Cedar Rapids vs Merced
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Cedar Rapids is 32% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $800/mo vs $1,055/mo in Merced — saving $3,060/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Cedar Rapids | Merced | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $530 | $696 | $166 |
| 1 Bedroom | $637 | $865 | $228 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $800 | $1,055 | $255 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $966 | $1,328 | $362 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,168 | $1,460 | $292 |
| Median Income | $45,870 | $60,958 | $15,088 |
Cedar Rapids
- Studio
- $530/mo
- 1 BR
- $637/mo
- 2 BR
- $800/mo
- 3 BR
- $966/mo
- 4 BR
- $1,168/mo
- Median Income
- $45,870/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 Cedar Rapids or Merced cheaper to rent in?
Cedar Rapids is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $800/mo vs $1,055/mo in Merced. That's $255/mo or $3,060/year more expensive in Merced (32% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Cedar Rapids vs Merced?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Cedar Rapids is $800/month. In Merced, a 2-bedroom FMR is $1,055/month.
How do incomes compare between Cedar Rapids and Merced?
The median household income in Cedar Rapids is $45,870/year. In Merced it is $60,958/year. Merced has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Cedar Rapids vs Merced?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Cedar Rapids is $530/mo. In Merced it is $696/mo.