Rent vs Buy in Merced, CA
Monthly cost of renting vs owning a median-priced home · 30-yr fixed, 20% down
Renting looks favorable in Merced, CA
Price-to-rent ratio is 22.0 (under 15 favors buying, over 21 favors renting). Renting costs $1,509/mo; owning runs about $2,967/mo — $1,458/mo more to own.
| Monthly cost to own | Amount |
|---|---|
| Mortgage (P&I, 6.95% rate) | $2,106 |
| Property tax | $364 |
| Home insurance | $166 |
| Maintenance | $331 |
| Total to own | $2,967 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,509 |
Based on a median home value of $397,609 with a $79,522 down payment. Owning also builds equity over time, which a monthly comparison doesn't capture. Estimates use national averages for taxes, insurance and maintenance — your actual costs will vary.