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Cheap Apartments for Rent in Merced, CA from $500 (9 Rentals)
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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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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.
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Merced, CA Local Guide
Main Street in Merced California
by Wiki User: Amadscientist is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0
How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Merced?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cheap Merced Studio Apartments | $1,185 | $1,100 | $1,300 |
| Cheap Merced 1 Bedroom Apartments | $1,441 | $825 | $1,745 |
| Cheap Merced 2 Bedroom Apartments | $1,554 | $685 | $1,995 |
| Cheap Merced 3 Bedroom Apartments | $1,721 | $1,170 | $2,040 |
| Cheap Merced 4 Bedroom Apartments | $1,367 | $599 | $2,600 |
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
- School Districts
Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in Merced, CA
Pricing Updated: 12/11/2025Current apartment rentals in the Merced, CA area range in price from $600 to $3,000 with an overall median price of $2,381. The three Merced neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are Claremont Reserve in Atwater at $1,975, Gateways at $1,100, and North Merced at $1,750. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Claremont Reserve in Atwater | $1,975 | $1,975 | 1 |
| Gateways | $2,000 | $1,100 | 10 |
| North Merced | $2,022 | $1,750 | 7 |
| Central Merced | $2,300 | $1,100 | 12 |
| South Merced | $2,350 | $1,100 | 12 |
| Reverie | $2,395 | $600 | 36 |
| Fahren's Park | $2,440 | $1,650 | 14 |
| Mill House at Fahrens Creek | $2,440 | $1,650 | 12 |
| The Crossings at Fahrens Creek | $2,440 | $600 | 18 |
| Downtown Merced | $2,500 | $1,100 | 21 |
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 $599. The Retreat at Merced in the Central Merced neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $776. 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 | $599 |
| The Retreat at Merced | One Bedroom/One Bathroom | 1BR,1BA | $776 |
| Brookdale Gardens | 0BR/1.0BA | Studio,1BA | $1,100 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Merced, CA
As of December 11, 2025 the best value apartment in the Merced area is the $1.43 price per square foot Yellowstone - Downstairs Model at Bear Creek Park & Creekside Apartments in the in the Gateways neighborhood starting from $1,600. The second greatest value Merced apartment is the 2BR/2.0BA Model at Willowbrook Apartments starting at $1,600 with a $1.57 price per square foot in the Mill House at Fahrens Creek 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. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bear Creek Park & Creekside Apartments | Yellowstone - Downstairs | 2BR,2BA | $1.43 |
| Willowbrook Apartments | 2BR/2.0BA | 2BR,2BA | $1.57 |
| Bear Creek North | The Harbor Remodel W/D Hook Ups | 2BR,1.5BA | $1.85 |
| Merced Station | B1 | 2BR,2BA | $1.43 |
| Village Landing | Carmel Upstairs | 2BR,1BA | $1.77 |
| Willow Glen | 2 Bedroom 1 Bath | 2BR,1.5BA | $1.79 |
| Bear Creek Park & Creekside Apartments | Cypress Upstairs | 2BR,1BA | $1.72 |
| 1680-1695 Ellen Ave | 1685-D | 2BR,1BA | $1.80 |
| Sahara Apartments | 1x1 | 1BR,1BA | $1.85 |
| The Retreat at Merced | One Bedroom/One Bathroom | 1BR,1BA | $1.22 |
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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The Ultimate Long-Distance Moving Checklist: Tips from a Real Estate Pro
Moving is tough, especially long-distance. Learn how to minimize stress & expenses with proven strategies from a real estate pro, covering everything from logistics to finances.
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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.
Best Local Schools in Merced, CA
Allan Peterson Elementary
Merced City Elementary School District
Public School - Grades K-6 (664)
6 out of 10
Rudolph Rivera Middle
Merced City Elementary School District
Public School - Grades 7-8 (579)
6 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
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
What Are Walk Score®, Transit Score®, and Bike Score® Ratings?
- Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address.
- Transit Score® measures access to public transit.
- Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Merced Apartments
What is the Cheapest Studio apartment in Merced?
Currently the most affordable Cheap Studio Apartment in Merced is at Brookdale Gardens listed at $1,100.
How much is rent for a Cheap One Bedroom Merced Apartment?
The lowest price for a Cheap One Bedroom Merced Apartment is $776 at The Retreat at Merced.
What is the lowest price for a Cheap Two Bedroom Merced Apartment for rent?
Today's best deal for a Cheap Two Bedroom Apartment in Merced is starting from $775 at Merced Station.
What is the most affordable Merced Three Bedroom Apartment?
The best deal on a cheap Merced Three Bedroom Apartment rental is at The Retreat at Merced and starts from $1,053.
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
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.
How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Everything is a negotiation in real estate!
The Rental Move-In Inspection Checklist: A Guide for Renters
Written by: Trey Huguley
The move-in inspection checklist is a crucial tool for both tenants and landlords. This checklist, provided by the team at ApartmentHomeLiving.com, helps document the condition of an apartment at the time of move-in.