Merced vs Tuscaloosa
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Tuscaloosa is 37% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $772/mo vs $1,055/mo in Merced — saving $3,396/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Merced | Tuscaloosa | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $696 | $503 | $193 |
| 1 Bedroom | $865 | $612 | $253 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,055 | $772 | $283 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,328 | $937 | $391 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,460 | $1,049 | $411 |
| Median Income | $60,958 | $39,330 | $21,628 |
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
Tuscaloosa
- Studio
- $503/mo
- 1 BR
- $612/mo
- 2 BR
- $772/mo
- 3 BR
- $937/mo
- 4 BR
- $1,049/mo
- Median Income
- $39,330/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Merced or Tuscaloosa cheaper to rent in?
Tuscaloosa is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $772/mo vs $1,055/mo in Merced. That's $283/mo or $3,396/year more expensive in Merced (37% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Merced vs Tuscaloosa?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Merced is $1,055/month. In Tuscaloosa, a 2-bedroom FMR is $772/month.
How do incomes compare between Merced and Tuscaloosa?
The median household income in Merced is $60,958/year. In Tuscaloosa it is $39,330/year. Merced has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Merced vs Tuscaloosa?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Merced is $696/mo. In Tuscaloosa it is $503/mo.