Bakersfield vs Merced
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Bakersfield is 4% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $1,018/mo vs $1,055/mo in Merced — saving $444/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Bakersfield | Merced | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $683 | $696 | $13 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 | $865 | $11 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,018 | $1,055 | $37 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,326 | $1,328 | $2 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,528 | $1,460 | $68 |
| Median Income | $67,968 | $60,958 | $7,010 |
Bakersfield
- Studio
- $683/mo
- 1 BR
- $854/mo
- 2 BR
- $1,018/mo
- 3 BR
- $1,326/mo
- 4 BR
- $1,528/mo
- Median Income
- $67,968/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 Bakersfield or Merced cheaper to rent in?
Bakersfield is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $1,018/mo vs $1,055/mo in Merced. That's $37/mo or $444/year more expensive in Merced (4% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Bakersfield vs Merced?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Bakersfield is $1,018/month. In Merced, a 2-bedroom FMR is $1,055/month.
How do incomes compare between Bakersfield and Merced?
The median household income in Bakersfield is $67,968/year. In Merced it is $60,958/year. Bakersfield has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Bakersfield vs Merced?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Bakersfield is $683/mo. In Merced it is $696/mo.