
Cheap Homes for Rent near Lake San Marcos, CA from $1,400 (9 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Homes available for rent right now in Lake San Marcos.


560 S Pacific St

705 Westbrook Loop

6068 Paseo Salinero
Rent According to Income: A Look at Income-Restricted Rentals
Find income-restricted rentals and housing subsidies. Explore government programs designed to help low-income families secure stable, affordable housing.

Furnished Studio-San Marcos

1620 1/2 York Dr

320 Smilax Rd

300 Smilax Rd, Unit 8
Renters Insurance 101: What It Is, What It Covers, and Why You Need It
From theft to fire to water damage, the unexpected can happen to any renter. Discover why renters insurance is one of the smartest and most affordable investments you can make as a tenant.

320 Smilax Rd, Unit Leasing Office
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 | $3,142 | $1,800 | $3,750 |
| Lake San Marcos 3 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $3,965 | $3,500 | $4,988 |
| Lake San Marcos 4 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $8,298 | $3,800 | $10,000+ |
| Lake San Marcos 5 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $10,113 | $4,895 | $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 2 Beds unit found at Grandon Village in the San Marcos neighborhood priced from $1,847. Senior Community: Rancho Santa Fe Village 55+ in the San Marcos neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $1,909. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Lake San Marcos apartments for rent:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grandon Village | 2+1 50% | 2BR,1BA | $1,847 |
| Senior Community: Rancho Santa Fe Village 55+ | 1 Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $1,909 |
| Rancho Carrillo Apartments | Affordable Apartments | 3 Bedroom | 3BR,2BA | $2,085 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Lake San Marcos, CA and Nearby
As of September 14, 2026 the best value apartment in the Lake San Marcos area is the $3.22 price per square foot 3x2-1178-J Model at Viewpoint Luxury Apartments in the in the San Marcos neighborhood starting from $3,799. The second greatest value Lake San Marcos apartment is the Two Bedrooms - Two Bath Patio Model at Mariposa starting at $2,440 with a $2.54 price per square foot in the Vista 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. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Viewpoint Luxury Apartments | 3x2-1178-J | 3BR,2BA | $3.22 |
| Mariposa | Two Bedrooms - Two Bath Patio | 2BR,2BA | $2.54 |
| Rancho Carrillo Apartments | Affordable Apartments | 2 Bedroom | 2BR,2BA | $3.26 |
| Vista Flores Apartments | 2B 1B Large | 2BR,1BA | $2.67 |
| Elan Northwoods | 2 Bedrooms 2 Baths - 22A | 2BR,2BA | $2.86 |
| Cresterra Apartments | A1 | 1BR,1BA | $3.72 |
| Palomar Station | One Bedroom - 3 | 1BR,1BA | $3.69 |
| Prominence Apartments | Santa Clara | 1BR,1BA | $3.75 |
| Senior Community: Rancho Santa Fe Village 55+ | 1 Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $3.13 |
| Grandon Village | 1+1 60% | 1BR,1BA | $3.10 |
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 ArticleNavigating the Rental Market: Tips for First-Time Renters
Entering the rental market? Learn these simple tips and strategies to avoid common pitfalls and make confident choices. Rent with peace of mind.
Read ArticleReal Estate and Rental Term Glossary | ApartmentHomeLiving.com Renter University
From the letter A all the way to the letter Z, the Real Estate and Rental Term Glossary from the content team at ApartmentHomeLiving.com provides our visitors and shoppers with a little clarity and helpful guidance in navigating the real estate world through definitions and explainers for the top subjects and terms that someone may come across during the leasing, buying, or selling process.
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 $1,557 to $6,600. There are also 49 Single Family Homes for rent, Condos, and Townhome rentals currently available in Lake San Marcos ranging from $1,400 to $17,943.
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 $1,400 to $17,943 with an average monthly rent of $4,907.
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 $2,483 to $4,900, while Three Bedroom Homes, Condos, and Townhomes for rent range from $3,500 to $4,988. Four Bedroom Single-Family rentals are also available starting from $3,800 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

Rent According to Income: A Look at Income-Restricted Rentals
Written by: Robin Stewart
The idea of affordable housing can be subjective. Every individual is in a different place financially and vocationally. What one may easily afford could be a struggle for someone else.

Exploring Rental Options: Apartments, Townhomes, and Lofts - Oh My!
Written by: Robin Stewart
Where do you see yourself? When you think of home, sweet home, are you in a 3/2 apartment? Dreaming of a tall townhome? Maybe an industrial loft heavy on cool vibes is on your visioning board.

Practical Tips for Renters: How to Identify a Great Rental and Avoid Red Flags
Written by: Robin Stewart
Renters want to find a great apartment, the right place for them, one that checks all the boxes of location, rental cost, amenities, safety, and more.

First Apartment Regrets: Real Renters Share What They'd Do Differently
Written by: Robin Stewart
Hindsight is 20/20. Live and Learn. With age comes wisdom. We’re familiar with all those expressions, and all of them apply to lessons first-time renters learn.