818-820 W 21st St
MercedCA95340
Cheap Apartments for Rent in Merced, CA from $500 (13 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in Merced.
854-856 W 22nd St
MercedCA95340
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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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Showing Results 1-13, Page 1 of 1
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 | $1,240 | $1,100 | $1,522 |
| Cheap Merced 1 Bedroom Apartments | $1,452 | $1,050 | $1,845 |
| Cheap Merced 2 Bedroom Apartments | $1,606 | $685 | $2,850 |
| Cheap Merced 3 Bedroom Apartments | $1,921 | $1,170 | $2,550 |
| Cheap Merced 4 Bedroom Apartments | $1,034 | $599 | $2,200 |
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: 09/10/2025Current apartment rentals in the Merced, CA area range in price from $550 to $3,500 with an overall median price of $2,336. The three Merced neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are Central Merced at $789, Gateways at $789, and Fairview Meadows at $1,400. 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 | $1,862 | $789 | 7 |
| Gateways | $1,950 | $789 | 8 |
| Fairview Meadows | $2,000 | $1,400 | 4 |
| Downtown Merced | $2,250 | $789 | 16 |
| Southwest Merced | $2,250 | $789 | 8 |
| Claremont Reserve in Atwater | $2,312 | $1,000 | 6 |
| North Merced | $2,395 | $1,545 | 9 |
| South Merced | $2,450 | $550 | 5 |
| Reverie | $2,550 | $550 | 44 |
| Mill House at Fahrens Creek | $2,575 | $550 | 13 |
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 $528. Merced Station in the Reverie neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 4 Beds apartment currently listed from $599. 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 | $528 |
| Merced Station | D2 | 4BR,4BA | $599 |
| Brookdale Gardens | 0BR/1.0BA | Studio,1BA | $1,100 |
| The Hub Merced | C1 | 3BR,3BA | $1,170 |
| 1680-1695 Ellen Ave | 1685-D | 2BR,1BA | $1,250 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Merced, CA
As of September 10, 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 780 E Alexander Ave Model at 780 E Alexander Ave starting at $1,750 with a $1.73 price per square foot in the Fairview Meadows 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 |
| 780 E Alexander Ave | 780 E Alexander Ave | 3BR,1BA | $1.73 |
| Merced Station | B1 | 2BR,2BA | $1.43 |
| Northwood Village | 2x1 Redwood Remodel W/D Hook Ups | 2BR,1BA | $1.99 |
| Willow Glen | 2 Bedroom 1 Bath | 2BR,1.5BA | $1.81 |
| 1680-1695 Ellen Ave | 1685-D | 2BR,1BA | $1.70 |
| 35 W 23rd St | 35 W 23rd St | 1BR,1BA | $1.64 |
| Swiss Colony | Newly Remodeled 1x1 | 1BR,1BA | $2.07 |
| 958 Barney St | 958 Barney St | 1BR,1BA | $1.91 |
| The Retreat at Merced | One Bedroom/One Bathroom | 1BR,1BA | $0.92 |
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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 $528 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 Hub Merced and starts from $1,170.
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.
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.
Your Guide to Co-Signers: The Risks, Rewards, and Everything in Between
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
For many people, obstacles can arise during the rental application process for a variety of issues.
The Ultimate Long-Distance Moving Checklist: Tips from a Real Estate Pro
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Hard truth. Moving is never easy. I’ve done it all – from local moves to cross-country relocations From packing to unpacking the last box, I have found moving to be an exhausting, expensive and stressful experience every time.
Cash or credit? Understanding the Importance of Credit Score in Real Estate and Renting
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Throughout the day, think about all the times that you have to pay for something. So many of us reach automatically for a credit card or even our phone for a quick payment.