Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Downtown Merced Neighborhood of Merced, CA from $666 (41 Rentals)

How Many Bedrooms?Done
Select your price rangeDone
to
Note: Properties with the Total Monthly Price badge include all required fees. Hover over the badge for details.
Lifestyle Matching SearchDone
By AmenitiesDone
By Community TypeDone
Features and AvailabilityDone
Done

Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the Downtown Merced area of Merced.

close
View Me
958 Barney St
$1,100
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$1,100

Total Monthly Price
$1,100
1 Bedroom Apartment Available Now

958 Barney St

958 Barney StMerced, CA 95340
Affordability
  • Smoke Free

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.

property at 132 W 18th St

$1,195

2 Bedroom, 1 Bath Rentals

Available Now

2

132 W 18th St
MercedCA95340
property at 3112 Denver Ave

$1,245

Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$1,245

Total Monthly Price
$1,245

2 Bedroom, 1 Bath Home for Rent

Available Now

3112 Denver Ave

MercedCA95348
property at 3110 Denver Ave

$1,245

Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$1,245

Total Monthly Price
$1,245

2 Bedroom, 1 Bath Townhome for Rent

Available Now

3110 Denver Ave

MercedCA95348

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.

close
View Me
Sierra Meadows
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Sierra Meadows

720 W 15th StMerced, CA 95340
Senior Living
close
View Me
Yosemite Apartments
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Yosemite Apartments

3270-3278 Denver AveMerced, CA 95348
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
Laurel Glen
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Laurel Glen

777 Loughborough DrMerced, CA 95348
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
340-347
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

340-347

149-163 W 11th StMerced, 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.

close
View Me
Ridgeview Meadows
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Ridgeview Meadows

2111 Cold Springs AveMerced, CA 95341
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
2355 K St
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

2355 K St

2355 K StMerced, CA 95340
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
E12th 101
1 Bedroom Apartments

E12th 101

101 E 12th StMerced, CA 95341
close
View Me
Crest Apartments
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Crest Apartments

341-351 W 21st StMerced, CA 95340

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.

close
View Me
Saratoga
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Saratoga

669 Loughborough DrMerced, CA 95348
close
View Me
Brookdale North
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Brookdale North

344 Brookdale DrMerced, CA 95340
Student Housing
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
1002kst
2 Bedroom Apartments

1002kst

1002-1018 K StMerced, CA 95341
close
View Me
River Glen Apartments
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

River Glen Apartments

2560 Glen AveMerced, CA 95340
  • Utilities Included

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.

close
View Me
Tioga Apartment Homes
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Tioga Apartment Homes

705-715 W Main StMerced, CA 95340
  • Utilities Included

Downtown Merced, Merced, CA Local Guide

Cheapest Available Downtown Merced Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in the Downtown Merced area of Merced, CA is a Studio unit found at 340-347 priced from $825. E12th 101 has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $1,000. Here are the most affordable Downtown Merced apartments for rent in Merced, CA:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
340-3470BR/1.0BAStudio,1BA$825
E12th 1011BR/1.0BA1BR,1BA$1,000
Brookdale Gardens0BR/1.0BAStudio,1BA$1,095
Osito Apartments1X11BR,1BA$1,125
1002kst2BR/1.0BA2BR,1BA$1,150
147 N. Parsons Ave.1BR/1.0BA1BR,1BA$1,200
Grand Resort Apartments2 Bedroom Bungalow2BR,1BA$1,345
Castle Apartments111BR,1BA$1,395

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Downtown Merced, CA

As of August 24, 2026 the best value apartment in the Downtown Merced area is the $1.56 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 $1,850. The second greatest value Downtown 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 Downtown Merced apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
1422 Lansing St, Unit NA1422 Lansing St3BR,2BA$1.56
Willowbrook ApartmentsRENOVATED 2BR/2.0BA2BR,2BA$1.59
Bear Creek NorthThe Harbor Remodel W/D Hook Ups2BR,1.5BA$1.90
The VillagesHarvard Remodel1BR,1BA$1.91
Swiss ColonyNewly Remodeled 2x12BR,1BA$1.88
1933 Shadowbrook Dr, Unit 1933 C1933 Shadowbrook Dr2BR,2BA$1.87
Castle Apartments111BR,1BA$2.15
958 Barney St958 Barney St1BR,1BA$1.76
Osito Apartments1X11BR,1BA$2.05
E12th 1011BR/1.0BA1BR,1BA$1.82

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 Article
Decorative image

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.

Read Article
Decorative image

Quick 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.

decorative image of people with a giant lease agreement

Pet Friendly Lifestyle
Downtown Merced, Merced, CA

Ranked #4

Among cities in California for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities.

Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score

4.0
Pet Friendly

decorative image of woman handing cat to small boy

Lifestyle Ratings

ApartmentHomeLiving.com compares millions of points of data to bring you Lifestyle Ratings of rentals in cities across the United States and customized analysis for Central Merced. Lifestyle Ratings show you the best fit for your needs and interests. This takes in many factors including our Star Ratings to compare for outdoor amenities like tennis courts, luxury amenities, pet-friendly features, features that make it easier to raise kids, proximity to transit, walking, and biking. These search options are in the site filters at the top of this page.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Downtown Merced Apartments

What is the price of a cheap apartment in Downtown Merced?

The cheapest apartment in Downtown Merced is E12th 101 which is listed at $1,000, while the average apartment in Downtown Merced costs $1,462.

What types of apartments are the cheapest in Downtown 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 3 regular apartments in Downtown 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 Downtown Merced?

Cheap apartments in Downtown Merced have an average cost of $367 which is $1,095 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in Downtown 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

decorative image for Rent According to Income: A Look at Income-Restricted Rentals   article

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.

decorative image for Practical Tips for Renters: How to Identify a Great Rental and Avoid Red Flags   article

Practical Tips for Renters: How to Identify a Great Rental and Avoid Red Flags

Written by: Robin Stewart

Renters want to find a great apartment, the right place for them, one that checks all the boxes of location, rental cost, amenities, safety, and more.

decorative image for First Apartment Regrets: Real Renters Share What They'd Do Differently article

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.

decorative image for Renters Insurance 101: What It Is, What It Covers, and Why You Need It article

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.