Merced vs Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Merced is 49% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $1,055/mo vs $1,576/mo in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue — saving $6,252/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Merced | Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $696 | $1,044 | $348 |
| 1 Bedroom | $865 | $1,322 | $457 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,055 | $1,576 | $521 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,328 | $1,978 | $650 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,460 | $2,418 | $958 |
| Median Income | $60,958 | $109,700 | $48,742 |
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
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue
- Studio
- $1,044/mo
- 1 BR
- $1,322/mo
- 2 BR
- $1,576/mo
- 3 BR
- $1,978/mo
- 4 BR
- $2,418/mo
- Median Income
- $109,700/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Merced or Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue cheaper to rent in?
Merced is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $1,055/mo vs $1,576/mo in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue. That's $521/mo or $6,252/year more expensive in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue (49% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Merced vs Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Merced is $1,055/month. In Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, a 2-bedroom FMR is $1,576/month.
How do incomes compare between Merced and Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue?
The median household income in Merced is $60,958/year. In Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue it is $109,700/year. Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Merced vs Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Merced is $696/mo. In Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue it is $1,044/mo.