Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Downtown Merced Neighborhood of Merced, CA from $500 (43 Rentals)

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

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.

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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
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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.

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2177 Weston Way
$1,250
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$1,250

Total Monthly Price
$1,250
1 Bedroom Apartment Available Now

2177 Weston Way

2177 Weston WayMerced, CA 95340
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651 Q St
$1,250
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$1,250

Total Monthly Price
$1,250
2 Bedroom Apartment Available Now

651 Q St

651 Q StMerced, CA 95341
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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.

property at 118 W 12th St

$1,300

Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$1,300

Total Monthly Price
$1,300

2 Bedroom, 1 Bath Home for Rent

Available Now

118 W 12th St

MercedCA95341
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Sierra Meadows
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Sierra Meadows

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

Yosemite Apartments

3270-3278 Denver AveMerced, CA 95348
  • Utilities Included
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Ridgeview Meadows
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Ridgeview Meadows

2111 Cold Springs AveMerced, CA 95341
  • Utilities Included

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.

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2355 K St
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

2355 K St

2355 K StMerced, CA 95340
  • Utilities Included
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Brookdale North
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Brookdale North

344 Brookdale DrMerced, CA 95340
Student Housing
  • Utilities Included
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Saratoga
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Saratoga

669 Loughborough DrMerced, CA 95348
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River Glen Apartments
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

River Glen Apartments

2560 Glen AveMerced, CA 95340
  • Utilities Included

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.

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Tioga Apartment Homes
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Tioga Apartment Homes

705-715 W Main StMerced, CA 95340
  • Utilities Included
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Osito Apartments
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Osito Apartments

2560 Midge AveMerced, 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 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 ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
617 W Santa Fe Ave1 Bed, 1 bath1BR,1BA$895
The Retreat at MercedThree Bedroom/Two Bathroom3BR,2BA$1,094
Brookdale Gardens0BR/1.0BAStudio,1BA$1,095
Grand Resort Apartments2 Bedroom Bungalow2BR,1BA$1,345
Swiss ColonyNewly Remodeled 1x11BR,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 ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
1422 Lansing St, Unit NA1422 Lansing St3BR,2BA$1.60
The Retreat at MercedThree Bedroom/Two Bathroom3BR,2BA$0.97
Granville Luxury ApartmentsB32BR,2BA$1.63
Willowbrook ApartmentsRENOVATED 2BR/2.0BA2BR,2BA$1.59
Garden East Apartments2br, 1b2BR,1BA$1.68
Willow Glen2 Bedroom 1 Bath2BR,1.5BA$1.73
3310 R St, Unit A3310 R St2BR,1BA$1.76
The VillagesHarvard1BR,1BA$1.77
617 W Santa Fe Ave1 Bed, 1 bath1BR,1BA$1.43
958 Barney St958 Barney St1BR,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.

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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.

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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.

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Pet Friendly Lifestyle
Downtown Merced, Merced, CA

Ranked #13

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

Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score

4.0
Pet Friendly

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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

decorative image for A Seasoned Property Manager's Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Deposit Back article

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.