
Cheap Homes for Rent in Lake San Marcos, CA from $1,100 (11 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Homes available for rent right now in Lake San Marcos.


6442 La Paloma St

3435 Capalina Rd

6382 Paseo Potrero

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.

3463 Caminito Sierra

320 Smilax Rd

300 Smilax Rd, Unit 11

207 Westlake Dr

Furnished Studio-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.

237 Marquette Ave
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 | $3,489 | $2,425 | $5,100 |
| Lake San Marcos 3 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $4,157 | $1,100 | $6,500 |
| Lake San Marcos 4 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $7,930 | $4,200 | $10,000+ |
| Lake San Marcos 5 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $11,250 | $6,750 | $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
- Nearby Cities
- ZIP codes
- Local Counties
- School Districts
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 Vista Flores Apartments in the Grand Estates neighborhood priced from $2,400. Elan Northwoods in the Grand Estates neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 2 Beds apartment currently listed from $2,445. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Lake San Marcos apartments for rent:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vista Flores Apartments | 2B 1B L | 2BR,1BA | $2,400 |
| Elan Northwoods | 22A | 2BR,2BA | $2,445 |
| Mariposa | Two Bedrooms - Two Bath Patio | 2BR,2BA | $2,454 |
| Viewpoint Luxury Apartments | 1x1-716-J2 | 1BR,1BA | $2,575 |
| Meadow Creek Apartments | 2B 2B | 2BR,2BA | $2,605 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Lake San Marcos, CA and Nearby
As of June 03, 2026 the best value apartment in the Lake San Marcos area is the $2.78 price per square foot 2x2LW-1207 Model at Virano Apartments in the in the Grand Estates neighborhood starting from $3,350. The second greatest value Lake San Marcos apartment is the 3 Bedroom Model at Rancho Carrillo Apartments | Affordable Apartments starting at $3,537 with a $3.09 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. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virano Apartments | 2x2LW-1207 | 2BR,2BA | $2.78 |
| Rancho Carrillo Apartments | Affordable Apartments | 3 Bedroom | 3BR,2BA | $3.09 |
| Sommerset La Costa | 2 Bed/2 Bath - Upstairs (Grey) | 2BR,2BA | $3.00 |
| Mariposa | Two Bedrooms - Two Bath Patio | 2BR,2BA | $2.58 |
| Prominence Apartments | Santa Cruz I WITH ATTACHED GARAGE | 2BR,2BA | $3.42 |
| Meadow Creek Apartments | 2B 2B | 2BR,2BA | $2.88 |
| Vista Flores Apartments | 2B 1B L | 2BR,1BA | $2.67 |
| Viewpoint Luxury Apartments | 1x1-716-J | 1BR,1BA | $3.60 |
| Palomar Station | One Bedroom - 3 | 1BR,1BA | $4.10 |
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 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 58 Apartments for Rent in Lake San Marcos, CA with pricing that ranges from $1,700 to $6,600. There are also 51 Single Family Homes for rent, Condos, and Townhome rentals currently available in Lake San Marcos ranging from $1,100 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 $1,100 to $40,000 with an average monthly rent of $10,761.
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 $6,589, while Three Bedroom Homes, Condos, and Townhomes for rent range from $1,100 to $6,500. Four Bedroom Single-Family rentals are also available starting from $4,200 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

Creative Ways Developers Reimagine Retail Spaces as Residential Units
Written by: Robin Stewart
Adaptive reuse is when a commercial property is converted and repurposed. The real estate industry has embraced a growing number of these projects.

Neighborhood and Market Insights: How to Choose the Right Area to Rent
Written by: Robin Stewart
Apartment-hunting can be a gargantuan task. Renters have a wish list of items—some luxuries, some necessities—but finding what you seek in the right place is perhaps the most important part of the journey.

A Seasoned Property Manager's Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Deposit Back
Written by: Lauren Harrington
I’m going to talk with you as a seasoned property manager and friend. So, let’s start with your security deposit. I want you to think about this guide as insider information. You deserve your deposit back.

Expert Solutions for Creating the Perfect Work-From-Home Apartment Layouts
Written by: Lauren Harrington
This article is based on first-hand experience managing apartment communities and helping renters adapt to their spaces after moving in.