Rent comparison · HUD FY2026
Merced County vs California
How do Merced County and California rents compare? A side-by-side FY 2026 HUD Fair Market Rent breakdown, studio through 4-bedroom.
- $1,213
- Merced County (1BR)
- $1,647
- California (1BR)
- −26%
- 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 County is 26% cheaper than California at the HUD Fair Market Rent level ($1,213 vs $1,647). 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 County | California | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,116 | $1,513 | −$397 (-26%) |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,213 | $1,647 | −$434 (-26%) |
| 2 Bedroom | $1,503 | $2,053 | −$550 (-27%) |
| 3 Bedroom | $2,067 | $2,752 | −$685 (-25%) |
| 4 Bedroom | $2,503 | $3,165 | −$662 (-21%) |
vs US National Average
National average 1BR: $959. Merced County is 26% above the US average. California is 72% above.
Sources: HUD Fair Market Rents FY 2026. Population and median income from U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).