
Cheap Apartments for Rent in Lake San Marcos, CA from $800 (7 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in Lake San Marcos.


WINDSOR MANOR I
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.

20840 Elfin Forest 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.
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 | $2,403 | $2,403 | $2,403 |
| Lake San Marcos 1 Bedroom Apartments | $2,423 | $2,000 | $2,964 |
| Lake San Marcos 2 Bedroom Apartments | $2,924 | $2,300 | $3,927 |
| Lake San Marcos 3 Bedroom Apartments | $3,896 | $3,340 | $4,850 |
| Lake San Marcos 4 Bedroom Apartments | $6,050 | $5,500 | $6,600 |
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 $2,019. Meadow Creek Apartments in the Grand Estates neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $2,090. 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 | $2,019 |
| Meadow Creek Apartments | 1B 1B | 1BR,1BA | $2,090 |
| Elan Northwoods | 11A | 1BR,1BA | $2,329 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Lake San Marcos, CA and Nearby
As of November 16, 2025 the best value apartment in the Lake San Marcos area is the $3.05 price per square foot 2 Bedroom Model at Rancho Carrillo Apartments in the in the Dejong neighborhood starting from $2,898. The second greatest value Lake San Marcos apartment is the Santa Cruz I WITH ATTACHED GARAGE Model at Prominence Apartments starting at $3,099 with a $3.27 price per square foot in the Grand Estates 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. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rancho Carrillo Apartments | 2 Bedroom | 2BR,2BA | $3.05 |
| Prominence Apartments | Santa Cruz I WITH ATTACHED GARAGE | 2BR,2BA | $3.27 |
| Viewpoint Luxury Apartments | 2x2-936-JM | 2BR,2BA | $3.04 |
| Virano Apartments | 2x2FC-889 | 2BR,2BA | $3.66 |
| Elan Northwoods | 11A | 1BR,1BA | $3.11 |
| Mariposa | One Bedroom - One Bath Patio | 1BR,1BA | $2.69 |
| Palomar Station | One Bedroom - 3 | 1BR,1BA | $3.99 |
| Meadow Creek Apartments | 1B 1B | 1BR,1BA | $3.32 |
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.
Read ArticleThe Ultimate Long-Distance Moving Checklist: Tips from a Real Estate Pro
Moving is tough, especially long-distance. Learn how to minimize stress & expenses with proven strategies from a real estate pro, covering everything from logistics to finances.
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
Getting Around Lake San Marcos, CA
Walk Score®
17 / 100
Car-Dependent
Almost all errands require a car
Bike Score®
7 / 100
Somewhat Bikeable
Minimal bike infrastructure
What Are Walk Score®, Transit Score®, and Bike Score® Ratings?
- Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address.
- Transit Score® measures access to public transit.
- Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
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 $2,019 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 $2,379 at Mariposa.
What is the most affordable Lake San Marcos Three Bedroom Apartment?
The best deal on a cheap Lake San Marcos Three Bedroom Apartment rental is at Rancho Carrillo Apartments and starts from $3,340.
Expert Rental Resources
Helpful Apartment Articles, How-To's and Tips
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.

Apartment Common Area Rules: What Renters Need to Know
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Back in the day when I rented one of my first apartments, the property didn’t even have laundry in the building. Now, rental properties are often competing against each other to provide the best amenities.

How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Everything is a negotiation in real estate!

The Rental Move-In Inspection Checklist: A Guide for Renters
Written by: Trey Huguley
The move-in inspection checklist is a crucial tool for both tenants and landlords. This checklist, provided by the team at ApartmentHomeLiving.com, helps document the condition of an apartment at the time of move-in.

Your Guide to Co-Signers: The Risks, Rewards, and Everything in Between
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
For many people, obstacles can arise during the rental application process for a variety of issues.



