Chico vs Merced
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Merced is 0% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $1,055/mo vs $1,059/mo in Chico — saving $48/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Chico | Merced | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $698 | $696 | $2 |
| 1 Bedroom | $859 | $865 | $6 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,059 | $1,055 | $4 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,354 | $1,328 | $26 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,491 | $1,460 | $31 |
| Median Income | $66,884 | $60,958 | $5,926 |
Chico
- Studio
- $698/mo
- 1 BR
- $859/mo
- 2 BR
- $1,059/mo
- 3 BR
- $1,354/mo
- 4 BR
- $1,491/mo
- Median Income
- $66,884/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 Chico or Merced cheaper to rent in?
Merced is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $1,055/mo vs $1,059/mo in Chico. That's $4/mo or $48/year more expensive in Chico (0% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Chico vs Merced?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Chico is $1,059/month. In Merced, a 2-bedroom FMR is $1,055/month.
How do incomes compare between Chico and Merced?
The median household income in Chico is $66,884/year. In Merced it is $60,958/year. Chico has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Chico vs Merced?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Chico is $698/mo. In Merced it is $696/mo.