Merced vs San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Merced is 129% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $1,055/mo vs $2,412/mo in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara — saving $16,284/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Merced | San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $696 | $1,628 | $932 |
| 1 Bedroom | $865 | $1,961 | $1,096 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,055 | $2,412 | $1,357 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,328 | $3,087 | $1,759 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,460 | $3,450 | $1,990 |
| Median Income | $60,958 | $167,314 | $106,356 |
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 Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara
- Studio
- $1,628/mo
- 1 BR
- $1,961/mo
- 2 BR
- $2,412/mo
- 3 BR
- $3,087/mo
- 4 BR
- $3,450/mo
- Median Income
- $167,314/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Merced or San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara cheaper to rent in?
Merced is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $1,055/mo vs $2,412/mo in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara. That's $1,357/mo or $16,284/year more expensive in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara (129% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Merced vs San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Merced is $1,055/month. In San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, a 2-bedroom FMR is $2,412/month.
How do incomes compare between Merced and San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara?
The median household income in Merced is $60,958/year. In San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara it is $167,314/year. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Merced vs San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Merced is $696/mo. In San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara it is $1,628/mo.