Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Downtown Merced Neighborhood of Merced, CA from $600 (9 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the Downtown Merced area of Merced.
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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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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 | $1,185 | $1,100 | $1,300 |
| Downtown Merced 1 Bedroom Apartments | $1,423 | $825 | $1,745 |
| Downtown Merced 2 Bedroom Apartments | $1,587 | $1,200 | $1,995 |
| Downtown Merced 3 Bedroom Apartments | $1,745 | $1,500 | $2,040 |
Browse Apartments in this Neighborhood
There are currently 9 rentals with your search options within a 2 mile radius of the Downtown Merced Neighborhood of Merced, CA.
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Downtown Merced, Merced, CA Local Guide
- Nearby Merced neighborhoods
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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 The Retreat at Merced priced from $776. Brookdale Gardens has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $1,100. Here are the most affordable Downtown Merced apartments for rent in Merced, CA:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Retreat at Merced | One Bedroom/One Bathroom | 1BR,1BA | $776 |
| Brookdale Gardens | 0BR/1.0BA | Studio,1BA | $1,100 |
| Sahara Apartments | 1x1 | 1BR,1BA | $1,200 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Downtown Merced, CA
As of December 16, 2025 the best value apartment in the Downtown Merced area is the $1.43 price per square foot Yellowstone - Downstairs Model at Bear Creek Park & Creekside Apartments in the in the Gateways neighborhood starting from $1,600. The second greatest value Downtown Merced apartment is the 2BR/2.0BA Model at Willowbrook Apartments starting at $1,600 with a $1.57 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. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bear Creek Park & Creekside Apartments | Yellowstone - Downstairs | 2BR,2BA | $1.43 |
| Willowbrook Apartments | 2BR/2.0BA | 2BR,2BA | $1.57 |
| Bear Creek North | The Harbor Remodel W/D Hook Ups | 2BR,1.5BA | $1.85 |
| Willow Glen | 2 Bedroom 1 Bath | 2BR,1.5BA | $1.79 |
| Bear Creek Park & Creekside Apartments | Cypress Upstairs | 2BR,1BA | $1.72 |
| 1680-1695 Ellen Ave | 1685-D | 2BR,1BA | $1.80 |
| Castle Apartments | Castle One | 1BR,1BA | $1.92 |
| Sahara Apartments | 1x1 | 1BR,1BA | $1.85 |
| The Retreat at Merced | One Bedroom/One Bathroom | 1BR,1BA | $1.22 |
| 617 W Santa Fe Ave | 1 Bed, 1 bath | 1BR,1BA | $2.00 |
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 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 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 #1
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.
Getting Around the Downtown Merced Neighborhood in Merced, CA
Walk Score®
85 / 100
Very Walkable
Most errands can be accomplished on foot
Bike Score®
65 / 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 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 $1,450.
What is the price of a cheap apartment in Downtown Merced?
The cheapest apartment in Downtown Merced is The Retreat at Merced which is listed at $776, while the average apartment in Downtown Merced costs $1,720.
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 4 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 $480 which is $1,240 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

Renting with Roommates: Realistic Expectations for Shared Lease
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Given the high costs for housing, I have found that many people are looking for a roommate to share expenses. These arrangements can increase opportunities for more desirable and larger spaces.

Apartment Common Area Rules: What Renters Need to Know
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Back in the day when I rented one of my first apartments, the property didn’t even have laundry in the building. Now, rental properties are often competing against each other to provide the best amenities.

How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Everything is a negotiation in real estate!

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.








