Fort Collins vs Merced
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Merced is 16% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $1,055/mo vs $1,227/mo in Fort Collins — saving $2,064/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Fort Collins | Merced | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $839 | $696 | $143 |
| 1 Bedroom | $990 | $865 | $125 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,227 | $1,055 | $172 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,487 | $1,328 | $159 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,747 | $1,460 | $287 |
| Median Income | $63,053 | $60,958 | $2,095 |
Fort Collins
- Studio
- $839/mo
- 1 BR
- $990/mo
- 2 BR
- $1,227/mo
- 3 BR
- $1,487/mo
- 4 BR
- $1,747/mo
- Median Income
- $63,053/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 Fort Collins or Merced cheaper to rent in?
Merced is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $1,055/mo vs $1,227/mo in Fort Collins. That's $172/mo or $2,064/year more expensive in Fort Collins (16% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Fort Collins vs Merced?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Fort Collins is $1,227/month. In Merced, a 2-bedroom FMR is $1,055/month.
How do incomes compare between Fort Collins and Merced?
The median household income in Fort Collins is $63,053/year. In Merced it is $60,958/year. Fort Collins has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Fort Collins vs Merced?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Fort Collins is $839/mo. In Merced it is $696/mo.