Brownsville-Harlingen vs Merced
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Brownsville-Harlingen is 56% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $678/mo vs $1,055/mo in Merced — saving $4,524/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Brownsville-Harlingen | Merced | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $459 | $696 | $237 |
| 1 Bedroom | $551 | $865 | $314 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $678 | $1,055 | $377 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $807 | $1,328 | $521 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $964 | $1,460 | $496 |
| Median Income | $44,211 | $60,958 | $16,747 |
Brownsville-Harlingen
- Studio
- $459/mo
- 1 BR
- $551/mo
- 2 BR
- $678/mo
- 3 BR
- $807/mo
- 4 BR
- $964/mo
- Median Income
- $44,211/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 Brownsville-Harlingen or Merced cheaper to rent in?
Brownsville-Harlingen is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $678/mo vs $1,055/mo in Merced. That's $377/mo or $4,524/year more expensive in Merced (56% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Brownsville-Harlingen vs Merced?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Brownsville-Harlingen is $678/month. In Merced, a 2-bedroom FMR is $1,055/month.
How do incomes compare between Brownsville-Harlingen and Merced?
The median household income in Brownsville-Harlingen is $44,211/year. In Merced it is $60,958/year. Merced has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Brownsville-Harlingen vs Merced?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Brownsville-Harlingen is $459/mo. In Merced it is $696/mo.