Las Cruces vs Merced
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Las Cruces is 31% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $806/mo vs $1,055/mo in Merced — saving $2,988/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Las Cruces | Merced | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $537 | $696 | $159 |
| 1 Bedroom | $638 | $865 | $227 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $806 | $1,055 | $249 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $949 | $1,328 | $379 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,133 | $1,460 | $327 |
| Median Income | $43,858 | $60,958 | $17,100 |
Las Cruces
- Studio
- $537/mo
- 1 BR
- $638/mo
- 2 BR
- $806/mo
- 3 BR
- $949/mo
- 4 BR
- $1,133/mo
- Median Income
- $43,858/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 Las Cruces or Merced cheaper to rent in?
Las Cruces is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $806/mo vs $1,055/mo in Merced. That's $249/mo or $2,988/year more expensive in Merced (31% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Las Cruces vs Merced?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Las Cruces is $806/month. In Merced, a 2-bedroom FMR is $1,055/month.
How do incomes compare between Las Cruces and Merced?
The median household income in Las Cruces is $43,858/year. In Merced it is $60,958/year. Merced has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Las Cruces vs Merced?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Las Cruces is $537/mo. In Merced it is $696/mo.