
Cheap Homes for Rent in Merced, CA from $500 (17 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Homes available for rent right now in Merced.


719 Irma Dr

3640 Newport Ave

4354 Strathmore Pl

741 Suzanne Dr
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.

3640 Newport Ave

1495 Breezeway Ct

1961 Carol Ave

33 W 21st St

230 W 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.

324 W 20th St

344 Moab Rim Ct

4049 Cinnabar Ave

2128 K St

2142 K St
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.

655 W 7th St

3785 De Soto Way
Merced, CA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent a home in Merced?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Merced 2 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $1,630 | $1,195 | $2,300 |
| Merced 3 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $2,002 | $725 | $2,650 |
| Merced 4 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $2,305 | $2,075 | $2,600 |
| Merced 5 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $2,648 | $2,400 | $3,290 |
| Merced 6 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $2,850 | $2,850 | $2,850 |
Browse Top Homes for Rent in Merced
Explore Merced
Merced, CA Local Guide
- Merced Neighborhoods
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Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in Merced, CA
Pricing Updated: 05/21/2026Current apartment rentals in the Merced, CA area range in price from $550 to $3,290 with an overall median price of $2,281. The three Merced neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are Gateways at $900, Central Merced at $900, and Fairview Meadows at $850. Here is today’s list of the top 10 neighborhoods with the lowest median pricing for Merced Apartments for rent:
| Neighborhood | Median Price | Min Price | Available Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gateways | $1,700 | $900 | 16 |
| Central Merced | $2,075 | $900 | 17 |
| Fairview Meadows | $2,075 | $850 | 7 |
| Claremont Reserve in Atwater | $2,100 | $1,150 | 7 |
| North Merced | $2,172 | $1,300 | 13 |
| Downtown Merced | $2,237 | $850 | 27 |
| Fahren's Park | $2,300 | $700 | 21 |
| Mill House at Fahrens Creek | $2,300 | $700 | 17 |
| South Merced | $2,300 | $700 | 15 |
| Gardenstone at Bellevue Ranch | $2,400 | $550 | 23 |
Cheapest Available Merced Apartments for Rent
 The cheapest available apartment rental in Merced, CA is a 4 Beds unit found at Merced Station in the Reverie neighborhood priced from $529. 617 W Santa Fe Ave in the Gateways neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $895. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Merced apartments for rent:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Merced Station | D2 | 4BR,4BA | $529 |
| 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 | 1 Bedroom Bungalow | 1BR,1BA | $1,345 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Merced, CA
As of May 22, 2026 the best value apartment in the 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 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 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 |
| Merced Station | B1 | 2BR,2BA | $1.20 |
| 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 |
| 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.
Merced, CAPopulation: 83,316
Ranked #410
in US Census Population by City
Best Local Schools in Merced, CA
Allan Peterson Elementary
Herbert Hoover Middle
School data provided by Great Schools
Remember the 3 Rules of Real Estate:Location, Location, Location!
Explore Merced, CA Rentals by Map
See the most popular apartments and homes in Merced, CA
Frequently Asked Questions about Merced
What type of rentals are currently available in Merced?
There are currently 331 Apartments for Rent in Merced, CA with pricing that ranges from $529 to $2,635. There are also 102 Single Family Homes for rent, Condos, and Townhome rentals currently available in Merced ranging from $550 to $3,290.
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 $3,290 with an average monthly rent of $1,904.
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 $1,045 to $2,280, while Three Bedroom Homes, Condos, and Townhomes for rent range from $725 to $2,650. Four Bedroom Single-Family rentals are also available starting from $2,075 and Four Bedroom Apartments start at $529.
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.