Columbus vs Merced
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Columbus is 44% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $733/mo vs $1,055/mo in Merced — saving $3,864/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Columbus | Merced | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $493 | $696 | $203 |
| 1 Bedroom | $600 | $865 | $265 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $733 | $1,055 | $322 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $932 | $1,328 | $396 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,032 | $1,460 | $428 |
| Median Income | $37,268 | $60,958 | $23,690 |
Columbus
- Studio
- $493/mo
- 1 BR
- $600/mo
- 2 BR
- $733/mo
- 3 BR
- $932/mo
- 4 BR
- $1,032/mo
- Median Income
- $37,268/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 Columbus or Merced cheaper to rent in?
Columbus is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $733/mo vs $1,055/mo in Merced. That's $322/mo or $3,864/year more expensive in Merced (44% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Columbus vs Merced?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Columbus is $733/month. In Merced, a 2-bedroom FMR is $1,055/month.
How do incomes compare between Columbus and Merced?
The median household income in Columbus is $37,268/year. In Merced it is $60,958/year. Merced has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Columbus vs Merced?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Columbus is $493/mo. In Merced it is $696/mo.