Lafayette vs Merced
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Lafayette is 42% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $741/mo vs $1,055/mo in Merced — saving $3,768/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Lafayette | Merced | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $502 | $696 | $194 |
| 1 Bedroom | $626 | $865 | $239 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $741 | $1,055 | $314 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $958 | $1,328 | $370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,134 | $1,460 | $326 |
| Median Income | $38,989 | $60,958 | $21,969 |
Lafayette
- Studio
- $502/mo
- 1 BR
- $626/mo
- 2 BR
- $741/mo
- 3 BR
- $958/mo
- 4 BR
- $1,134/mo
- Median Income
- $38,989/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 Lafayette or Merced cheaper to rent in?
Lafayette is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $741/mo vs $1,055/mo in Merced. That's $314/mo or $3,768/year more expensive in Merced (42% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Lafayette vs Merced?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Lafayette is $741/month. In Merced, a 2-bedroom FMR is $1,055/month.
How do incomes compare between Lafayette and Merced?
The median household income in Lafayette is $38,989/year. In Merced it is $60,958/year. Merced has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Lafayette vs Merced?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Lafayette is $502/mo. In Merced it is $696/mo.