Cheap Apartments for Rent in Lake San Marcos, CA from $500 (33 Rentals)

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Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in Lake San Marcos.

property at 360 Plateau Ave

$1,100

Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$1,100

Total Monthly Price
$1,100

3 Bedroom, 3.5 Bath Townhome for Rent

Available Now

360 Plateau Ave

San MarcosCA92078
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Mariposa
Rent Specials
$2,063 - $2,807
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$2,063 - $2,807

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1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

Mariposa

221 Smilax RdVista, CA 92083
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What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much

Learn the official definition (spending 30% or more of your gross income on housing) and how to calculate your exact rent-to-income ratio. This guide offers expert tips on factoring in total housing costs (including utilities and fees) and budgeting accurately to avoid unnecessary financial strain.

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Palomar Station
Rent Specials
$2,698 - $6,218
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$2,698 - $6,218

Total Monthly Price
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Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

Palomar Station

1257 Armorlite DrSan Marcos, CA 92069
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Melrose Villas
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Melrose Villas

1820 Melrose DrSan Marcos, CA 92078
  • Utilities Included

Your Guide to Co-Signers: The Risks, Rewards, and Everything in Between

Thinking about getting a co-signer for your rental application? We break down what a co-signer is, the potential benefits, and the serious risks for both parties. Find out if it's the right choice for you.

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Terra Cotta Apartments
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Terra Cotta Apartments

501-523 Rush DrSan Marcos, CA 92078
  • Utilities Included
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Hunters Pointe
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Hunters Pointe

7270 Calle PlataCarlsbad, CA 92009
  • Utilities Included
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Grandon Village
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Grandon Village

1603-1615 Grandon AveSan Marcos, CA 92078
Senior Living
  • Utilities Included
  • Smoke Free
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Shane Park Plaza
1 Bedroom Apartments

Shane Park Plaza

240-260 S Rancho Santa Fe RdSan Marcos, CA 92078

Cash or credit? Understanding the Importance of Credit Score in Real Estate and Renting

Discover how your credit score impacts your ability to lease or buy a home. Learn how credit scores are determined, how to check yours, and strategies to improve it for real estate success.

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Camden Old Creek
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Camden Old Creek

1935 Northstar WaySan Marcos, CA 92078
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Crest 850
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Crest 850

850 Village DrSan Marcos, CA 92078
Student Housing
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Unicornio Apartments
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Unicornio Apartments

2855 Unicornio StCarlsbad, CA 92009
  • Utilities Included
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Bella La Costa
2 Bedroom Apartments

Bella La Costa

7504-7514 Gibraltar StCarlsbad, CA 92009

Roommate Matching: Finding the Right Fit and Avoiding Pitfalls

When searching for a roommate, follow this list of essential steps and set clear expectations to create a solid foundation for a harmonious living situation.

Lake San Marcos, CA Local Guide

Cheapest Available Lake San Marcos Apartments for Rent and Nearby

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in Lake San Marcos, CA is a 2 Beds unit found at Vista Flores Apartments in the Grand Estates neighborhood priced from $2,400. Elan Northwoods in the Grand Estates neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 2 Beds apartment currently listed from $2,445. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Lake San Marcos apartments for rent:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Vista Flores Apartments2B 1B L2BR,1BA$2,400
Elan Northwoods22A2BR,2BA$2,445
MariposaTwo Bedrooms - Two Bath Patio2BR,2BA$2,454
Viewpoint Luxury Apartments1x1-716-J21BR,1BA$2,575
Meadow Creek Apartments2B 2B2BR,2BA$2,605
Palomar StationOne Bedroom - 31BR,1BA$2,859
Prominence ApartmentsSanta Cruz II WITH ATTACHED GARAGE2BR,2BA$3,148
Sommerset La Costa2 Bed/2 Bath - Upstairs (Grey)2BR,2BA$3,295
Virano Apartments2x2LW-12072BR,2BA$3,350
Rancho Carrillo Apartments | Affordable Apartments3 Bedroom3BR,2BA$3,537

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Lake San Marcos, CA and Nearby

As of June 03, 2026 the best value apartment in the Lake San Marcos area is the $2.78 price per square foot 2x2LW-1207 Model at Virano Apartments in the in the Grand Estates neighborhood starting from $3,350. The second greatest value Lake San Marcos apartment is the 3 Bedroom Model at Rancho Carrillo Apartments | Affordable Apartments starting at $3,537 with a $3.09 price per square foot in the Dejong neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Lake San Marcos apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
Virano Apartments2x2LW-12072BR,2BA$2.78
Rancho Carrillo Apartments | Affordable Apartments3 Bedroom3BR,2BA$3.09
Sommerset La Costa2 Bed/2 Bath - Upstairs (Grey)2BR,2BA$3.00
MariposaTwo Bedrooms - Two Bath Patio2BR,2BA$2.58
Prominence ApartmentsSanta Cruz I WITH ATTACHED GARAGE2BR,2BA$3.42
Meadow Creek Apartments2B 2B2BR,2BA$2.88
Vista Flores Apartments2B 1B L2BR,1BA$2.67
Viewpoint Luxury Apartments1x1-716-J1BR,1BA$3.60
Palomar StationOne Bedroom - 31BR,1BA$4.10

Don't Settle: How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money

Discover the insider tips from an attorney and real estate agent on how to negotiate your next apartment lease. Find out what's on the table and what's not, so you can save money and get the best terms possible.

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Real Estate and Rental Term Glossary | ApartmentHomeLiving.com Renter University

From the letter A all the way to the letter Z, the Real Estate and Rental Term Glossary from the content team at ApartmentHomeLiving.com provides our visitors and shoppers with a little clarity and helpful guidance in navigating the real estate world through definitions and explainers for the top subjects and terms that someone may come across during the leasing, buying, or selling process.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Lake San Marcos Apartments

What is the lowest price for a Cheap Two Bedroom Lake San Marcos Apartment for rent?

Today's best deal for a Cheap Two Bedroom Apartment in Lake San Marcos is starting from $2,400 at Vista Flores Apartments.

Expert Rental Resources

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.

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This article is based on first-hand experience managing apartment communities and helping renters adapt to their spaces after moving in.