Anchorage vs Merced
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Merced is 10% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $1,055/mo vs $1,162/mo in Anchorage — saving $1,284/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Anchorage | Merced | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $795 | $696 | $99 |
| 1 Bedroom | $960 | $865 | $95 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,162 | $1,055 | $107 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,475 | $1,328 | $147 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,674 | $1,460 | $214 |
| Median Income | $75,443 | $60,958 | $14,485 |
Anchorage
- Studio
- $795/mo
- 1 BR
- $960/mo
- 2 BR
- $1,162/mo
- 3 BR
- $1,475/mo
- 4 BR
- $1,674/mo
- Median Income
- $75,443/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 Anchorage or Merced cheaper to rent in?
Merced is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $1,055/mo vs $1,162/mo in Anchorage. That's $107/mo or $1,284/year more expensive in Anchorage (10% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Anchorage vs Merced?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Anchorage is $1,162/month. In Merced, a 2-bedroom FMR is $1,055/month.
How do incomes compare between Anchorage and Merced?
The median household income in Anchorage is $75,443/year. In Merced it is $60,958/year. Anchorage has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Anchorage vs Merced?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Anchorage is $795/mo. In Merced it is $696/mo.