
Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Downtown Merced Neighborhood of Merced, CA from $500 (43 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the Downtown Merced area of Merced.


108 E 12th St

617 W Santa Fe Ave

317 W Main St

Total Monthly Price
920 W 13th St, Unit #B Rear, Unit #B Rear

1578 E 21st St

76 E 12th St

1930 K St
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.

1821 H St

Brookdale Gardens

Total Monthly Price
655 W 7th St, Unit 655 W. 7th St, Unit 655 W. 7th St

Total Monthly Price
958 Barney St

355 W 22nd St

1684 Conestoga Dr

639 W Santa Fe Ave

1089 E 21st St
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.

134 S Parsons Ave

Bear Creek Park

80 E 12th St

Unit 8

563 W 12th St

Total Monthly Price
2177 Weston Way

Total Monthly Price
651 Q St

2650 3rd Ave
Cash 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.

118 W 12th St

The Retreat at Merced

Sierra Meadows

Yosemite Apartments

33 W 21st St

230 W 21st St

324 W 20th St

Ridgeview Meadows
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.

2355 K St

Sunny View Apartments

2128 K St

2142 K St

655 W 7th St

Brookdale North

Saratoga

River Glen Apartments
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.

1047 W 19TH ST - NO AVAILABILITY

Tioga Apartment Homes

Osito Apartments
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 | $893 | $789 | $1,095 |
| Downtown Merced 1 Bedroom Apartments | $1,272 | $825 | $1,825 |
| Downtown Merced 2 Bedroom Apartments | $1,565 | $1,100 | $2,025 |
| Downtown Merced 3 Bedroom Apartments | $1,791 | $1,450 | $2,200 |
Browse Apartments in this Neighborhood
There are currently 43 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
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Cheapest Available Downtown Merced Apartments for Rent
 The cheapest available apartment rental in the Downtown Merced area of Merced, CA is a 1 Bed unit found at 617 W Santa Fe Ave priced from $895. The Retreat at Merced has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 3 Beds apartment currently listed from $1,094. Here are the most affordable Downtown Merced apartments for rent in Merced, CA:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| 617 W Santa Fe Ave | 1 Bed, 1 bath | 1BR,1BA | $895 |
| The Retreat at Merced | Three Bedroom/Two Bathroom | 3BR,2BA | $1,094 |
| Brookdale Gardens | 0BR/1.0BA | Studio,1BA | $1,095 |
| Grand Resort Apartments | 2 Bedroom Bungalow | 2BR,1BA | $1,345 |
| Swiss Colony | Newly Remodeled 1x1 | 1BR,1BA | $1,350 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Downtown Merced, CA
As of May 25, 2026 the best value apartment in the Downtown Merced area is the $1.60 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 $1,900. The second greatest value Downtown Merced apartment is the Three Bedroom/Two Bathroom Model at The Retreat at Merced starting at $1,094 with a $0.97 price per square foot in the Central Merced 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 | $1.60 |
| The Retreat at Merced | Three Bedroom/Two Bathroom | 3BR,2BA | $0.97 |
| Granville Luxury Apartments | B3 | 2BR,2BA | $1.63 |
| Willowbrook Apartments | RENOVATED 2BR/2.0BA | 2BR,2BA | $1.59 |
| Garden East Apartments | 2br, 1b | 2BR,1BA | $1.68 |
| Willow Glen | 2 Bedroom 1 Bath | 2BR,1.5BA | $1.73 |
| 3310 R St, Unit A | 3310 R St | 2BR,1BA | $1.76 |
| The Villages | Harvard | 1BR,1BA | $1.77 |
| 617 W Santa Fe Ave | 1 Bed, 1 bath | 1BR,1BA | $1.43 |
| 958 Barney St | 958 Barney St | 1BR,1BA | $1.76 |
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 #13
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 a cheap apartment in Downtown Merced?
A cheap apartment is any apartment up to the 30% percentile of cost for the area, which in Downtown Merced is under $1,350.
What is the price of a cheap apartment in Downtown Merced?
The cheapest apartment in Downtown Merced is 617 W Santa Fe Ave which is listed at $895, while the average apartment in Downtown Merced costs $1,722.
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 1 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 $333 which is $1,389 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

A Seasoned Property Manager's Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Deposit Back
Written by: Lauren Harrington
I’m going to talk with you as a seasoned property manager and friend. So, let’s start with your security deposit. I want you to think about this guide as insider information. You deserve your deposit back.

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.