Boulder vs Merced
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Merced is 32% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $1,055/mo vs $1,393/mo in Boulder — saving $4,056/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Boulder | Merced | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $912 | $696 | $216 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,165 | $865 | $300 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,393 | $1,055 | $338 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,797 | $1,328 | $469 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,079 | $1,460 | $619 |
| Median Income | $78,256 | $60,958 | $17,298 |
Boulder
- Studio
- $912/mo
- 1 BR
- $1,165/mo
- 2 BR
- $1,393/mo
- 3 BR
- $1,797/mo
- 4 BR
- $2,079/mo
- Median Income
- $78,256/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 Boulder or Merced cheaper to rent in?
Merced is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $1,055/mo vs $1,393/mo in Boulder. That's $338/mo or $4,056/year more expensive in Boulder (32% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Boulder vs Merced?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Boulder is $1,393/month. In Merced, a 2-bedroom FMR is $1,055/month.
How do incomes compare between Boulder and Merced?
The median household income in Boulder is $78,256/year. In Merced it is $60,958/year. Boulder has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Boulder vs Merced?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Boulder is $912/mo. In Merced it is $696/mo.