Merced vs Santa Maria-Santa Barbara
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Merced is 65% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $1,055/mo vs $1,741/mo in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara — saving $8,232/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Merced | Santa Maria-Santa Barbara | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $696 | $1,126 | $430 |
| 1 Bedroom | $865 | $1,403 | $538 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,055 | $1,741 | $686 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,328 | $2,068 | $740 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,460 | $2,592 | $1,132 |
| Median Income | $60,958 | $106,107 | $45,149 |
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 Maria-Santa Barbara
- Studio
- $1,126/mo
- 1 BR
- $1,403/mo
- 2 BR
- $1,741/mo
- 3 BR
- $2,068/mo
- 4 BR
- $2,592/mo
- Median Income
- $106,107/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Merced or Santa Maria-Santa Barbara cheaper to rent in?
Merced is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $1,055/mo vs $1,741/mo in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara. That's $686/mo or $8,232/year more expensive in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara (65% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Merced vs Santa Maria-Santa Barbara?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Merced is $1,055/month. In Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, a 2-bedroom FMR is $1,741/month.
How do incomes compare between Merced and Santa Maria-Santa Barbara?
The median household income in Merced is $60,958/year. In Santa Maria-Santa Barbara it is $106,107/year. Santa Maria-Santa Barbara has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Merced vs Santa Maria-Santa Barbara?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Merced is $696/mo. In Santa Maria-Santa Barbara it is $1,126/mo.