Cheap Apartments for Rent in Lake San Marcos, CA from $800 (7 Rentals)

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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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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

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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Shane Park Plaza
1 Bedroom Apartments

Shane Park Plaza

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

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 $2,019. 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 ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
MariposaOne Bedroom - One Bath Patio1BR,1BA$2,019
Meadow Creek Apartments1B 1B1BR,1BA$2,090
Elan Northwoods11A1BR,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 ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
Rancho Carrillo Apartments2 Bedroom2BR,2BA$3.05
Prominence ApartmentsSanta Cruz I WITH ATTACHED GARAGE2BR,2BA$3.27
Viewpoint Luxury Apartments2x2-936-JM2BR,2BA$3.04
Virano Apartments2x2FC-8892BR,2BA$3.66
Elan Northwoods11A1BR,1BA$3.11
MariposaOne Bedroom - One Bath Patio1BR,1BA$2.69
Palomar StationOne Bedroom - 31BR,1BA$3.99
Meadow Creek Apartments1B 1B1BR,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.

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

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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

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.

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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.

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How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Everything is a negotiation in real estate! 

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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.

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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.