Merced vs Waco
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Waco is 37% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $770/mo vs $1,055/mo in Merced — saving $3,420/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Merced | Waco | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $696 | $530 | $166 |
| 1 Bedroom | $865 | $629 | $236 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,055 | $770 | $285 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,328 | $988 | $340 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,460 | $1,119 | $341 |
| Median Income | $60,958 | $40,886 | $20,072 |
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
Waco
- Studio
- $530/mo
- 1 BR
- $629/mo
- 2 BR
- $770/mo
- 3 BR
- $988/mo
- 4 BR
- $1,119/mo
- Median Income
- $40,886/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Merced or Waco cheaper to rent in?
Waco is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $770/mo vs $1,055/mo in Merced. That's $285/mo or $3,420/year more expensive in Merced (37% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Merced vs Waco?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Merced is $1,055/month. In Waco, a 2-bedroom FMR is $770/month.
How do incomes compare between Merced and Waco?
The median household income in Merced is $60,958/year. In Waco it is $40,886/year. Merced has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Merced vs Waco?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Merced is $696/mo. In Waco it is $530/mo.