Merced offers business and industry the opportunity for a California location without the expensive land, development, and housing costs associated with many California communities.

Housing Costs Below the National Average
A wide variety of housing is available in Merced. Rentals for one or two-bedroom apartments and duplexes range from $400 to $900 per month. Two and three-bedroom houses rent for $650 to $1,200 per month. For those looking to buy, new homes range from the $110,000 starter home to the $300,000+ custom dream house. There is also an adequate stock of resale homes at reasonable prices. The median price of a home in Merced is currently $144,000 (compared with the California state median home price of $266,930).



Low Development Fees
Merced’s development fees are generally lower than most other California Central Valley competitors. For example, a 50,000-square-foot distribution warehouse will pay $82,782 in development fees in Merced, compared with $119,462 in Modesto and $220,922 in Livermore. Specific fees depend on building size, use, fixtures, and other variables. Developers in Merced may obtain a free fee estimate for their specific project from the City.