Merced vs Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Merced is 15% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $1,055/mo vs $1,218/mo in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater — saving $1,956/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Merced | Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $696 | $817 | $121 |
| 1 Bedroom | $865 | $967 | $102 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,055 | $1,218 | $163 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,328 | $1,527 | $199 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,460 | $1,752 | $292 |
| Median Income | $60,958 | $69,520 | $8,562 |
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
Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater
- Studio
- $817/mo
- 1 BR
- $967/mo
- 2 BR
- $1,218/mo
- 3 BR
- $1,527/mo
- 4 BR
- $1,752/mo
- Median Income
- $69,520/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Merced or Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater cheaper to rent in?
Merced is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $1,055/mo vs $1,218/mo in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater. That's $163/mo or $1,956/year more expensive in Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater (15% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Merced vs Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Merced is $1,055/month. In Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, a 2-bedroom FMR is $1,218/month.
How do incomes compare between Merced and Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater?
The median household income in Merced is $60,958/year. In Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater it is $69,520/year. Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Merced vs Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Merced is $696/mo. In Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater it is $817/mo.