Merced vs San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Merced is 109% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $1,055/mo vs $2,200/mo in San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley — saving $13,740/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Merced | San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $696 | $1,456 | $760 |
| 1 Bedroom | $865 | $1,848 | $983 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,055 | $2,200 | $1,145 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,328 | $2,832 | $1,504 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,460 | $3,149 | $1,689 |
| Median Income | $60,958 | $147,497 | $86,539 |
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
San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley
- Studio
- $1,456/mo
- 1 BR
- $1,848/mo
- 2 BR
- $2,200/mo
- 3 BR
- $2,832/mo
- 4 BR
- $3,149/mo
- Median Income
- $147,497/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Merced or San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley cheaper to rent in?
Merced is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $1,055/mo vs $2,200/mo in San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley. That's $1,145/mo or $13,740/year more expensive in San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley (109% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Merced vs San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Merced is $1,055/month. In San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, a 2-bedroom FMR is $2,200/month.
How do incomes compare between Merced and San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley?
The median household income in Merced is $60,958/year. In San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley it is $147,497/year. San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Merced vs San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Merced is $696/mo. In San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley it is $1,456/mo.