Columbus vs Merced
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Columbus is 11% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $951/mo vs $1,055/mo in Merced — saving $1,248/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Columbus | Merced | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $608 | $696 | $88 |
| 1 Bedroom | $764 | $865 | $101 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $951 | $1,055 | $104 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,108 | $1,328 | $220 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,375 | $1,460 | $85 |
| Median Income | $63,239 | $60,958 | $2,281 |
Columbus
- Studio
- $608/mo
- 1 BR
- $764/mo
- 2 BR
- $951/mo
- 3 BR
- $1,108/mo
- 4 BR
- $1,375/mo
- Median Income
- $63,239/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 $951/mo vs $1,055/mo in Merced. That's $104/mo or $1,248/year more expensive in Merced (11% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Columbus vs Merced?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Columbus is $951/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 $63,239/year. In Merced it is $60,958/year. Columbus has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Columbus vs Merced?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Columbus is $608/mo. In Merced it is $696/mo.