Merced Horizons
3786 Horizons Ave,
Merced, CA 95348
1-3 Beds | $1,758 - $2,280
Rental Market Trends in Merced, CA
Updated August 2026
The average rent in Merced, CA is $1,217/month.
Rent in Merced is 27% lower than the national average rent of $1,663/month, making this one of the less expensive cities statewide.
$1,217/month
Average Rent
630 Sq Ft
Average Size
+0.2%
Change / Year
239
Available Apartments
Merced rent varies by unit size and layout:
- Studio apartments in Merced average $773 per month.
- One-bedroom apartments in Merced average $1,217 per month.
- Two-bedroom apartments in Merced average $1,467 per month.
- Three-bedroom apartments in Merced average $1,627 or more per month.
Average Rent by Home Type
Bedrooms
Average Rent
Average Sq Ft
Bedrooms
Average Rent
Average Sq Ft
How much has average rent changed in Merced, CA?
In the past year, rent has increased by 0.2%, which averages out to $3 more per month.
Market Trends Over Time
August 2026
2025
2026
Rent Ranges in Merced, CA
August 2026
Below $701
Most rental prices fall within this range
Percentage*
Rent Range
33%
Below $700/month
23%
$700 - $1,000/month
23%
$1,001 - $1,500/month
19%
$1,501 - $2,000/month
1%
Above $2,000/month
Rent by Neighborhood
What are the most affordable neighborhoods in Merced?
Based on current rent prices, Downtown Merced is the most affordable neighborhood in Merced.
Neighborhood
Average Rent
Average Sq Ft
What are the most expensive neighborhoods in Merced?
Based on current rent prices, Downtown Merced is the most expensive neighborhood in Merced.
Neighborhood
Average Rent
Average Sq Ft
Which Merced neighborhoods have the most rentals available?
The neighborhood in Merced with the most apartments available is Downtown Merced .
Neighborhood
Average Rent
Average Sq Ft
What salary do I need to live comfortably in Merced, CA?
Because the average rent in Merced is $1,217, you’ll want to make about $4,056 per month or $48,672 per year. The general guideline is to pay no more than 30 percent of your monthly income on rent. However, you’ll want to consider additional factors, such as your monthly bills and other expenses. Use our rent affordability calculator to help determine how much to budget for rent.
How does Merced, CA compare to other nearby cities and neighborhoods?
Use the tool below to compare Merced, CA to other nearby cities and neighborhoods. The Apartments.com neighborhood guides provide you with insight into the area’s transportation, things to do, and more.
View the Merced Area GuideStudio
$669/month
$669/month
One Bedroom
$946/month
$946/month
Two Bedroom
$1,032/month
$1,032/month
Three Bedroom
$1,209/month
$1,209/month
Compare Rent Trends Nearby
Get a clearer picture of the area by viewing rent trends in nearby cities.
-
Atwater
Avg Rent: $954/month
-
Winton
Avg Rent: $637/month
-
Livingston
Avg Rent: $1,051/month
-
Delhi
Avg Rent: $692/month
-
Chowchilla
Avg Rent: $1,264/month
Apartment Communities in Merced We Think You'll Love
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average rent in Merced?
The average rent in Merced is $1,217 per month, which is 26.8% lower than the national average of $1,663.
What is the average rent for a house in Merced?
The average rent for a house in Merced, CA is $2,015 per month.
Are rents going up or down in Merced?
Rents in Merced, CA are increasing, with prices up 0.2% year-over-year and $3 more per month.
What rent range is most common in Merced?
In Merced, CA, 33% of apartments fall below $700/month, though prices may vary depending on location and other factors.
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 June 2026.
Demographic information comes from Neustar and combines detailed address data with U.S. Census and American Community Survey statistics to produce reliable local estimates.
* Percentages may not total 100 due to rounding.