Albany vs Merced
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Albany is 83% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $577/mo vs $1,055/mo in Merced — saving $5,736/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Albany | Merced | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $407 | $696 | $289 |
| 1 Bedroom | $488 | $865 | $377 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $577 | $1,055 | $478 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $748 | $1,328 | $580 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $841 | $1,460 | $619 |
| Median Income | $39,279 | $60,958 | $21,679 |
Albany
- Studio
- $407/mo
- 1 BR
- $488/mo
- 2 BR
- $577/mo
- 3 BR
- $748/mo
- 4 BR
- $841/mo
- Median Income
- $39,279/yr
Merced
- Studio
- $696/mo
- 1 BR
- $865/mo
- 2 BR
- $1,055/mo
- 3 BR
- $1,328/mo
- 4 BR
- $1,460/mo
- Median Income
- $60,958/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Albany or Merced cheaper to rent in?
Albany is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $577/mo vs $1,055/mo in Merced. That's $478/mo or $5,736/year more expensive in Merced (83% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Albany vs Merced?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Albany is $577/month. In Merced, a 2-bedroom FMR is $1,055/month.
How do incomes compare between Albany and Merced?
The median household income in Albany is $39,279/year. In Merced it is $60,958/year. Merced has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Albany vs Merced?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Albany is $407/mo. In Merced it is $696/mo.