Merced vs Santa Fe
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Merced is 8% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $1,055/mo vs $1,135/mo in Santa Fe — saving $960/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Merced | Santa Fe | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $696 | $754 | $58 |
| 1 Bedroom | $865 | $923 | $58 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,055 | $1,135 | $80 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,328 | $1,361 | $33 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,460 | $1,696 | $236 |
| Median Income | $60,958 | $59,153 | $1,805 |
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
Santa Fe
- Studio
- $754/mo
- 1 BR
- $923/mo
- 2 BR
- $1,135/mo
- 3 BR
- $1,361/mo
- 4 BR
- $1,696/mo
- Median Income
- $59,153/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Merced or Santa Fe cheaper to rent in?
Merced is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $1,055/mo vs $1,135/mo in Santa Fe. That's $80/mo or $960/year more expensive in Santa Fe (8% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Merced vs Santa Fe?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Merced is $1,055/month. In Santa Fe, a 2-bedroom FMR is $1,135/month.
How do incomes compare between Merced and Santa Fe?
The median household income in Merced is $60,958/year. In Santa Fe it is $59,153/year. Merced has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Merced vs Santa Fe?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Merced is $696/mo. In Santa Fe it is $754/mo.