Rental Benchmark Overview
2-Bedroom Benchmark Rent
$1,503$18,036 per year · HUD Fiscal Year 2026Fair market rent & 30% rule in Merced County, CA
Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.
Fair Market Rent Schedule & Wage Requirements: Merced County, CA
Calculations assume standard housing affordability guidelines where shelter costs consume no more than 30% of gross income, based on full-time employment of 2,080 annual working hours.
| Bedroom Type | Monthly Rent | Annual Rent | Min. Annual Income | Hourly Wage (40h/wk) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / Efficiency | $1,116 | $13,392 | $44,640 | $21.46/hr |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | $1,213 | $14,556 | $48,520 | $23.33/hr |
| 2-Bedroom ApartmentStandard Benchmark | $1,503 | $18,036 | $60,120 | $28.90/hr |
| 3-Bedroom Home | $2,067 | $24,804 | $82,680 | $39.75/hr |
| 4-Bedroom Home | $2,503 | $30,036 | $100,120 | $48.13/hr |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Rent in Merced County, CA
What is the Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Merced County, CA?
For Fiscal Year 2026, the official HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom home in Merced County, CA is $1,503 per month ($18,036 per year).
What hourly wage is needed to afford rent in Merced County, CA?
To comfortably afford a 2-bedroom apartment at $1,503/month without exceeding 30% of income on rent, a full-time worker (40 hours/week, 52 weeks/year) must earn at least $28.90 per hour ($60,120/year).
What are the HUD Fair Market Rents by bedroom count in Merced County, CA?
Official 2026 HUD rents in Merced County, CA are: Studio: $1,116/mo, 1-Bedroom: $1,213/mo, 2-Bedroom: $1,503/mo, 3-Bedroom: $2,067/mo, and 4-Bedroom: $2,503/mo.
How do HUD Fair Market Rents compare to local incomes in Merced County, CA?
At the local Census ACS median household income of $65,510/year ($5,459/month), the benchmark 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent represents 27.5% of monthly income.
How is the 30% housing affordability standard calculated in Merced County, CA?
The federal 30% rule states that housing costs should not exceed 30% of gross household income. For a 2-bedroom rent of $1,503/month, the required minimum annual gross income is calculated as ($1,503 × 12) ÷ 0.30 = $60,120 per year.