Rent comparison · HUD FY2026
Merced County vs Los Angeles County
How do Merced County and Los Angeles County rents compare? A side-by-side FY 2026 HUD Fair Market Rent breakdown, studio through 4-bedroom.
- $1,213
- Merced County (1BR)
- $2,085
- Los Angeles County (1BR)
- −42%
- 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 42% cheaper than Los Angeles County at the HUD Fair Market Rent level ($1,213 vs $2,085). 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 | Los Angeles County | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,116 | $1,863 | −$747 (-40%) |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,213 | $2,085 | −$872 (-42%) |
| 2 Bedroom | $1,503 | $2,601 | −$1098 (-42%) |
| 3 Bedroom | $2,067 | $3,298 | −$1231 (-37%) |
| 4 Bedroom | $2,503 | $3,672 | −$1169 (-32%) |
vs US National Average
National average 1BR: $959. Merced County is 26% above the US average. Los Angeles County is 117% above.
Sources: HUD Fair Market Rents FY 2026. Population and median income from U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).