced neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are Central Merced at $1,250, Fairview Meadows at $1,250, and Southwest Merced at $1,300. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central Merced | $1,250 | $950 | 19 |
| Fairview Meadows | $1,250 | $1,100 | 12 |
| Southwest Merced | $1,300 | $990 | 16 |
| Downtown Merced | $1,395 | $950 | 57 |
| Gateways | $1,425 | $950 | 30 |
| North Merced | $1,595 | $1,095 | 18 |
| South Merced | $1,595 | $950 | 18 |
| Fahren's Park | $1,758 | $1,345 | 40 |
| Gardenstone at Bellevue Ranch | $1,758 | $1,095 | 35 |
| Reverie | $1,758 | $1,046 | 34 |
Cheapest Available Merced Apartments for Rent
The cheapest available apartment rental in Merced, CA is a 1 Bed unit found at The Retreat at Merced in the Central Merced neighborhood priced from $546. 340-347 in the Gateways neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $825. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Merced apartments for rent:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Retreat at Merced | One Bedroom/One Bathroom | 1BR, 1BA | $546 |
| 340-347 | 0BR/1.0BA | Studio, 1BA | $825 |
| 46w18th | 0BR/1.0BA | Studio, 1BA | $850 |
| 1680-1695 Ellen Ave | 1B1BATH | 1BR, 1BA | $950 |
| E12th 101 | 1BR/1.0BA | 1BR, 1BA | $1,000 |
| Merced Station | D2 | 4BR, 4BA | $1,046 |
| Brookdale Gardens | Studio | Studio, 1BA | $1,095 |
| 1002kst | 2BR/1.0BA | 2BR, 1BA | $1,100 |
| Osito Apartments | 1X1 | 1BR, 1BA | $1,125 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Merced, CA
As of September 18, 2026 the best value apartment in the Merced area is the $1.69 price per square foot Chateau with Garage Model at Village Terrace in the The Crossings at Fahrens Creek neighborhood starting from $2,055. The second greatest value Merced apartment is the 1422 Lansing St Model at 1422 Lansing St, Unit NA in the The Crossings at Fahrens Creek neighborhood starting at $1,850 with a $1.56 price per square foot. 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. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Village Terrace | Chateau with Garage | 3BR, 2BA | $1.69 |
| 1422 Lansing St, Unit NA | 1422 Lansing St | 3BR, 2BA | $1.56 |
| Bear Creek Park & Creekside Apartments | Sycamore Upstairs | 3BR, 2BA | $1.50 |
| The Villages | Yale | 2BR, 2BA | $1.68 |
| Shadowbrook Drive (1923-1933) | 2BR/1.5BA | 2BR, 1.5BA | $1.60 |
| Willow Glen | 2 Bedroom 1 Bath | 2BR, 1.5BA | $1.73 |
| 3310 R St, Unit B | 3310 R St | 2BR, 1.5BA | $1.59 |
| The Retreat at Merced | Two Bedroom/One Bathroom | 2BR, 1BA | $1.15 |
| 1047 W 19TH ST | Model 2 | 2BR, 1BA | $1.63 |
| 340-347 | 0BR/1.0BA | Studio, 1BA | $1.50 |
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.
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Navigating the Rental Market: Tips for First-Time Renters
Entering the rental market? Learn these simple tips and strategies to avoid common pitfalls and make confident choices. Rent with peace of mind.
Read ArticleReal Estate and Rental Term Glossary | ApartmentHomeLiving.com Renter University
From the letter A all the way to the letter Z, the Real Estate and Rental Term Glossary from the content team at ApartmentHomeLiving.com provides our visitors and shoppers with a little clarity and helpful guidance in navigating the real estate world through definitions and explainers for the top subjects and terms that someone may come across during the leasing, buying, or selling process.
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Quick Rent Budget Calculator
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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.
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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.
Merced, CAPopulation: 83,316
Ranked #410
in US Census Population by City
Best Local Schools in Merced, CA
Allan Peterson Elementary
Merced City Elementary School District
Public School - Grades K-5 (690)
7 out of 10
Herbert Hoover Middle
Merced City Elementary School District
Public School - Grades 6-8 (629)
5 out of 10
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 the price of a cheap apartment in Merced?
The cheapest apartment in Merced is The Retreat at Merced which is listed at $546, while the average apartment in Merced costs $1,593.
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 139 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 $1,059 which is $534 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
Rent According to Income: A Look at Income-Restricted Rentals
Written by: Robin Stewart
The idea of affordable housing can be subjective. Every individual is in a different place financially and vocationally. What one may easily afford could be a struggle for someone else.
How Commercial-to-Residential Property Conversions Help the Housing Crisis
Written by: Robin Stewart
Many housing markets throughout America share a common complaint: a lack of affordable rental properties.
Exploring Rental Options: Apartments, Townhomes, and Lofts - Oh My!
Written by: Robin Stewart
Where do you see yourself? When you think of home, sweet home, are you in a 3/2 apartment? Dreaming of a tall townhome? Maybe an industrial loft heavy on cool vibes is on your visioning board.
Practical Tips for Renters: How to Identify a Great Rental and Avoid Red Flags
Written by: Robin Stewart
Renters want to find a great apartment, the right place for them, one that checks all the boxes of location, rental cost, amenities, safety, and more.