
Cheap Apartments for Rent in Merced, CA from $500 (77 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in Merced.


3640 Newport Ave

1495 Breezeway Ct

617 W Santa Fe Ave

Total Monthly Price
920 W 13th St, Unit #B Rear

1578 E 21st St

1930 K St

353 W 22nd St

76 E 12th St

Osito Apartments
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.

Brookdale Gardens

442 N St

1684 Conestoga Dr

Total Monthly Price
958 Barney St

Total Monthly Price
2177 Weston Way

563 W 12th St

80 E 12th St

Bear Creek Park

8

1007 W 18th St
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.

3792 Magellan Dr

2

Grand Resort Apartments

Total Monthly Price
Swiss Colony

1819 Q St

291 W Alexander Ave

1207-1209 Merced Ave

137 W 19th St, Unit 3

330 Seneca St

Sahara Apartments
Cash or credit? Understanding the Importance of Credit Score in Real Estate and Renting
Discover how your credit score impacts your ability to lease or buy a home. Learn how credit scores are determined, how to check yours, and strategies to improve it for real estate success.

Castle Apartments

1705 W N Bear Creek Dr

Total Monthly Price
3310 R St, Unit A

1694 Conestoga Dr

Willow Glen

244 W 19th St

Creekside Apartments

Garden East Apartments

The Villages

515 W Main St
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.

615 W 6th St

Willowbrook Apartments

412 N St

1624 W N Bear Creek Dr

52 E 12th St

Total Monthly Price
175 W Alexander Ave

Northwood Village

Sierra Meadows

Yosemite Apartments

The Grove Merced
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.
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 | $1,095 | $1,095 | $1,095 |
| Cheap Merced 1 Bedroom Apartments | $1,392 | $825 | $1,995 |
| Cheap Merced 2 Bedroom Apartments | $1,552 | $645 | $2,080 |
| Cheap Merced 3 Bedroom Apartments | $1,847 | $1,045 | $2,280 |
| Cheap Merced 4 Bedroom Apartments | $1,119 | $529 | $2,250 |
Browse Top Apartments in Merced
See all Apartments in MercedExplore Merced
Merced, CA Local Guide

- Merced Neighborhoods
- Nearby Cities
- ZIP codes
- Local Counties
- School Districts
Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in Merced, CA
Pricing Updated: 06/20/2026Current apartment rentals in the Merced, CA area range in price from $529 to $2,280 with an overall median price of $1,835. The three Merced neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are Fairview Meadows at $995, Central Merced at $825, and Southwest Merced at $825. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fairview Meadows | $1,150 | $995 | 9 |
| Central Merced | $1,462 | $825 | 22 |
| Southwest Merced | $1,562 | $825 | 18 |
| Downtown Merced | $1,720 | $825 | 56 |
| Gateways | $1,720 | $825 | 36 |
| South Merced | $1,722 | $1,100 | 22 |
| Claremont Reserve in Atwater | $1,860 | $1,395 | 9 |
| Fahren's Park | $2,080 | $1,100 | 44 |
| Mill House at Fahrens Creek | $2,080 | $1,100 | 37 |
| North Merced | $2,097 | $825 | 16 |
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 $529. 617 W Santa Fe Ave in the Gateways neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $895. 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 | $529 |
| 617 W Santa Fe Ave | 1 Bed, 1 bath | 1BR,1BA | $895 |
| Crest Apartments | 2 Beds, 1 Baths | 2BR,1BA | $1,050 |
| 3372-3378 San Mateo Ct | 2 Beds, 2 Baths | 2BR,2BA | $1,050 |
| Osito Apartments | 1X1 | 1BR,1BA | $1,075 |
| Brookdale Gardens | 0BR/1.0BA | Studio,1BA | $1,095 |
| Grand Resort Apartments | 2 Bedroom Bungalow | 2BR,1BA | $1,345 |
| Swiss Colony | Newly Remodeled 1x1 | 1BR,1BA | $1,350 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Merced, CA
As of June 20, 2026 the best value apartment in the Merced area is the $1.60 price per square foot 1422 Lansing St Model at 1422 Lansing St, Unit NA in the in the The Crossings at Fahrens Creek neighborhood starting from $1,900. The second greatest value Merced apartment is the RENOVATED 2BR/2.0BA Model at Willowbrook Apartments starting at $1,625 with a $1.59 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. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1422 Lansing St, Unit NA | 1422 Lansing St | 3BR,2BA | $1.60 |
| Willowbrook Apartments | RENOVATED 2BR/2.0BA | 2BR,2BA | $1.59 |
| Merced Station | B1 | 2BR,2BA | $1.20 |
| Garden East Apartments | 2br, 1b | 2BR,1BA | $1.68 |
| Willow Glen | 2 Bedroom 1 Bath | 2BR,1.5BA | $1.62 |
| 3310 R St, Unit A | 3310 R St | 2BR,1BA | $1.65 |
| 3372-3378 San Mateo Ct | 2 Beds, 2 Baths | 2BR,2BA | $1.31 |
| Crest Apartments | 2 Beds, 1 Baths | 2BR,1BA | $1.50 |
| 617 W Santa Fe Ave | 1 Bed, 1 bath | 1BR,1BA | $1.43 |
| 958 Barney St | 958 Barney St | 1BR,1BA | $1.76 |
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 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.
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.
Merced, CAPopulation: 83,316
Ranked #410
in US Census Population by City
Best Local Schools in Merced, CA
Allan Peterson Elementary
Herbert Hoover 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 the price of a cheap apartment in Merced?
The cheapest apartment in Merced is 617 W Santa Fe Ave which is listed at $895, while the average apartment in Merced costs $1,835.
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 122 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 $912 which is $923 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

Apartment Occupancy Rates: Renter Attraction vs Renter Retention
Written by: Robin Stewart
There’s a tenet in marketing about client or customer attraction and retention. Studies and data have consistently shown it costs less to keep a current customer than to attract a new one.

How I Find the Perfect Rental for My Clients: A Real Estate Pro's Guide
Written by: Robin Stewart
Evaluating rental properties for clients draws many parallels to house-hunting. Whether an apartment, loft, townhouse, or other rental, finding the right place means finding “home” for your client.

Pet-Friendly Renting: Everything You Need to Know Before You Move
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
For so many of us, pets are the best companions and a big part of our lives. For this reason, a pet-friendly house or apartment is often a very important - and nonnegotiable - part of a move.

Creative Ways Developers Reimagine Retail Spaces as Residential Units
Written by: Robin Stewart
Adaptive reuse is when a commercial property is converted and repurposed. The real estate industry has embraced a growing number of these projects.