Merced

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Merced, CA

Area Guide

Situated in California's San Joaquin Valley, Merced combines agricultural heritage with educational opportunities. Located less than two hours from Yosemite National Park, the city serves as a convenient gateway to this natural wonder. The University of California, Merced campus - the first research university built in the U.S. in the 21st century - contributes to the local community. Rental options span throughout the city's 23 square miles, with current average rents ranging from $744 for studios to $1,638 for three-bedroom homes, showing moderate year-over-year increases between 1.1% and 3.2%.

Downtown Merced centers around the restored Art Deco Merced Theatre and Bob Hart Square. Lake Yosemite offers opportunities for swimming, fishing, and boating, while the Merced County Courthouse Museum preserves local history. The area maintains its agricultural significance as California's sixth-largest producing county. Notable neighborhoods include the north Merced area and the communities surrounding Merced College. The Mediterranean climate features mild winters and warm summers, ideal for exploring the city's parks and recreational areas. Current rental trends indicate steady market growth, with one-bedroom apartments averaging $1,175 monthly, reflecting more affordable options compared to California's coastal areas.

Rent Trends

As of December 2025, the average apartment rent in Merced, CA is $750 for a studio, $1,173 for one bedroom, $1,445 for two bedrooms, and $1,632 for three bedrooms. Apartment rent in Merced has increased by 0.3% in the past year.

Property Type
Average Rent
Average Sq Ft
Apartment
$1,173/month
605 Sq Ft
House
$2,473/month
1,649 Sq Ft
See Rental Market Trends in Merced, CA

Transportation

53

Somewhat Walkable

out of 100 WalkScore® Rating

You might be able to get out and walk when living in this area. Some errands can be accomplished on foot, but for others you’ll need a car.

55

Bikeable

out of 100 BikeScore® Rating

While there’s some bike infrastructure in this area, you’ll still need a car for many errands.

Schools

Pioneer Elementary

Public

Grades K-5

1,126 Students

McSwain Elementary

Public

Grades K-8

883 Students

Allan Peterson Elementary

Public

Grades K-6

664 Students

Luther Burbank Elementary

Public

Grades K-6

678 Students

Joe Stefani Elementary School

Public

Grades 3-6

628 Students

McSwain Elementary

Public

Grades K-8

883 Students

Rudolph Rivera Middle

Public

Grades 7-8

579 Students

Herbert Hoover Middle

Public

Grades 7-8

614 Students

Weaver Middle

Public

Grades 6-8

1,003 Students

Herbert H. Cruickshank Middle

Public

Grades 7-8

616 Students

El Capitan High

Public

Grades 9-12

1,839 Students

Golden Valley High

Public

Grades 9-12

1,956 Students

Merced High

Public

Grades 9-12

1,894 Students

Merced County Special Education School

Public

Grades K-12

848 Students

Merced County ROP

Public

Grades 11-12

Points of Interest

Top Apartments in Merced

Houses for Rent in Merced

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Methodology

† Our analysis of utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, home prices, and other goods and services is sourced from the Cost of Living Index, a respected benchmark published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) that provides a thorough overview of living expenses across different regions.

Rent data is provided by CoStar Group’s Market Trend reports. As the industry leader in commercial real estate information, analytics, and news, CoStar conducts extensive research to produce and maintain a comprehensive database of commercial real estate information. We combine this data with public record to provide the most up-to-date rental information available.

Consumer goods, services, and home prices are sourced from the Cost of Living Index published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER). The data on this page is updated quarterly. It was last published in November 2025.