Cheap Apartments for Rent in Merced County, CA from $500 (23 Rentals)

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

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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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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Redwood Apartments
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Redwood Apartments

2307-2359 Redwood AveAtwater, CA 95301
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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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Saratoga
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Saratoga

669 Loughborough DrMerced, CA 95348
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Aptos Park
1 Bedroom Apartments

Aptos Park

2849 Nashua StAtwater, CA 95301
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1701-1719 Elm Ave
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

1701-1719 Elm Ave

1701-1719 Elm AveAtwater, CA 95301
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Ridgeview Meadows
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Ridgeview Meadows

2111 Cold Springs AveMerced, CA 95341
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2355 K St
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

2355 K St

2355 K StMerced, CA 95340
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Bear Creek
2 to 4 Bedroom Apartments

Bear Creek

1509 N Plainsburg RdPlanada, CA 95365
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Tioga Apartment Homes
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Tioga Apartment Homes

705-715 W Main StMerced, CA 95340
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Galaxie Apartments
2 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Galaxie Apartments

836-848 Mercey Springs RdLos Banos, CA 93635
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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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Brookdale North
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Brookdale North

344 Brookdale DrMerced, CA 95340
  • Utilities Included

Cheapest Available Merced County Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in Merced County, CA is a 1 Bed unit found at The Retreat at Merced in the Central Merced neighborhood priced from $528. Merced Station in the Reverie neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 4 Beds apartment currently listed from $599. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Merced County apartments for rent:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
The Retreat at MercedOne Bedroom/One Bathroom1BR,1BA$528
Merced StationD24BR,4BA$599
Brookdale Gardens0BR/1.0BAStudio,1BA$1,100
The Hub MercedC13BR,3BA$1,170
1680-1695 Ellen Ave1685-D2BR,1BA$1,250

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Merced County, CA

As of September 21, 2025 the best value apartment in the Merced County area is the $1.56 price per square foot 3 Beds, 2 baths Model at Olive Tree Apartments in the in the Chemurgic neighborhood starting from $1,950. The second greatest value Merced County apartment is the Manor with Garage Model at Village Terrace starting at $1,815 with a $1.62 price per square foot in the The Crossings at Fahrens Creek neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Merced County apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
Olive Tree Apartments3 Beds, 2 baths3BR,2BA$1.56
Village TerraceManor with Garage2BR,2BA$1.62
Willowbrook Apartments2BR/2.0BA2BR,2BA$1.43
780 E Alexander Ave780 E Alexander Ave3BR,1BA$1.73
Merced StationB12BR,2BA$1.43
Northwood Village2x1 Redwood Remodel2BR,1BA$1.96
Willow Glen2 Bedroom 1 Bath2BR,1.5BA$1.80
The Retreat at MercedTwo Bedroom/One Bathroom2BR,1BA$1.10
1680-1695 Ellen Ave1685-D2BR,1BA$1.70
958 Barney St958 Barney St1BR,1BA$1.91

Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Merced County Apartments

What is a cheap apartment in Merced County?

A cheap apartment is any apartment up to the 30% percentile of cost for the area, which in Merced County is under $1,386.

What is the price of a cheap apartment in Merced County?

The cheapest apartment in Merced County is The Retreat at Merced which is listed at $528, while the average apartment in Merced County costs $2,700.

What types of apartments are the cheapest in Merced County?

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 11 regular apartments in Merced County 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 Merced County?

Cheap apartments in Merced County have an average cost of $216 which is $2,484 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in Merced County.

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.

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How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Everything is a negotiation in real estate! 

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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.

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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.

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The Ultimate Long-Distance Moving Checklist: Tips from a Real Estate Pro

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Hard truth. Moving is never easy. I’ve done it all – from local moves to cross-country relocations From packing to unpacking the last box, I have found moving to be an exhausting, expensive and stressful experience every time.