
Cheap Homes for Rent in Merced County, CA from $500 (16 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Homes available for rent right now in Merced County.


3640 Newport Ave

4354 Strathmore Pl

741 Suzanne Dr

3640 Newport Ave
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.

1495 Breezeway Ct

33 W 21st St

324 W 20th St

344 Moab Rim Ct

2128 K 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.

2142 K St

655 W 7th St

3372 San Mateo Ct

234 W 21st St

489 Cedar Ave
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.

836 Illinois Ave
Merced County, CA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent a home in Merced County?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Merced County 2 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $1,677 | $1,145 | $2,300 |
| Merced County 3 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $2,050 | $725 | $2,800 |
| Merced County 4 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $2,370 | $2,075 | $2,950 |
| Merced County 5 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $2,726 | $2,300 | $3,450 |
| Merced County 6 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $2,800 | $2,600 | $3,000 |
Browse Homes for Rent in Merced County
Explore Merced County
Cheapest Available Merced County Apartments for Rent
 The cheapest available apartment rental in Merced County, 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 County 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 |
| # Illinois 918 | 1BR/1.0BA | 1BR,1BA | $1,295 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Merced County, CA
As of June 02, 2026 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 Lancaster Model at Castle Vista Senior Duplex Community starting at $1,705 with a $1.38 price per square foot in the Claremont Reserve in Atwater neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Merced County apartments based on price per square foot:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Olive Tree Apartments | 3 Beds, 2 baths | 3BR,2BA | $1.56 |
| Castle Vista Senior Duplex Community | Lancaster | 3BR,2BA | $1.38 |
| 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 |
| 3310 R St, Unit A | 3310 R St | 2BR,1BA | $1.65 |
| 617 W Santa Fe Ave | 1 Bed, 1 bath | 1BR,1BA | $1.43 |
Frequently Asked Questions about Merced County
What type of rentals are currently available in Merced County?
There are currently 579 Apartments for Rent in Merced County, CA with pricing that ranges from $529 to $2,635. There are also 165 Single Family Homes for rent, Condos, and Townhome rentals currently available in Merced County ranging from $550 to $3,450.
What is the current price range for Rental Homes in Merced County?
Today's rental pricing for Homes for Rent, Condos and Townhomes in Merced County ranges from $550 to $3,450 with an average monthly rent of $1,935.
How much are larger Three and Four Bedroom Rentals in Merced County?
For those who are looking for larger living arrangements, Three Bedroom Apartments in Merced County range from $1,045 to $2,205, while Three Bedroom Homes, Condos, and Townhomes for rent range from $725 to $2,800. 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

Neighborhood and Market Insights: How to Choose the Right Area to Rent
Written by: Robin Stewart
Apartment-hunting can be a gargantuan task. Renters have a wish list of items—some luxuries, some necessities—but finding what you seek in the right place is perhaps the most important part of the journey.

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.