
Cheap Apartments for Rent in Merced, CA from $500 (5 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in Merced.


1134 M 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.
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.
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 | $1,214 | $895 | $1,700 |
Cheap Merced 1 Bedroom Apartments | $1,400 | $895 | $1,845 |
Cheap Merced 2 Bedroom Apartments | $1,488 | $685 | $2,850 |
Cheap Merced 3 Bedroom Apartments | $1,671 | $1,275 | $2,175 |
Cheap Merced 4 Bedroom Apartments | $1,193 | $599 | $2,400 |
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Merced, CA Local Guide

- Merced Neighborhoods
- Nearby Cities
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Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in Merced, CA
Pricing Updated: 06/27/2025Current apartment rentals in the Merced, CA area range in price from $599 to $2,850 with an overall median price of $1,970. The three Merced neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are Fairview Meadows at $1,100, Reverie at $599, and Central Merced at $895. 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 | $1,539 | $1,100 | 2 |
Reverie | $1,600 | $599 | 41 |
Central Merced | $1,750 | $895 | 18 |
Gateways | $1,750 | $895 | 33 |
Southwest Merced | $1,750 | $895 | 13 |
Downtown Merced | $1,822 | $895 | 38 |
Claremont Reserve in Atwater | $1,827 | $895 | 3 |
North Merced | $1,970 | $975 | 11 |
Gardenstone at Bellevue Ranch | $2,010 | $1,200 | 5 |
Fahren's Park | $2,400 | $1,300 | 21 |
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 Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
---|---|---|---|
Merced Station | B2-4 | 2BR,2BA | $685 |
Swiss Colony | Newly Remodeled Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,300 |
Grand Resort Apartments | 1 Bedroom Bungalow | 2BR,1BA | $1,345 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Merced, CA
As of June 27, 2025 the best value apartment in the Merced area is the $1.43 price per square foot 2BR/2.0BA Model at Willowbrook Apartments in the in the Mill House at Fahrens Creek neighborhood starting from $1,455. The second greatest value Merced apartment is the B1 Model at Merced Station starting at $1,299 with a $1.43 price per square foot in the Reverie 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. |
---|---|---|---|
Willowbrook Apartments | 2BR/2.0BA | 2BR,2BA | $1.43 |
Merced Station | B1 | 2BR,2BA | $1.43 |
Village Landing | Carmel Downstairs | 2BR,1BA | $1.86 |
Northwood Village | 2x1 Redwood Remodel | 2BR,1BA | $2.01 |
Sahara Apartments | 21 | 2BR,1BA | $1.86 |
953 W 18th St, Unit 953 | 953 W 18th St | 2BR,2BA | $2.00 |
318 W 20th St, Unit 322 W. 20th St | 318 W 20th St | 1BR,1BA | $1.50 |
2177 Weston Way | 2177 Weston Way | 2BR,1BA | $1.78 |
60 E 12th St | 60 E 12th St | 2BR,1BA | $1.47 |
Swiss Colony | Newly Remodeled 1x1 | 1BR,1BA | $2.07 |
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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
John Muir Elementary
Rudolph Rivera Middle
School data provided by Great Schools
Remember the 3 Rules of Real Estate:Location, Location, Location!
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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
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 a cheap apartment in Merced?
A cheap apartment is any apartment up to the 30% percentile of cost for the area, which in Merced is under $1,436.
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 $1,970.
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 35 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.