Merced Fair Market Rent 2026
HUD Fair Market Rent data for the Merced metropolitan area. Median household income: $60,958/year. Vacancy rate: 3.9%.
2BR FMR
$1,055/mo
Median Income
$60,958
Vacancy Rate
3.9%
Rent Burden
20.8%
Fair Market Rent by Bedroom Size
Affordability Analysis
Based on the 30% rule, a household earning the median income of $60,958/year can afford up to $1,524/mo in rent.
The 2BR FMR of $1,055/mo represents 20.8% of median income, which is within the 30% affordability threshold.
Rental Market Conditions
The vacancy rate of 3.9% in Merced indicates a tight rental market. Low vacancy means more competition for available units and potential upward pressure on rents.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average rent in Merced?
The 2026 HUD FMR for a 2-bedroom in the Merced metro area is $1,055/month. 1BR: $865, 3BR: $1,328.
What is the vacancy rate in Merced?
The rental vacancy rate in Merced is 3.9%. A rate below 5% typically indicates a tight rental market.
Is Merced affordable for renters?
With a median income of $60,958 and 2BR rent at $1,055/mo, rent takes about 21% of income in Merced.
Compare with Other Metro Areas
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara
2BR: $2,412/mo
New York-Newark-Jersey City
2BR: $2,293/mo
San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley
2BR: $2,200/mo
Honolulu
2BR: $1,937/mo
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim
2BR: $1,888/mo
San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad
2BR: $1,856/mo
Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura
2BR: $1,761/mo
Santa Cruz-Watsonville
2BR: $1,760/mo
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