Cheap Homes for Rent in Merced County, CA from $500 (16 Rentals)

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

property at 368 Shafer Ave

$550 - $800

Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$550 - $800

Total Monthly Price
$550 - $800

1 Bedroom, 1.5 Bath Home for Rent

Available Now

368 Shafer Ave

MercedCA95348

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.

property at 1495 Breezeway Ct

$800

Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$800

Total Monthly Price
$800

1 Bedroom, 1 Bath Home for Rent

Available Now

1495 Breezeway Ct

MercedCA95340

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.

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 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 ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Merced StationD24BR,4BA$529
617 W Santa Fe Ave1 Bed, 1 bath1BR,1BA$895
The Retreat at MercedThree Bedroom/Two Bathroom3BR,2BA$1,094
Brookdale Gardens0BR/1.0BAStudio,1BA$1,095
# Illinois 9181BR/1.0BA1BR,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 ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
Olive Tree Apartments3 Beds, 2 baths3BR,2BA$1.56
Castle Vista Senior Duplex CommunityLancaster3BR,2BA$1.38
1422 Lansing St, Unit NA1422 Lansing St3BR,2BA$1.60
The Retreat at MercedThree Bedroom/Two Bathroom3BR,2BA$0.97
Granville Luxury ApartmentsB32BR,2BA$1.63
Willowbrook ApartmentsRENOVATED 2BR/2.0BA2BR,2BA$1.59
Merced StationB12BR,2BA$1.20
Garden East Apartments2br, 1b2BR,1BA$1.68
3310 R St, Unit A3310 R St2BR,1BA$1.65
617 W Santa Fe Ave1 Bed, 1 bath1BR,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

decorative image for Neighborhood and Market Insights: How to Choose the Right Area to Rent   article

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.

decorative image for A Seasoned Property Manager's Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Deposit Back article

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.

decorative image for Expert Solutions for Creating the Perfect Work-From-Home Apartment Layouts  article

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.

decorative image for What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much article

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.