
Cheap Homes for Rent in Lake San Marcos, CA from $1,300 (11 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Homes available for rent right now in Lake San Marcos.


560 S Pacific St

2540 Corbel Way

2540 Corbel Way

1620 1/2 York Dr
What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much
Learn the official definition (spending 30% or more of your gross income on housing) and how to calculate your exact rent-to-income ratio. This guide offers expert tips on factoring in total housing costs (including utilities and fees) and budgeting accurately to avoid unnecessary financial strain.

6120 Paseo Valiente

320 Smilax Rd, Unit Leasing Office

300 Smilax Rd, Unit 8

874 S Rancho Santa Fe Rd, Unit B, Unit B

870 S Rancho Santa Fe Rd, Unit E, Unit E
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.

870 S Rancho Santa Fe Rd
Lake San Marcos, CA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent a home in Lake San Marcos?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lake San Marcos 2 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $3,294 | $1,800 | $6,500 |
| Lake San Marcos 3 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $4,562 | $3,395 | $8,500 |
| Lake San Marcos 4 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $7,348 | $4,100 | $10,000+ |
| Lake San Marcos 5 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $13,000 | $10,000 | $10,000+ |
| Lake San Marcos 6 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $40,000 | $10,000 | $10,000+ |
Browse Top Homes for Rent in Lake San Marcos
Explore Lake San Marcos
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. 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 Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mariposa | One Bedroom - One Bath Patio | 1BR,1BA | $2,059 |
| Meadow Creek Apartments | 1B 1B | 1BR,1BA | $2,115 |
| Elan Northwoods | 11A | 1BR,1BA | $2,145 |
| Prominence Apartments | Santa Clara | 1BR,1BA | $2,350 |
| Vista Flores Apartments | 2B 1B L | 2BR,1BA | $2,380 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Lake San Marcos, CA and Nearby
As of April 16, 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 |
| Vista Flores Apartments | 2B 1B L | 2BR,1BA | $2.64 |
| Mariposa | One Bedroom - One Bath Patio | 1BR,1BA | $2.75 |
| Elan Northwoods | 11A | 1BR,1BA | $2.86 |
| Palomar Station | One Bedroom - 3 | 1BR,1BA | $3.93 |
| Meadow Creek Apartments | 1B 1B | 1BR,1BA | $3.36 |
| 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
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 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 Lake San Marcos
What type of rentals are currently available in Lake San Marcos?
There are currently 57 Apartments for Rent in Lake San Marcos, CA with pricing that ranges from $2,000 to $8,950. There are also 44 Single Family Homes for rent, Condos, and Townhome rentals currently available in Lake San Marcos ranging from $1,300 to $40,000.
What is the current price range for Rental Homes in Lake San Marcos?
Today's rental pricing for Homes for Rent, Condos and Townhomes in Lake San Marcos ranges from $1,300 to $40,000 with an average monthly rent of $10,060.
How much are larger Three and Four Bedroom Rentals in Lake San Marcos?
For those who are looking for larger living arrangements, Three Bedroom Apartments in Lake San Marcos range from $3,599 to $6,788, while Three Bedroom Homes, Condos, and Townhomes for rent range from $3,395 to $8,500. Four Bedroom Single-Family rentals are also available starting from $4,100 and Four Bedroom Apartments start at $6,600.
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

What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much
Written by: Lauren Harrington
This article draws from first-hand renter experiences and recurring financial challenges reported after moving in.

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.