Baton Rouge vs Merced
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Baton Rouge is 20% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $882/mo vs $1,055/mo in Merced — saving $2,076/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Baton Rouge | Merced | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $586 | $696 | $110 |
| 1 Bedroom | $697 | $865 | $168 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $882 | $1,055 | $173 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,039 | $1,328 | $289 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,260 | $1,460 | $200 |
| Median Income | $47,944 | $60,958 | $13,014 |
Baton Rouge
- Studio
- $586/mo
- 1 BR
- $697/mo
- 2 BR
- $882/mo
- 3 BR
- $1,039/mo
- 4 BR
- $1,260/mo
- Median Income
- $47,944/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 Baton Rouge or Merced cheaper to rent in?
Baton Rouge is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $882/mo vs $1,055/mo in Merced. That's $173/mo or $2,076/year more expensive in Merced (20% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Baton Rouge vs Merced?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Baton Rouge is $882/month. In Merced, a 2-bedroom FMR is $1,055/month.
How do incomes compare between Baton Rouge and Merced?
The median household income in Baton Rouge is $47,944/year. In Merced it is $60,958/year. Merced has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Baton Rouge vs Merced?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Baton Rouge is $586/mo. In Merced it is $696/mo.