Rent in Merced County, CA at a glance
2-bedroom rent (HUD)
$1,503$18,036 a year · HUD fiscal year 2026From October 1, 2026: $1,517 (+0.9%)How much rent can you afford in Merced County, CA?
HUD’s fair market rent for each size, against what a typical household here earns. Change the income to see yours.
Rent in Merced County, CA by bedroom, and the pay it takes
Income needed keeps rent at 30% of gross pay; the hourly figure assumes one full-time job, 2,080 hours a year.
| Size | A month | A year | Income needed | Hourly wage needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,116 | $13,392 | $44,640 | $21.46/hr |
| 1 bedroom | $1,213 | $14,556 | $48,520 | $23.33/hr |
| 2 bedroomsMost searched | $1,503 | $18,036 | $60,120 | $28.90/hr |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,067 | $24,804 | $82,680 | $39.75/hr |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,503 | $30,036 | $100,120 | $48.13/hr |
Cost of living in Merced County, CA: income, prices and a budget →
Living and working in Merced County, CA
Rent in Merced County, CA: common questions
How much is rent going up in Merced County, CA in 2027?
HUD's Fair Market Rent for fiscal 2027, which takes effect October 1, 2026, is $1,517 for a two-bedroom, up 0.9% from $1,503. A one-bedroom goes from $1,213 to $1,262, a studio from $1,116 to $1,200.
These are HUD's estimates of what a typical recently rented unit costs, used for housing vouchers. A landlord's increase on your lease follows your lease and your state's rules, not this figure.
What is the average rent in Merced County, CA?
HUD's Fair Market Rent for 2026 is $1,213 for a one-bedroom and $1,503 for a two-bedroom, utilities included. That is $18,036 a year for the two-bedroom.
It is not an average of current listings. HUD sets it at the rent 40% of recent movers paid or less for a standard unit, so asking rents on newer places usually run higher.
How much do you need to make to afford rent in Merced County, CA?
To keep a $1,503 two-bedroom at 30% of gross pay, one full-time worker needs $28.90 an hour, or $60,120 a year. A one-bedroom at $1,213 takes $23.33 an hour.
How much is a 1, 2 or 3-bedroom apartment in Merced County, CA?
At HUD's 2026 Fair Market Rent: studio $1,116, one bedroom $1,213, two $1,503, three $2,067 and four $2,503 a month.
Is rent affordable in Merced County, CA?
For the typical household, earning $65,510 a year ($5,459 a month, Census ACS), a two-bedroom at $1,503 takes 27.5% of income. Under 30% is the usual line for affordable; this is under it.
How is the income needed for rent worked out?
Rent for a year divided by 0.30, the share of gross income HUD treats as affordable: ($1,503 × 12) ÷ 0.30 = $60,120. Divided by 2,080 working hours, that is $28.90 an hour.