Athens-Clarke County vs Merced
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Athens-Clarke County is 18% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $891/mo vs $1,055/mo in Merced — saving $1,968/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Athens-Clarke County | Merced | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $596 | $696 | $100 |
| 1 Bedroom | $714 | $865 | $151 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $891 | $1,055 | $164 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,137 | $1,328 | $191 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,198 | $1,460 | $262 |
| Median Income | $52,645 | $60,958 | $8,313 |
Athens-Clarke County
- Studio
- $596/mo
- 1 BR
- $714/mo
- 2 BR
- $891/mo
- 3 BR
- $1,137/mo
- 4 BR
- $1,198/mo
- Median Income
- $52,645/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 Athens-Clarke County or Merced cheaper to rent in?
Athens-Clarke County is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $891/mo vs $1,055/mo in Merced. That's $164/mo or $1,968/year more expensive in Merced (18% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Athens-Clarke County vs Merced?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Athens-Clarke County is $891/month. In Merced, a 2-bedroom FMR is $1,055/month.
How do incomes compare between Athens-Clarke County and Merced?
The median household income in Athens-Clarke County is $52,645/year. In Merced it is $60,958/year. Merced has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Athens-Clarke County vs Merced?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Athens-Clarke County is $596/mo. In Merced it is $696/mo.