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Studio Apartments for Rent in Merced, CA

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    Starting at $1,095 Per Month

    • Studio

    147 Brookdale Dr, Merced, CA 95340

    Brookdale Gardens is a beautiful garden-style community in a quiet, residential community located in Merced, CA. We have spacious studios, 1 & 2 bedroom apartments and is in an very desirable location. UC Merced is just a 3 mile drive and there is a CatTracks stop very close to the property. Other nearby amenities include the Merced Mall, restaurants, and many retail shops. The property sits

    Brookdale Gardens

    147 Brookdale Dr, Merced, CA 95340
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    $1,000 Per Month

    • Studio
    • 1 Bath
    • 400 Sq Ft
    • House for Rent

    624 Suzanne Dr, Merced, CA 95348

    Available now. This private entrance studio features tile flooring in the entry, kitchen/dining area and the bathroom. The rest of the unit features carpet with a ceiling fan. The sleeping area features two closets.Renter pays for 20% of water, sewer, garbage, gas, electric and solar. No smoking. Off-street parking only. Renters insurance is required. No pets. Month to month

    624 Suzanne Dr, Merced, CA 95348

Why Live in Merced

Merced's outdoor scene thrives with Lake Yosemite's boating and swimming activities, while the Bear Creek Bike Path provides scenic routes for walking and cycling. The Merced National Wildlife Refuge attracts nature lovers with its exceptional birdwatching opportunities. The presence of UC Merced brings academic energy and cultural events to the community. Downtown features the historic Mainzer Theater and The Partisan, which showcase local art and live performances. The Merced Multicultural Arts Center serves as a cultural hub with regular exhibitions and classes.

The real estate landscape in Merced includes diverse options across several neighborhoods. The median sale price for homes in Merced is $409,800. North Merced, near UC Merced, has single family homes with a median price of $417,900. Downtown Merced features single family homes at a median price of $325,000. Bellevue Ranch commands higher prices with single family homes at a median of $471,300. Townhomes throughout the city have a median price of $417,500, while two bedroom condos start at a median of $272,000.

Property taxes in Merced County stand at 0.68%, lower than nearby Modesto and Turlock at 0.71%. The combined sales tax rate is 8.80%, including the California state rate of 7.25% and a local rate of 1.55%. El Capitan High School, rated A minus by Niche, serves multiple neighborhoods including North Merced and Bellevue Ranch. The Mediterranean climate features hot summers reaching 90 to 100°F and mild winters between 40 to 60°F. Commuters benefit from "The Bus" public transit system and Amtrak service, with San Francisco 130 miles away and Fresno 55 miles south.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to rent a home in Merced, CA?
The median rent for a home in Merced, CA is $1,775 per month, though prices vary by neighborhood, size, and property type. As of July 2026, condos tend to be the most affordable option while townhouses and single-family homes are currently more expensive.
How much do you need to make to afford rent in Merced, CA?
To comfortably afford the median rent in Merced, CA, a household needs to earn roughly $71,000 per year. This is based on the common guideline that households should spend no more than 30% of gross income on housing. Most landlords require monthly household income of at least 3x the monthly rent, and with a median rent of $1,775 per month in Merced, CA, renters typically need to show $5,325 per month in gross income to qualify. Actual affordability will vary depending on household debts, other living expenses, and overall budget.
Is it more affordable to rent or buy in Merced, CA?
In Merced, CA, the price-to-rent ratio is 19.5, which generally favors renting. This ratio divides the median home price by the annual median rent: below 15 typically favors buying, 15 to 20 is balanced, and above 20 typically favors renting. Your finances, how long you plan to stay, and costs like mortgage rates, taxes, and maintenance all factor into the decision.

Rental Home Trends

Number of Homes for Rent
2
Median Rent
$1,775
Median Single Family Home Rent
$2,150
Median Townhouse Rent
$1,600
Median Condo Rent
$1,300
How to Rent a Home