Boston-Cambridge-Newton vs Merced
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Merced is 66% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $1,055/mo vs $1,754/mo in Boston-Cambridge-Newton — saving $8,388/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Boston-Cambridge-Newton | Merced | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,196 | $696 | $500 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,409 | $865 | $544 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,754 | $1,055 | $699 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,044 | $1,328 | $716 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,555 | $1,460 | $1,095 |
| Median Income | $100,795 | $60,958 | $39,837 |
Boston-Cambridge-Newton
- Studio
- $1,196/mo
- 1 BR
- $1,409/mo
- 2 BR
- $1,754/mo
- 3 BR
- $2,044/mo
- 4 BR
- $2,555/mo
- Median Income
- $100,795/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 Boston-Cambridge-Newton or Merced cheaper to rent in?
Merced is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $1,055/mo vs $1,754/mo in Boston-Cambridge-Newton. That's $699/mo or $8,388/year more expensive in Boston-Cambridge-Newton (66% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Boston-Cambridge-Newton vs Merced?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Boston-Cambridge-Newton is $1,754/month. In Merced, a 2-bedroom FMR is $1,055/month.
How do incomes compare between Boston-Cambridge-Newton and Merced?
The median household income in Boston-Cambridge-Newton is $100,795/year. In Merced it is $60,958/year. Boston-Cambridge-Newton has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Boston-Cambridge-Newton vs Merced?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Boston-Cambridge-Newton is $1,196/mo. In Merced it is $696/mo.