
Cheap Student Apartments for Rent in Merced, CA from $500 (3 Rentals)
Student Housing Options in Merced.
Cheap Apartments in Merced.

Expert Solutions for Creating the Perfect Work-From-Home Apartment Layouts
Create a productive work-from-home apartment setup, even in a small space or studio. Discover layout ideas, desk solutions, and organization tips that actually work.

The Hub Merced
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 North
Merced, CA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Merced?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Merced Studio Apartments | $1,095 | $1,095 | $1,095 |
| Merced 1 Bedroom Apartments | $1,347 | $825 | $1,758 |
| Merced 2 Bedroom Apartments | $1,544 | $645 | $2,060 |
| Merced 3 Bedroom Apartments | $1,897 | $1,045 | $2,280 |
| Merced 4 Bedroom Apartments | $1,515 | $529 | $2,635 |
Explore Merced
Merced, CA Local Guide
- Merced Neighborhoods
- Nearby Cities
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- Local Counties
- School Districts
10 Hidden Costs of Renting You Should Budget for Before Signing a Lease
Avoid financial stress when renting. Learn about the 10 most common hidden costs—from pet fees to utilities—you must budget for before you sign a lease.
Read ArticleDon'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 ArticleThe 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.
Read ArticleCash 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.
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, 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 The Retreat at Merced which is listed at $528, while the average apartment in Merced costs $2,217.
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 40 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 $591 which is $1,626 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

Expert Solutions for Creating the Perfect Work-From-Home Apartment Layouts
Written by: Lauren Harrington
This article is based on first-hand experience managing apartment communities and helping renters adapt to their spaces after moving in.

What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much
Written by: Lauren Harrington
This article draws from first-hand renter experiences and recurring financial challenges reported after moving in.

Maximizing Your Refund: Essential Tax Tips for Renters
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Other than tax professionals, I can’t think of anyone who looks forward to tax season. For everybody else, April is a stressful month to collect information and meet deadlines.

18 Must-Ask Rental Tour Questions That Reveal the Truth about a Property
Written by: Lauren Harrington
Renting your next home can feel thrilling and overwhelming at the same time.