Cheap Apartments for Rent in Merced County, CA from $500 (19 Rentals)

How Many Bedrooms?Done
Select your price rangeDone
Lifestyle Matching SearchDone
By AmenitiesDone
By Community TypeDone
Features and AvailabilityDone
Done

Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in Merced County.

Smart Renter's Guide: Calculating Affordable Rent & Housing Costs

Wondering how to determine your rental budget? This comprehensive guide covers everything from the 30% rule to hidden fees and effective budgeting strategies.

close
View Me
Sierra Meadows
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Sierra Meadows

720 W 15th StMerced, CA 95340
Senior Living
close
View Me
Yosemite Apartments
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Yosemite Apartments

3270-3278 Denver AveMerced, CA 95348
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
Redwood Apartments
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Redwood Apartments

2307-2359 Redwood AveAtwater, CA 95301
  • Utilities Included

Navigating the Rental Market: Tips for First-Time Renters

Entering the rental market? Learn these simple tips and strategies to avoid common pitfalls and make confident choices. Rent with peace of mind.

close
View Me
Saratoga
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

Saratoga

669 Loughborough DrMerced, CA 95348
close
View Me
Bear Creek
2 to 4 Bedroom Apartments

Bear Creek

1509 N Plainsburg RdPlanada, CA 95365
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
Aptos Park
1 Bedroom Apartments

Aptos Park

2849 Nashua StAtwater, CA 95301
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
1701-1719 Elm Ave
2 Bedroom Apartments

1701-1719 Elm Ave

1701-1719 Elm AveAtwater, CA 95301
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
Tioga Apartment Homes
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Tioga Apartment Homes

705-715 W Main StMerced, CA 95340
  • Utilities Included

Know Your Rights - How Discrimination Laws Impact Landlords and Tenants

Read our practical guide to landlord and tenant rights. Understand protected classes, reasonable accommodations, and legal exceptions to prevent housing discrimination.

Cheapest Available Merced County Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in Merced County, CA is a 1 Bed unit found at The Retreat at Merced in the Central Merced neighborhood priced from $720. Merced Station in the Reverie neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 2 Beds apartment currently listed from $735. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Merced County apartments for rent:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
The Retreat at MercedOne Bedroom/One Bathroom1BR,1BA$720
Merced StationB2-42BR,2BA$735
2355 K StStudioStudio,1BA$975
Brookdale Gardens0BR/1.0BAStudio,1BA$1,150
Cherrywood Apartments2 Beds, 1 bath2BR,1BA$1,195

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Merced County, CA

As of May 17, 2025 the best value apartment in the Merced County area is the $1.22 price per square foot York Model at Castle Vista Senior Duplex Community in the in the Claremont Reserve in Atwater neighborhood starting from $1,800. The second greatest value Merced County apartment is the 3 Beds, 2 baths Model at Olive Tree Apartments starting at $1,950 with a $1.56 price per square foot in the Chemurgic neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Merced County apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
Castle Vista Senior Duplex CommunityYork4BR,2BA$1.22
Olive Tree Apartments3 Beds, 2 baths3BR,2BA$1.56
GranvilleB32BR,2BA$1.48
The VillagesOxford Remodel2BR,2BA$1.66
Merced StationB12BR,2BA$1.46
Village LandingCarmel Upstairs2BR,1BA$1.86
Willow Glen2 Bedroom 1 Bath2BR,1.5BA$1.86
Cherrywood Apartments2 Beds, 1 bath2BR,1BA$1.49
The Retreat at MercedOne Bedroom/One Bathroom1BR,1BA$1.22
2355 K StStudioStudio ,1BA$1.95

Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Merced County Apartments

What is a cheap apartment in Merced County?

A cheap apartment is any apartment up to the 30% percentile of cost for the area, which in Merced County is under $1,345.

What is the price of a cheap apartment in Merced County?

The cheapest apartment in Merced County is The Retreat at Merced which is listed at $720, while the average apartment in Merced County costs $1,825.

What types of apartments are the cheapest in Merced County?

Student, low-income, and by-the-bed apartments are typically the cheapest rentals in most cities, though they require qualifying criteria to rent. There are 12 regular apartments in Merced County that we think qualify as ‘cheap apartments’ that do not have special requirements to apply to rent.

How do the prices of cheap apartments compare to the average apartment in Merced County?

Cheap apartments in Merced County have an average cost of $472 which is $1,353 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in Merced County.

Expert Rental Resources

Helpful Apartment Articles, How-To's and Tips

The rental experts at ApartmentHomeLiving.com provide you with top advice, tools, and tips for understanding the leasing process and finding the perfect rental. Here are a few helpful rental and leasing articles from our experts to guide you on your search.

decorative image for Know Your Budget: Calculating What You Can Realistically Afford When Renting article

Know Your Budget: Calculating What You Can Realistically Afford When Renting

Written by: Lauren Harrington

Renting an apartment or house isn’t just about looking through online ads, choosing a few apartments or homes you want to tour, filling out an application, and putting down a deposit. Those things are all necessary and important.

decorative image for The Freedom of Short-Term Leases: Exploring the Advantages for Renters article

The Freedom of Short-Term Leases: Exploring the Advantages for Renters

Written by: Bobbi Jackson

If you’re looking to relocate right now, a popular solution that may best fit your current rental needs is a short-term lease.

decorative image for Navigating the Rental Market: Tips for First-Time Renters article

Navigating the Rental Market: Tips for First-Time Renters

Written by: Sandy Baker

Making the decision to rent is exciting and terrifying at the same time. For many people, there are a lot of unknowns.

decorative image for Rise of Digital Nomads: Remote Work Tips for Apartment Renters article

Rise of Digital Nomads: Remote Work Tips for Apartment Renters

Written by: Brandie Parton

As a digital nomad, you no longer call a set address or office building your home for eight hours of the day or more.