Cheap Apartments for Rent in Merced, CA from $500 (11 Rentals)

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Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in Merced.

Roommate Matching: Finding the Right Fit and Avoiding Pitfalls

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Sierra Meadows
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Sierra Meadows

720 W 15th StMerced, CA 95340
Senior Living
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Yosemite Apartments
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Yosemite Apartments

3270-3278 Denver AveMerced, CA 95348
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Saratoga
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

Saratoga

669 Loughborough DrMerced, CA 95348
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Ridgeview Meadows
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Ridgeview Meadows

2111 Cold Springs AveMerced, CA 95341
  • Utilities Included

The Art of the Rental Viewing: What to look for during a property tour

Touring a rental? This guide helps you know exactly what to look for, from safety features to hidden flaws, so you can confidently sign your lease or keep searching.

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Tioga Apartment Homes
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Tioga Apartment Homes

705-715 W Main StMerced, CA 95340
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Brookdale North
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Brookdale North

344 Brookdale DrMerced, CA 95340
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Merced, CA Local Guide

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Staff Writer
Local Guide Expert

Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in Merced, CA

Pricing Updated: 07/26/2025

Current apartment rentals in the Merced, CA area range in price from $599 to $2,950 with an overall median price of $1,760. The three Merced neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are Central Merced at $895, Fairview Meadows at $1,400, and Southwest Merced at $895. Here is today’s list of the top 10 neighborhoods with the lowest median pricing for Merced Apartments for rent:

NeighborhoodMedian PriceMin PriceAvailable Units
Central Merced$1,300$8958
Fairview Meadows$1,400$1,4001
Southwest Merced$1,495$8953
Reverie$1,600$59944
South Merced$1,632$1,15017
Gateways$1,722$89531
Claremont Reserve in Atwater$1,825$8953
Downtown Merced$1,922$89534
North Merced$1,950$97512
Fahren's Park$2,010$1,15024

Cheapest Available Merced Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in Merced, CA is a 2 Beds unit found at Merced Station in the Reverie neighborhood priced from $685. Swiss Colony in the The Crossings at Fahrens Creek neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $1,300. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Merced apartments for rent:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Merced StationB2-42BR,2BA$685
Swiss ColonyNewly Remodeled StudioStudio,1BA$1,300
Grand Resort Apartments1 Bedroom Bungalow2BR,1BA$1,345
Willowbrook Apartments2BR/2.0BA2BR,2BA$1,455
Granville Luxury Apartments1BR/1.0BA1BR,1BA$1,500

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Merced, CA

As of July 26, 2025 the best value apartment in the Merced area is the $1.77 price per square foot 2920 Park Ave Model at 2920 Park Ave, Unit na in the in the Gateways neighborhood starting from $1,950. The second greatest value Merced apartment is the Del Mar Cottage-Remodel Model at Village Landing starting at $2,055 with a $2.00 price per square foot in the The Crossings at Fahrens Creek neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Merced apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
2920 Park Ave, Unit na2920 Park Ave3BR,2BA$1.77
Village LandingDel Mar Cottage-Remodel2BR,2BA$2.00
Willowbrook Apartments2BR/2.0BA2BR,2BA$1.43
Merced StationB12BR,2BA$1.43
Northwood Village2x1 Redwood Remodel W/D Hook Ups2BR,1BA$2.07
953 W 18th St, Unit 953953 W 18th St2BR,2BA$2.00
Granville Luxury Apartments1BR/1.0BA1BR,1BA$1.90
35 W 23rd St35 W 23rd St1BR,1BA$1.71
Swiss ColonyNewly Remodeled 1x11BR,1BA$2.07
Castle ApartmentsCastle One1BR,1BA$2.36

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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.

Remember the 3 Rules of Real Estate:
Location, Location, Location!

Explore Merced, CA Rentals by Map

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Getting Around Merced, CA

Walk Score®

53 / 100

Somewhat Walkable

Some errands can be accomplished on foot

Bike Score®

55 / 100

Bikeable

Some bike infrastructure

Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Merced Apartments

What is the price of a cheap apartment in Merced?

The cheapest apartment in Merced is Grand Resort Apartments which is listed at $1,395, while the average apartment in Merced costs $1,760.

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 40 regular apartments in Merced that we think qualify as ‘cheap apartments’ that do not have special requirements to apply to rent.

Expert Rental Resources

Helpful Apartment Articles, How-To's and Tips

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.

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Roommate Matching: Finding the Right Fit and Avoiding Pitfalls

Written by: Cheryl Bowman

A fantastic way to save money and enjoy a built-in community is to share an apartment. However, a bad roommate situation can turn your dream rental into a nightmare.

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The Art of the Rental Viewing: What to look for during a property tour

Written by: Marie Brown

You’ve scrolled through countless listings, walked through a blur of rentals, and finally found what feels like the one. The pictures? Fantastic. The neighborhood seems just right.

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Know Your Budget: Calculating What You Can Realistically Afford When Renting

Written by: Lauren Harrington

Renting an apartment or house isn’t just about looking through online ads, choosing a few apartments or homes you want to tour, filling out an application, and putting down a deposit. Those things are all necessary and important.

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The Freedom of Short-Term Leases: Exploring the Advantages for Renters

Written by: Bobbi Jackson

If you’re looking to relocate right now, a popular solution that may best fit your current rental needs is a short-term lease.