Cheap Homes for Rent in Merced County, CA from $600 (20 Rentals)

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

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.

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.

property at 139 W 18th St

$1,245

1 Bedroom, 1 Bath Rentals

Available Now

8

139 W 18th St
MercedCA95340
property at 132 W 18th St

$1,295

2 Bedroom, 1 Bath Rentals

Available Now

2

132 W 18th St
MercedCA95340

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.

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 $546. 3372-3378 San Mateo Ct in the The Crossings at Fahrens Creek neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 2 Beds apartment currently listed from $1,050. 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$546
3372-3378 San Mateo Ct2 Beds, 2 Baths2BR,2BA$1,050
Osito Apartments1X11BR,1BA$1,075
Brookdale Gardens0BR/1.0BAStudio,1BA$1,095
Grand Resort Apartments2 Bedroom Bungalow2BR,1BA$1,345

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Merced County, CA

As of July 17, 2026 the best value apartment in the Merced County area is the $1.61 price per square foot The Lagoon Remodel Model at Bear Creek North in the in the Gateways neighborhood starting from $2,050. 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 ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
Bear Creek NorthThe Lagoon Remodel2BR,2BA$1.61
Castle Vista Senior Duplex CommunityLancaster3BR,2BA$1.38
1422 Lansing St, Unit NA1422 Lansing St3BR,2BA$1.56
Bear Creek Park & Creekside ApartmentsSycamore Upstairs3BR,2BA$1.50
Willowbrook ApartmentsRENOVATED 2BR/2.0BA2BR,2BA$1.59
3310 R St, Unit A3310 R St2BR,1BA$1.53
3372-3378 San Mateo Ct2 Beds, 2 Baths2BR,2BA$1.31
62 W 23rd St, Unit Merced Duplex62 W 23rd St1BR,1BA$1.47
958 Barney St958 Barney St1BR,1BA$1.76
The Retreat at MercedOne Bedroom/One Bathroom1BR,1BA$0.92

Frequently Asked Questions about Merced County

What type of rentals are currently available in Merced County?

There are currently 572 Apartments for Rent in Merced County, CA with pricing that ranges from $574 to $2,700. There are also 138 Single Family Homes for rent, Condos, and Townhome rentals currently available in Merced County ranging from $685 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 $685 to $3,450 with an average monthly rent of $1,849.

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 $1,090 to $2,280, while Three Bedroom Homes, Condos, and Townhomes for rent range from $1,495 to $2,800. Four Bedroom Single-Family rentals are also available starting from $2,000 and Four Bedroom Apartments start at $574.

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

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.

decorative image for Apartment Occupancy Rates: Renter Attraction vs Renter Retention   article

Apartment Occupancy Rates: Renter Attraction vs Renter Retention

Written by: Robin Stewart

There’s a tenet in marketing about client or customer attraction and retention. Studies and data have consistently shown it costs less to keep a current customer than to attract a new one.

decorative image for How I Find the Perfect Rental for My Clients: A Real Estate Pro's Guide article

How I Find the Perfect Rental for My Clients: A Real Estate Pro's Guide

Written by: Robin Stewart

Evaluating rental properties for clients draws many parallels to house-hunting. Whether an apartment, loft, townhouse, or other rental, finding the right place means finding “home” for your client.

decorative image for Pet-Friendly Renting: Everything You Need to Know Before You Move article

Pet-Friendly Renting: Everything You Need to Know Before You Move

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

For so many of us, pets are the best companions and a big part of our lives. For this reason, a pet-friendly house or apartment is often a very important - and nonnegotiable - part of a move.