Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Downtown Merced Neighborhood of Merced, CA from $600 (10 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the Downtown Merced area of Merced.

1354-1354 Stuart Dr
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.
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.
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 | $1,226 | $1,100 | $1,522 |
| Downtown Merced 1 Bedroom Apartments | $1,397 | $825 | $1,845 |
| Downtown Merced 2 Bedroom Apartments | $1,684 | $1,200 | $2,850 |
| Downtown Merced 3 Bedroom Apartments | $1,773 | $1,500 | $2,240 |
| Downtown Merced 4 Bedroom Apartments | $1,995 | $1,995 | $1,995 |
Browse Apartments in this Neighborhood
There are currently 10 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
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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 $783. 617 W Santa Fe Ave has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $825. 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 | $783 |
| 617 W Santa Fe Ave | 1 Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $825 |
| Brookdale Gardens | 0BR/1.0BA | Studio,1BA | $1,100 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Downtown Merced, CA
As of November 06, 2025 the best value apartment in the Downtown Merced area is the $1.57 price per square foot 2BR/2.0BA Model at Willowbrook Apartments in the in the Mill House at Fahrens Creek neighborhood starting from $1,600. The second greatest value Downtown Merced apartment is the The Harbor Remodel W/D Hook Ups Model at Bear Creek North starting at $1,845 with a $1.85 price per square foot in the Gateways 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. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | $1.80 |
| The Villages | Harvard | 1BR,1BA | $1.73 |
| 318 W 20th St, Unit 322 W. 20th St | 318 W 20th St | 1BR,1BA | $1.50 |
| 1680-1695 Ellen Ave | 1685-D | 2BR,1BA | $1.80 |
| Swiss Colony | Newly Remodeled 1x1 | 1BR,1BA | $2.07 |
| The Retreat at Merced | One Bedroom/One Bathroom | 1BR,1BA | $1.23 |
| 617 W Santa Fe Ave | 1 Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $1.32 |
| 958 Barney St | 958 Barney St | 1BR,1BA | $1.91 |
Apartment Common Area Rules: What Renters Need to Know
From the lounge to the laundry room, understand your rights and responsibilities in shared apartment spaces. Get tips on pet rules, noise, and security.
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 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 #2
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 $1,432.
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 $783, while the average apartment in Downtown Merced costs $1,995.
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 $493 which is $1,502 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in Downtown Merced.
Expert Rental Resources
Helpful Apartment Articles, How-To's and Tips
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.

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.

Your Guide to Co-Signers: The Risks, Rewards, and Everything in Between
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
For many people, obstacles can arise during the rental application process for a variety of issues.








