Des Moines-West Des Moines vs Merced
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Des Moines-West Des Moines is 25% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $842/mo vs $1,055/mo in Merced — saving $2,556/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Des Moines-West Des Moines | Merced | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $582 | $696 | $114 |
| 1 Bedroom | $705 | $865 | $160 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $842 | $1,055 | $213 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,040 | $1,328 | $288 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,173 | $1,460 | $287 |
| Median Income | $43,390 | $60,958 | $17,568 |
Des Moines-West Des Moines
- Studio
- $582/mo
- 1 BR
- $705/mo
- 2 BR
- $842/mo
- 3 BR
- $1,040/mo
- 4 BR
- $1,173/mo
- Median Income
- $43,390/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 Des Moines-West Des Moines or Merced cheaper to rent in?
Des Moines-West Des Moines is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $842/mo vs $1,055/mo in Merced. That's $213/mo or $2,556/year more expensive in Merced (25% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Des Moines-West Des Moines vs Merced?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Des Moines-West Des Moines is $842/month. In Merced, a 2-bedroom FMR is $1,055/month.
How do incomes compare between Des Moines-West Des Moines and Merced?
The median household income in Des Moines-West Des Moines is $43,390/year. In Merced it is $60,958/year. Merced has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Des Moines-West Des Moines vs Merced?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Des Moines-West Des Moines is $582/mo. In Merced it is $696/mo.