Merced vs Rapid City
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Rapid City is 26% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $835/mo vs $1,055/mo in Merced — saving $2,640/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Merced | Rapid City | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $696 | $574 | $122 |
| 1 Bedroom | $865 | $702 | $163 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,055 | $835 | $220 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,328 | $1,106 | $222 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,460 | $1,277 | $183 |
| Median Income | $60,958 | $44,904 | $16,054 |
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
Rapid City
- Studio
- $574/mo
- 1 BR
- $702/mo
- 2 BR
- $835/mo
- 3 BR
- $1,106/mo
- 4 BR
- $1,277/mo
- Median Income
- $44,904/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Merced or Rapid City cheaper to rent in?
Rapid City is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $835/mo vs $1,055/mo in Merced. That's $220/mo or $2,640/year more expensive in Merced (26% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Merced vs Rapid City?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Merced is $1,055/month. In Rapid City, a 2-bedroom FMR is $835/month.
How do incomes compare between Merced and Rapid City?
The median household income in Merced is $60,958/year. In Rapid City it is $44,904/year. Merced has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Merced vs Rapid City?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Merced is $696/mo. In Rapid City it is $574/mo.