Merced vs Raleigh-Cary
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Merced is 4% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $1,055/mo vs $1,097/mo in Raleigh-Cary — saving $504/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Merced | Raleigh-Cary | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $696 | $760 | $64 |
| 1 Bedroom | $865 | $928 | $63 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,055 | $1,097 | $42 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,328 | $1,435 | $107 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,460 | $1,556 | $96 |
| Median Income | $60,958 | $70,678 | $9,720 |
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
Raleigh-Cary
- Studio
- $760/mo
- 1 BR
- $928/mo
- 2 BR
- $1,097/mo
- 3 BR
- $1,435/mo
- 4 BR
- $1,556/mo
- Median Income
- $70,678/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Merced or Raleigh-Cary cheaper to rent in?
Merced is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $1,055/mo vs $1,097/mo in Raleigh-Cary. That's $42/mo or $504/year more expensive in Raleigh-Cary (4% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Merced vs Raleigh-Cary?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Merced is $1,055/month. In Raleigh-Cary, a 2-bedroom FMR is $1,097/month.
How do incomes compare between Merced and Raleigh-Cary?
The median household income in Merced is $60,958/year. In Raleigh-Cary it is $70,678/year. Raleigh-Cary has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Merced vs Raleigh-Cary?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Merced is $696/mo. In Raleigh-Cary it is $760/mo.