Cheap Apartments for Rent in Lake San Marcos, CA from $800 (9 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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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
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Grandon Village
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Grandon Village

1603-1615 Grandon AveSan Marcos, CA 92078
Senior Living
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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 $1,995. Meadow Creek Apartments in the Grand Estates neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $2,115. 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$1,995
Meadow Creek Apartments1B 1B1BR,1BA$2,115
Elan Northwoods11A1BR,1BA$2,343

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

As of January 02, 2026 the best value apartment in the Lake San Marcos area is the $3.15 price per square foot 3x2FC-1144 Model at Virano Apartments in the in the Grand Estates neighborhood starting from $3,599. The second greatest value Lake San Marcos apartment is the 2 Bed A Model at Crest 850 starting at $3,145 with a $2.75 price per square foot in the Atherton at San Elijo Hills 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 Apartments3x2FC-11443BR,2BA$3.15
Crest 8502 Bed A2BR,2BA$2.75
Rancho Carrillo Apartments | Affordable Apartments2 Bedroom2BR,2BA$3.05
Prominence ApartmentsSanta Barbara III1BR,1BA$3.27
Elan Northwoods11A1BR,1BA$3.12
MariposaOne Bedroom - One Bath Patio1BR,1BA$2.66
Viewpoint Luxury Apartments1x1-7161BR,1BA$3.56
Palomar StationOne Bedroom - 31BR,1BA$3.47
Meadow Creek Apartments1B 1B1BR,1BA$3.36

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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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!

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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 $1,995 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 $2,375 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 | Affordable Apartments and starts from $3,340.

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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How to Make Your Apartment Holiday-Ready: Renter-Friendly Tips

Written by: Justin Habersaat

Getting your apartment ready for the holidays can be exciting but sometimes challenging in a smaller space. Here are some modern tips to keep things festive, safe, and inviting this season.

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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.

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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!