
Cheap Apartments for Rent in Lake San Marcos, CA from $800 (32 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in Lake San Marcos.


Mariposa

WINDSOR MANOR I

Windsor Manor Apartments

Meadow Creek Apartments

Furnished Studio-San Marcos

Elan Northwoods

Prominence Apartments
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.

Total Monthly Price
Palomar Station

Vista Flores Apartments

Ridgeview

2010 W San Marcos Blvd

6120 Paseo Valiente

Total Monthly Price
6981 Ballena Way, Unit Unit 14

320 Smilax Rd

300 Smilax Rd
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.

Melrose Villas

Hunters Pointe

1375 Dolomite Way

2160 Coast Ave

Grandon Village

Shane Park Plaza

Eastgate

Rancho Santa Fe Village - Affordable 55+
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Touring a rental? This guide helps you know exactly what to look for, from safety features to hidden flaws, so you can confidently sign your lease or keep searching.

621 Starstone Dr

858 S Rancho Santa Fe Rd

Crest 850

Rancho Carrillo Apartments | Affordable Apartments

2840 Esturion Pl

6971 Ballena Way

1620 1/2 York Dr

Camden Old Creek
Smart Renter's Guide: Calculating Affordable Rent & Housing Costs
Wondering how to determine your rental budget? This comprehensive guide covers everything from the 30% rule to hidden fees and effective budgeting strategies.
Lake San Marcos, CA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Lake San Marcos?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lake San Marcos Studio Apartments | $2,424 | $2,129 | $2,720 |
| Lake San Marcos 1 Bedroom Apartments | $2,266 | $2,000 | $2,650 |
| Lake San Marcos 2 Bedroom Apartments | $2,904 | $2,280 | $4,131 |
| Lake San Marcos 3 Bedroom Apartments | $5,322 | $3,599 | $7,619 |
| Lake San Marcos 4 Bedroom Apartments | $7,500 | $6,500 | $8,950 |
Browse Top Apartments in Lake San Marcos
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Lake San Marcos, CA Local Guide
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Cheapest Available Lake San Marcos Apartments for Rent and Nearby
 The cheapest available apartment rental in Lake San Marcos, CA is a 1 Bed unit found at Mariposa in the Grand Estates neighborhood priced from $2,059. Elan Northwoods in the Grand Estates neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $2,145. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Lake San Marcos apartments for rent:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mariposa | One Bedroom - One Bath Patio | 1BR,1BA | $2,059 |
| Elan Northwoods | 11A | 1BR,1BA | $2,145 |
| Prominence Apartments | Santa Clara | 1BR,1BA | $2,350 |
| Vista Flores Apartments | 2B 1B L | 2BR,1BA | $2,410 |
| Palomar Station | One Bedroom - 6 | 1BR,1BA | $2,462 |
| Rancho Carrillo Apartments | Affordable Apartments | 3 Bedroom | 3BR,2BA | $2,479 |
| Meadow Creek Apartments | 2B 2B | 2BR,2BA | $2,635 |
| Viewpoint Luxury Apartments | 2x2-936-R | 2BR,2BA | $3,250 |
| 3256 Sitio Tortuga | 4 Beds, 4.5 baths | 4BR,4BA | $8,950 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Lake San Marcos, CA and Nearby
As of April 07, 2026 the best value apartment in the Lake San Marcos area is the $2.10 price per square foot 4 Beds, 4.5 baths Model at 3256 Sitio Tortuga in the in the Olivenhain neighborhood starting from $8,950. The second greatest value Lake San Marcos apartment is the 2 Bedroom Model at Rancho Carrillo Apartments | Affordable Apartments starting at $2,898 with a $3.05 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 Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3256 Sitio Tortuga | 4 Beds, 4.5 baths | 4BR,4.5BA | $2.10 |
| Rancho Carrillo Apartments | Affordable Apartments | 2 Bedroom | 2BR,2BA | $3.05 |
| Viewpoint Luxury Apartments | 2x2-936-R | 2BR,2BA | $3.47 |
| Meadow Creek Apartments | 2B 2B | 2BR,2BA | $2.91 |
| Vista Flores Apartments | 2B 1B L | 2BR,1BA | $2.68 |
| Palomar Station | One Bedroom - 6 | 1BR,1BA | $2.97 |
| Mariposa | One Bedroom - One Bath Patio | 1BR,1BA | $2.75 |
| Elan Northwoods | 11A | 1BR,1BA | $2.86 |
| Prominence Apartments | Santa Clara | 1BR,1BA | $3.76 |
10 Hidden Costs of Renting You Should Budget for Before Signing a Lease
Avoid financial stress when renting. Learn about the 10 most common hidden costs—from pet fees to utilities—you must budget for before you sign a lease.
Read ArticleDon'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.
Read ArticleThe Ultimate Long-Distance Moving Checklist: Tips from a Real Estate Pro
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Read ArticleCash 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.
Read ArticleQuick Rent Budget Calculator
How much rent can you afford?
The common "Rule of Thumb" is that rent should be no more than 30% of your income. How much is that? Enter your monthly income and click "Calculate My Budget" to find out.
Remember the 3 Rules of Real Estate:Location, Location, Location!
Explore Lake San Marcos, CA Rentals by Map
See the most popular apartments and homes in Lake San Marcos, CA
Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Lake San Marcos Apartments
How much is rent for a Cheap One Bedroom Lake San Marcos Apartment?
The lowest price for a Cheap One Bedroom Lake San Marcos Apartment is $2,059 at Mariposa.
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 $2,280 at Mariposa.
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.
Articles, How-To's, and Tips

Maximizing Your Refund: Essential Tax Tips for Renters
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Other than tax professionals, I can’t think of anyone who looks forward to tax season. For everybody else, April is a stressful month to collect information and meet deadlines.

18 Must-Ask Rental Tour Questions That Reveal the Truth about a Property
Written by: Lauren Harrington
Renting your next home can feel thrilling and overwhelming at the same time.

A Renters Guide for Tips on Writing Your Notice for Not Renewing Your Apartment
Written by: Bob Mallory
Packing up everything you own to move is so stressful for many that ending your apartment lease can feel like a small or unimportant task. Ending your lease involves more than simply turning over your keys on the last day.

Renting with Roommates: Realistic Expectations for Shared Lease
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Given the high costs for housing, I have found that many people are looking for a roommate to share expenses. These arrangements can increase opportunities for more desirable and larger spaces.