Merced vs Santa Rosa-Petaluma
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Merced is 49% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $1,055/mo vs $1,568/mo in Santa Rosa-Petaluma — saving $6,156/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Merced | Santa Rosa-Petaluma | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $696 | $1,091 | $395 |
| 1 Bedroom | $865 | $1,312 | $447 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,055 | $1,568 | $513 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,328 | $1,984 | $656 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,460 | $2,190 | $730 |
| Median Income | $60,958 | $92,702 | $31,744 |
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 Rosa-Petaluma
- Studio
- $1,091/mo
- 1 BR
- $1,312/mo
- 2 BR
- $1,568/mo
- 3 BR
- $1,984/mo
- 4 BR
- $2,190/mo
- Median Income
- $92,702/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Merced or Santa Rosa-Petaluma cheaper to rent in?
Merced is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $1,055/mo vs $1,568/mo in Santa Rosa-Petaluma. That's $513/mo or $6,156/year more expensive in Santa Rosa-Petaluma (49% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Merced vs Santa Rosa-Petaluma?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Merced is $1,055/month. In Santa Rosa-Petaluma, a 2-bedroom FMR is $1,568/month.
How do incomes compare between Merced and Santa Rosa-Petaluma?
The median household income in Merced is $60,958/year. In Santa Rosa-Petaluma it is $92,702/year. Santa Rosa-Petaluma has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Merced vs Santa Rosa-Petaluma?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Merced is $696/mo. In Santa Rosa-Petaluma it is $1,091/mo.