Cheap Apartments for Rent in Lake San Marcos, CA from $800 (32 Rentals)

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

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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Palomar Station
Rent Specials
$2,378 - $5,657
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$2,361 - $5,640
Required Monthly Fees
Varies

Total Monthly Price
Varies
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

Palomar Station

1257 Armorlite DrSan Marcos, CA 92069
Affordability
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  • Customer Reviewed
  • 3D Tour
property at 2010 W San Marcos Blvd

$2,600

Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$2,600

Total Monthly Price
$2,600

2 Bedroom, 2 Bath Home for Rent

Available Now

2010 W San Marcos Blvd

San MarcosCA92078

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.

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Melrose Villas
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Melrose Villas

1820 Melrose 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
property at 1375 Dolomite Way

$1,400 - $1,800

1 To 4 Bedroom Rentals

Available Now

1375 Dolomite Way

San MarcosCA92078
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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
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Eastgate
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Eastgate

16 Creekside DrSan Marcos, CA 92078
  • Utilities Included

The Art of the Rental Viewing: What to look for during a property tour

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.

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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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Camden Old Creek
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Camden Old Creek

1935 Northstar WaySan Marcos, CA 92078

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

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 ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
MariposaOne Bedroom - One Bath Patio1BR,1BA$2,059
Elan Northwoods11A1BR,1BA$2,145
Prominence ApartmentsSanta Clara1BR,1BA$2,350
Vista Flores Apartments2B 1B L2BR,1BA$2,410
Palomar StationOne Bedroom - 61BR,1BA$2,462
Rancho Carrillo Apartments | Affordable Apartments3 Bedroom3BR,2BA$2,479
Meadow Creek Apartments2B 2B2BR,2BA$2,635
Viewpoint Luxury Apartments2x2-936-R2BR,2BA$3,250
3256 Sitio Tortuga4 Beds, 4.5 baths4BR,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 ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
3256 Sitio Tortuga4 Beds, 4.5 baths4BR,4.5BA$2.10
Rancho Carrillo Apartments | Affordable Apartments2 Bedroom2BR,2BA$3.05
Viewpoint Luxury Apartments2x2-936-R2BR,2BA$3.47
Meadow Creek Apartments2B 2B2BR,2BA$2.91
Vista Flores Apartments2B 1B L2BR,1BA$2.68
Palomar StationOne Bedroom - 61BR,1BA$2.97
MariposaOne Bedroom - One Bath Patio1BR,1BA$2.75
Elan Northwoods11A1BR,1BA$2.86
Prominence ApartmentsSanta Clara1BR,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.

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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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The 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.

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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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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.

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Remember the 3 Rules of Real Estate:
Location, Location, Location!

Explore Lake San Marcos, CA Rentals by Map

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.