
Cheap Homes for Rent in Merced, CA from $600 (9 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Homes available for rent right now in Merced.


2306 Malaspina Dr

682 Stephanie Dr

4284 Lasalle 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.

324 W 20th St

641 M St

1036 W 20th St

139 W 18th St
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.

226 W 20th St
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 | $1,624 | $1,350 | $1,900 |
| Merced 3 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $2,220 | $1,650 | $3,000 |
| Merced 4 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $2,270 | $1,950 | $2,800 |
| Merced 5 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $2,310 | $600 | $2,900 |
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: 12/26/2025Current apartment rentals in the Merced, CA area range in price from $599 to $2,400 with an overall median price of $1,812. The three Merced neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are Fairview Meadows at $1,300, Central Merced at $825, and Southwest Merced at $825. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fairview Meadows | $1,312 | $1,300 | 2 |
| Central Merced | $1,500 | $825 | 14 |
| Southwest Merced | $1,575 | $825 | 12 |
| Claremont Reserve in Atwater | $1,800 | $1,425 | 9 |
| Gateways | $1,825 | $825 | 34 |
| Downtown Merced | $1,840 | $825 | 54 |
| North Merced | $1,840 | $825 | 39 |
| Gardenstone at Bellevue Ranch | $1,905 | $1,100 | 25 |
| The Crossings at Fahrens Creek | $1,905 | $1,100 | 29 |
| Mill House at Fahrens Creek | $1,920 | $1,250 | 19 |
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 $599. The Retreat at Merced in the Central Merced neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 2 Beds apartment currently listed from $924. 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 | $599 |
| The Retreat at Merced | Two Bedroom/One Bathroom | 2BR,1BA | $924 |
| Brookdale Gardens | 0BR/1.0BA | Studio,1BA | $1,100 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Merced, CA
As of December 26, 2025 the best value apartment in the 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 Merced apartment is the Oxford Model at The Villages starting at $1,710 with a $1.58 price per square foot in the The Crossings at Fahrens Creek 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. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bear Creek Park & Creekside Apartments | Yellowstone - Downstairs | 2BR,2BA | $1.43 |
| The Villages | Oxford | 2BR,2BA | $1.58 |
| Willowbrook Apartments | 2BR/2.0BA | 2BR,2BA | $1.57 |
| Merced Station | B1 | 2BR,2BA | $1.43 |
| Willow Glen | 2 Bedroom 1 Bath | 2BR,1.5BA | $1.79 |
| Bear Creek Park & Creekside Apartments | Cypress Upstairs | 2BR,1BA | $1.72 |
| The Retreat at Merced | Two Bedroom/One Bathroom | 2BR,1BA | $1.11 |
| 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 |
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 ArticleCash 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.
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.
Best Local Schools in Merced, CA
Allan Peterson Elementary
Rudolph Rivera Middle
School data provided by Great Schools
Remember the 3 Rules of Real Estate:Location, Location, Location!
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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 299 Apartments for Rent in Merced, CA with pricing that ranges from $599 to $2,400. There are also 60 Single Family Homes for rent, Condos, and Townhome rentals currently available in Merced ranging from $600 to $3,000.
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 $600 to $3,000 with an average monthly rent of $1,745.
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 $1,170 to $2,040, while Three Bedroom Homes, Condos, and Townhomes for rent range from $1,650 to $3,000. Four Bedroom Single-Family rentals are also available starting from $1,950 and Four Bedroom Apartments start at $599.
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

How to Make Your Apartment Holiday-Ready: Renter-Friendly Tips
Written by: Justin Habersaat
Getting your apartment ready for the holidays can be exciting but sometimes challenging in a smaller space. Here are some modern tips to keep things festive, safe, and inviting this season.

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!