Cheap Homes for Rent in Merced, CA from $500 (8 Rentals)

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Search the lowest-cost Homes available for rent right now in Merced.

property at 72 Barrows Ct

$550

Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$550

Total Monthly Price
$550

1 Bedroom, 1 Bath Home for Rent

Available Now

72 Barrows Ct

MercedCA95348
property at 1495 Breezeway Ct

$800

Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$800

Total Monthly Price
$800

1 Bedroom, 1 Bath Home for Rent

Available Now

1495 Breezeway Ct

MercedCA95340

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.

property at 132 W 18th St

$1,195

2 Bedroom, 1 Bath Rentals

Available Now

2

132 W 18th St
MercedCA95340

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.

Merced, CA Local Guide

Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in Merced, CA

Pricing Updated: 08/20/2026

Current apartment rentals in the Merced, CA area range in price from $550 to $3,100 with an overall median price of $2,033. The three Merced neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are Gateways at $1,572, Central Merced at $1,645, and Southwest Merced at $1,645. Here is today’s list of the top 10 neighborhoods with the lowest median pricing for Merced Apartments for rent:

NeighborhoodMedian PriceMin PriceAvailable Units
Gateways$1,572$95015
Central Merced$1,645$95012
Southwest Merced$1,645$95010
Downtown Merced$1,700$95022
Claremont Reserve in Atwater$1,850$1,0002
Fairview Meadows$1,850$1,7004
North Merced$1,975$1,75010
Fahren's Park$2,150$1,24517
South Merced$2,175$1,20012
Gardenstone at Bellevue Ranch$2,200$1,24521

Cheapest Available Merced Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in Merced, CA is a 1 Bed unit found at The Retreat at Merced in the Central Merced neighborhood priced from $812. 340-347 in the Gateways neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $825. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Merced apartments for rent:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
The Retreat at MercedOne Bedroom/One Bathroom1BR,1BA$812
340-3470BR/1.0BAStudio,1BA$825
E12th 1011BR/1.0BA1BR,1BA$1,000

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Merced, CA

As of August 20, 2026 the best value apartment in the Merced area is the $1.69 price per square foot Chateau with Garage Model at Village Terrace in the in the The Crossings at Fahrens Creek neighborhood starting from $2,055. The second greatest value Merced apartment is the B2-4 Model at Merced Station starting at $675 with a $0.56 price per square foot in the Reverie neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Merced apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
Village TerraceChateau with Garage3BR,2BA$1.69
Merced StationB2-42BR,2BA$0.56
1422 Lansing St, Unit NA1422 Lansing St3BR,2BA$1.56
Willowbrook ApartmentsRENOVATED 2BR/2.0BA2BR,2BA$1.59
Bear Creek NorthThe Harbor Remodel W/D Hook Ups2BR,1.5BA$1.90
Bear Creek Park & Creekside ApartmentsCypress Upstairs2BR,1BA$1.72
Swiss ColonyNewly Remodeled 2x12BR,1BA$1.88
958 Barney St958 Barney St1BR,1BA$1.76
The Retreat at MercedOne Bedroom/One Bathroom1BR,1BA$1.37
E12th 1011BR/1.0BA1BR,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.

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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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Merced, CA
Population: 83,316

Ranked #410

in US Census Population by City

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Remember the 3 Rules of Real Estate:
Location, Location, Location!

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Frequently Asked Questions about Merced

What type of rentals are currently available in Merced?

There are currently 309 Apartments for Rent in Merced, CA with pricing that ranges from $675 to $2,700. There are also 95 Single Family Homes for rent, Condos, and Townhome rentals currently available in Merced ranging from $550 to $3,100.

What is the current price range for Rental Homes in Merced?

Today's rental pricing for Homes for Rent, Condos and Townhomes in Merced ranges from $550 to $3,100 with an average monthly rent of $2,067.

How much are larger Three and Four Bedroom Rentals in Merced?

For those who are looking for larger living arrangements, Three Bedroom Apartments in Merced range from $1,600 to $2,280, while Three Bedroom Homes, Condos, and Townhomes for rent range from $1,500 to $2,500. Four Bedroom Single-Family rentals are also available starting from $1,895 and Four Bedroom Apartments start at $1,029.

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

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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.

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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.

decorative image for First Apartment Regrets: Real Renters Share What They'd Do Differently article

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.

decorative image for Renters Insurance 101: What It Is, What It Covers, and Why You Need It article

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.