Columbia vs Merced
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Columbia is 14% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $927/mo vs $1,055/mo in Merced — saving $1,536/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Columbia | Merced | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $644 | $696 | $52 |
| 1 Bedroom | $771 | $865 | $94 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $927 | $1,055 | $128 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,178 | $1,328 | $150 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,341 | $1,460 | $119 |
| Median Income | $53,072 | $60,958 | $7,886 |
Columbia
- Studio
- $644/mo
- 1 BR
- $771/mo
- 2 BR
- $927/mo
- 3 BR
- $1,178/mo
- 4 BR
- $1,341/mo
- Median Income
- $53,072/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 Columbia or Merced cheaper to rent in?
Columbia is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $927/mo vs $1,055/mo in Merced. That's $128/mo or $1,536/year more expensive in Merced (14% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Columbia vs Merced?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Columbia is $927/month. In Merced, a 2-bedroom FMR is $1,055/month.
How do incomes compare between Columbia and Merced?
The median household income in Columbia is $53,072/year. In Merced it is $60,958/year. Merced has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Columbia vs Merced?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Columbia is $644/mo. In Merced it is $696/mo.