
Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Downtown Merced Neighborhood of Merced, CA from $666 (41 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the Downtown Merced area of Merced.


70 E 12th St

1930 K St

Brookdale Gardens

Total Monthly Price
958 Barney St

328 W 13th St

Osito Apartments

1106-1112 O St
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.

32 S Parsons Ave

2

144 S Parsons Ave

1007 W 18th St

3112 Denver Ave

3110 Denver Ave

1705 W N Bear Creek Dr

1819 Q St
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.

536 W 10th St

2597-2597 Glen Ave

236-240 W 20th St

1207-1209 Merced Ave

Sierra Meadows

Yosemite Apartments

Laurel Glen

340-347
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.

617 W Santa Fe Ave

2307 N St

The Retreat at Merced

Ridgeview Meadows

2355 K St

Sunny View Apartments

E12th 101

Crest Apartments
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.

123 W 20th St

655 W 7th St

Saratoga

Brookdale North

1002kst

River Glen Apartments

147 N. Parsons Ave.

1047 W 19TH ST - NO AVAILABILITY
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.

Tioga Apartment Homes
Downtown Merced, Merced, CA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Downtown Merced?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown Merced Studio Apartments | $1,095 | $1,095 | $1,095 |
| Downtown Merced 1 Bedroom Apartments | $1,305 | $950 | $1,800 |
| Downtown Merced 2 Bedroom Apartments | $1,541 | $1,150 | $2,045 |
| Downtown Merced 3 Bedroom Apartments | $1,765 | $1,600 | $2,040 |
Browse Apartments in this Neighborhood
There are currently 41 rentals with your search options within a 2 mile radius of the Downtown Merced Neighborhood of Merced, CA.
See all Apartments in MercedExplore Merced
Downtown Merced, Merced, CA Local Guide
- Nearby Merced neighborhoods
- Nearby Cities
- ZIP codes
- Local Counties
- School Districts
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 Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| 340-347 | 0BR/1.0BA | Studio,1BA | $825 |
| E12th 101 | 1BR/1.0BA | 1BR,1BA | $1,000 |
| Brookdale Gardens | 0BR/1.0BA | Studio,1BA | $1,095 |
| Osito Apartments | 1X1 | 1BR,1BA | $1,125 |
| 1002kst | 2BR/1.0BA | 2BR,1BA | $1,150 |
| 147 N. Parsons Ave. | 1BR/1.0BA | 1BR,1BA | $1,200 |
| Grand Resort Apartments | 2 Bedroom Bungalow | 2BR,1BA | $1,345 |
| Castle Apartments | 11 | 1BR,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 Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1422 Lansing St, Unit NA | 1422 Lansing St | 3BR,2BA | $1.56 |
| Willowbrook Apartments | RENOVATED 2BR/2.0BA | 2BR,2BA | $1.59 |
| Bear Creek North | The Harbor Remodel W/D Hook Ups | 2BR,1.5BA | $1.90 |
| The Villages | Harvard Remodel | 1BR,1BA | $1.91 |
| Swiss Colony | Newly Remodeled 2x1 | 2BR,1BA | $1.88 |
| 1933 Shadowbrook Dr, Unit 1933 C | 1933 Shadowbrook Dr | 2BR,2BA | $1.87 |
| Castle Apartments | 11 | 1BR,1BA | $2.15 |
| 958 Barney St | 958 Barney St | 1BR,1BA | $1.76 |
| Osito Apartments | 1X1 | 1BR,1BA | $2.05 |
| E12th 101 | 1BR/1.0BA | 1BR,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 ArticleReal 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 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.
Pet Friendly LifestyleDowntown Merced, Merced, CA
Ranked #4
Among cities in California for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities.
Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score
4.0Pet Friendly
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

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.

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.

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.