2371 Gabriel Dr
MercedCA95340
Cheap Apartments for Rent in Merced, CA from $500 (38 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in Merced.
2367 River Rock Dr
MercedCA95340
1495 Breezeway Ct
MercedCA95340
1961 Carol Ave
MercedCA95341
2407-2407 O St
MercedCA95340
70 E 12th St
MercedCA95341
1930 K St
MercedCA95340
353 W 22nd St
MercedCA95340
76 E 12th St
MercedCA95341
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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$1,075 - $1,4001 to 3 Bedroom Apartments Available Aug 9
Osito Apartments
2560 Midge AveMerced, CA 95340
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$1,095Studio Apartments Available Now
Brookdale Gardens
147 Brookdale DrMerced, CA 95340
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$1,100
Total Monthly Price
1 Bedroom Apartment Available NowTotal Monthly Price
Base Rent
$1,100
Total Monthly Price
$1,100
958 Barney St
958 Barney StMerced, CA 95340
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$1,100
Total Monthly Price
1 Bedroom Apartment Available NowTotal Monthly Price
Base Rent
$1,100
Total Monthly Price
$1,100
62 W 23rd St, Unit Merced Duplex
62 W 23rd StMerced, CA 95340
32 S Parsons Ave
MercedCA95341
144 S Parsons Ave
MercedCA95341
2230 Q St
MercedCA95340
563 W 12th St
MercedCA95341
80 E 12th St
MercedCA95341
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.
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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
4244 Rutherford Ave
MercedCA95348
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1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments
The Retreat at Merced
1137 B StMerced, CA 95341
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1 Bedroom Apartments
617 W Santa Fe Ave
617 W Santa Fe AveMerced, CA 95340
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2 to 4 Bedroom Apartments
The Grove Merced
340 S Parsons AveMerced, CA 95341
2307 N St
MercedCA95340
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1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments
Ridgeview Meadows
2111 Cold Springs AveMerced, CA 95341
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
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
624 Suzanne Dr
MercedCA95348
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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
3372-3378 San Mateo Ct
3372-3378 San Mateo CtMerced, CA 95348
123 W 20th St
MercedCA95340
655 W 7th St
MercedCA95341
720 Stephanie Dr
MercedCA95348
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Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments
Saratoga
669 Loughborough DrMerced, CA 95348
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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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
Showing Results 1-38, 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 | $1,095 | $1,095 | $1,095 |
| Cheap Merced 1 Bedroom Apartments | $1,445 | $950 | $1,850 |
| Cheap Merced 2 Bedroom Apartments | $1,673 | $690 | $2,100 |
| Cheap Merced 3 Bedroom Apartments | $1,929 | $1,090 | $2,280 |
| Cheap Merced 4 Bedroom Apartments | $1,265 | $574 | $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
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- Local Counties
- School Districts
Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in Merced, CA
Pricing Updated: 08/04/2026Current apartment rentals in the Merced, CA area range in price from $574 to $2,400 with an overall median price of $1,671. The three Merced neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are Central Merced at $1,200, Southwest Merced at $1,285, and Fairview Meadows at $1,350. 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 | $1,200 | $950 | 16 |
| Southwest Merced | $1,285 | $990 | 14 |
| Fairview Meadows | $1,350 | $1,075 | 5 |
| Downtown Merced | $1,545 | $950 | 49 |
| Gateways | $1,595 | $950 | 34 |
| North Merced | $1,650 | $1,095 | 13 |
| South Merced | $1,675 | $950 | 23 |
| Fahren's Park | $1,758 | $1,300 | 49 |
| Mill House at Fahrens Creek | $1,780 | $1,300 | 43 |
| Reverie | $1,780 | $574 | 33 |
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 $812. Brookdale Gardens in the The Crossings at Fahrens Creek neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $1,095. 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 | $812 |
| Brookdale Gardens | 0BR/1.0BA | Studio,1BA | $1,095 |
| Grand Resort Apartments | 2 Bedroom Bungalow | 2BR,1BA | $1,345 |
| The Villages | Harvard | 1BR,1BA | $1,445 |
| Willow Glen | 2 Bedroom 1 Bath | 2BR,1BA | $1,499 |
| Swiss Colony | Newly Remodeled 2x1 | 2BR,1BA | $1,550 |
| Willowbrook Apartments | 2BR/2.0BA | 2BR,2BA | $1,600 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Merced, CA
As of August 04, 2026 the best value apartment in the Merced area is the $1.61 price per square foot The Lagoon Remodel Model at Bear Creek North in the in the Gateways neighborhood starting from $2,050. The second greatest value Merced apartment is the 1422 Lansing St Model at 1422 Lansing St, Unit NA starting at $1,850 with a $1.56 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 Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bear Creek North | The Lagoon Remodel | 2BR,2BA | $1.61 |
| 1422 Lansing St, Unit NA | 1422 Lansing St | 3BR,2BA | $1.56 |
| Village Terrace | Manor | 2BR,2BA | $1.65 |
| Bear Creek Park & Creekside Apartments | Sycamore Upstairs | 3BR,2BA | $1.50 |
| Willowbrook Apartments | RENOVATED 2BR/2.0BA | 2BR,2BA | $1.59 |
| Willow Glen | 2 Bedroom 1 Bath | 2BR,1.5BA | $1.73 |
| 3310 R St, Unit A | 3310 R St | 2BR,1BA | $1.53 |
| 62 W 23rd St, Unit Merced Duplex | 62 W 23rd St | 1BR,1BA | $1.47 |
| 958 Barney St | 958 Barney St | 1BR,1BA | $1.76 |
| The Retreat at Merced | One Bedroom/One Bathroom | 1BR,1BA | $1.37 |
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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Real 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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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 $812, while the average apartment in Merced costs $1,671.
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 152 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 $1,068 which is $603 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.
First Apartment Regrets: Real Renters Share What They'd Do Differently
Written by: Robin Stewart
Hindsight is 20/20. Live and Learn. With age comes wisdom. We’re familiar with all those expressions, and all of them apply to lessons first-time renters learn.
Renters Insurance 101: What It Is, What It Covers, and Why You Need It
Written by: Robin Stewart
Insurance seems to be a part of life. In some states, having insurance is the law, as is the case for automobile insurance. Renters are no exception.
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.