Rent comparison · HUD FY2026
Merced, CA MSA vs Bakersfield-Delano, CA MSA
How do Merced, CA MSA and Bakersfield-Delano, CA MSA rents compare? A side-by-side FY 2026 HUD Fair Market Rent breakdown, studio through 4-bedroom.
- $1,213
- Merced, CA MSA (1BR)
- $1,140
- Bakersfield-Delano, CA MSA (1BR)
- +6%
- 1BR difference
Side-by-side FY 2026 HUD Fair Market Rent comparison. Data from U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
A 1-bedroom in Merced, CA MSA is 6% more expensive than Bakersfield-Delano, CA MSA at the HUD Fair Market Rent level ($1,213 vs $1,140). Both figures are the 40th percentile of gross rents (utilities included, telephone excluded) set by HUD for the federal fiscal year 2026. Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher payment standards in each area are set between 90% and 110% of these FMR numbers. Source: HUD Fair Market Rents.
How Do Rents Compare By Bedroom?
| Bedrooms | Merced, CA MSA | Bakersfield-Delano, CA MSA | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,116 | $1,132 | −$16 (-1%) |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,213 | $1,140 | +$73 (+6%) |
| 2 Bedroom | $1,503 | $1,483 | +$20 (+1%) |
| 3 Bedroom | $2,067 | $2,062 | +$5 (+0%) |
| 4 Bedroom | $2,503 | $2,488 | +$15 (+1%) |
vs US National Average
National average 1BR: $959. Merced, CA MSA is 26% above the US average. Bakersfield-Delano, CA MSA is 19% above.
Sources: HUD Fair Market Rents FY 2026. Population and median income from U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).