El Centro vs Merced
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
El Centro is 26% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $834/mo vs $1,055/mo in Merced — saving $2,652/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | El Centro | Merced | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $556 | $696 | $140 |
| 1 Bedroom | $706 | $865 | $159 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $834 | $1,055 | $221 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,056 | $1,328 | $272 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,186 | $1,460 | $274 |
| Median Income | $50,743 | $60,958 | $10,215 |
El Centro
- Studio
- $556/mo
- 1 BR
- $706/mo
- 2 BR
- $834/mo
- 3 BR
- $1,056/mo
- 4 BR
- $1,186/mo
- Median Income
- $50,743/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 El Centro or Merced cheaper to rent in?
El Centro is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $834/mo vs $1,055/mo in Merced. That's $221/mo or $2,652/year more expensive in Merced (26% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in El Centro vs Merced?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in El Centro is $834/month. In Merced, a 2-bedroom FMR is $1,055/month.
How do incomes compare between El Centro and Merced?
The median household income in El Centro is $50,743/year. In Merced it is $60,958/year. Merced has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in El Centro vs Merced?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in El Centro is $556/mo. In Merced it is $696/mo.