
Cheap Apartments for Rent in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA from $1,700 (33 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in Rancho Santa Margarita.


Cortesia at Rancho Santa Margarita

eaves Santa Margarita

Avila at Rancho Santa Margarita

85 Castano

85 Castano

Villas Aliento Apartment Homes

55+ FountainGlen Rancho Santa Margarita
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.

28425 Pueblo Dr

Saddleback Ranch Apartments

SYCAMORE LANE APARTMENT HOMES

Westridge Apartment Homes

Mosaic Apartment Homes

Siena Terrace

Los Alisos at Mission Viejo
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.

23341 La Crescenta

154 Canyon Woods Apartments

Sonterra at Foothill Ranch

The Arbors

Adagio on the Green

Vista Del Lago

River Oaks Apartments

Alicia Viejo Apartment Homes
The Art of the Rental Viewing: What to look for during a property tour
Touring a rental? This guide helps you know exactly what to look for, from safety features to hidden flaws, so you can confidently sign your lease or keep searching.

169 Avenida Majorca

20702 El Toro Rd

836 Ronda Sevilla
Smart Renter's Guide: Calculating Affordable Rent & Housing Costs
Wondering how to determine your rental budget? This comprehensive guide covers everything from the 30% rule to hidden fees and effective budgeting strategies.

26832 Belleza Cir
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Rancho Santa Margarita?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cheap Rancho Santa Margarita Studio Apartments | $2,189 | $1,750 | $2,305 |
| Cheap Rancho Santa Margarita 1 Bedroom Apartments | $2,553 | $2,066 | $3,185 |
| Cheap Rancho Santa Margarita 2 Bedroom Apartments | $3,125 | $2,635 | $4,169 |
| Cheap Rancho Santa Margarita 3 Bedroom Apartments | $4,165 | $3,664 | $4,885 |
Browse Top Apartments in Rancho Santa Margarita
See all Apartments in Rancho Santa MargaritaExplore Rancho Santa Margarita
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA Local Guide
- Rancho Santa Margarita Neighborhoods
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Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
Pricing Updated: 01/05/2026Current apartment rentals in the Rancho Santa Margarita, CA area range in price from to with an overall median price of . Here is today’s list neighborhoods with the lowest median pricing for Rancho Santa Margarita Apartments for rent:
| Neighborhood | Median Price | Min Price | Available Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| Las Flores | $3,855 | $1,750 | 85 |
| Tijeras Creek Golf Club | $4,062 | $1,750 | 85 |
| Rancho Santa Margarita Central | $4,230 | $1,750 | 66 |
| Samlarc | $4,230 | $2,217 | 76 |
Cheapest Available Rancho Santa Margarita Apartments for Rent
 The cheapest available apartment rental in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA is a 1 Bed unit found at Saddleback Ranch Apartments in the Mission Viejo Central neighborhood priced from $2,066. 55+ FountainGlen Rancho Santa Margarita in the Rancho Santa Margarita North neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $2,164. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Rancho Santa Margarita apartments for rent:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saddleback Ranch Apartments | 1 Bed 1 Bath Up | 1BR,1BA | $2,066 |
| 55+ FountainGlen Rancho Santa Margarita | Palermo | 1BR,1BA | $2,164 |
| SYCAMORE LANE APARTMENT HOMES | Aloe | Studio,1BA | $2,199 |
| Villa La Paz Apartment Homes | Plan D | 1BR,1BA | $2,215 |
| Cortesia at Rancho Santa Margarita | Siena | 1BR,1BA | $2,217 |
| Emerald Court Apartment Homes | Plan 2 | 1BR,1BA | $2,220 |
| Mosaic Apartment Homes | Plan B | 1BR,1BA | $2,280 |
| Siena Terrace | Naples | 1BR,1BA | $2,297 |
| Los Alisos at Mission Viejo | One Bedroom A1A | 1BR,1BA | $2,364 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
As of January 05, 2026 the best value apartment in the Rancho Santa Margarita area is the $2.95 price per square foot 2 Bed 2 Bath Down Model at Saddleback Ranch Apartments in the in the Mission Viejo Central neighborhood starting from $3,318. The second greatest value Rancho Santa Margarita apartment is the Santa Fe Model at Westridge Apartment Homes starting at $3,115 with a $3.12 price per square foot in the Mission Viejo Central neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Rancho Santa Margarita apartments based on price per square foot:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saddleback Ranch Apartments | 2 Bed 2 Bath Down | 2BR,2BA | $2.95 |
| Westridge Apartment Homes | Santa Fe | 2BR,2BA | $3.12 |
| Villas Antonio Apartment Homes | Plan Five | 2BR,2BA | $3.18 |
| Trabuco Woods Apartment Homes | 2 Bed 2 Bath | 2BR,2BA | $3.21 |
| Ridgecrest Apartments | Plan A | 1BR,1BA | $3.10 |
| 154 Canyon Woods Apartments | 1 Bedroom / 1 Bath | 1BR,1BA | $3.04 |
| Avila at Rancho Santa Margarita | A1 | 1BR,1BA | $3.30 |
| Emerald Court Apartment Homes | Plan 2 | 1BR,1BA | $3.33 |
| Siena Terrace | Naples | 1BR,1BA | $3.29 |
| 23465 Via Ronda | 23465 Via Ronda | Studio ,1BA | $2.92 |
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 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.
Best Local Schools in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
School data provided by Great Schools
Remember the 3 Rules of Real Estate:Location, Location, Location!
Explore Rancho Santa Margarita, CA Rentals by Map
See the most popular apartments and homes in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Rancho Santa Margarita Apartments
What is the Cheapest Studio apartment in Rancho Santa Margarita?
Currently the most affordable Cheap Studio Apartment in Rancho Santa Margarita is at SYCAMORE LANE APARTMENT HOMES listed at $2,199.
How much is rent for a Cheap One Bedroom Rancho Santa Margarita Apartment?
The lowest price for a Cheap One Bedroom Rancho Santa Margarita Apartment is $2,066 at Saddleback Ranch Apartments.
What is the lowest price for a Cheap Two Bedroom Rancho Santa Margarita Apartment for rent?
Today's best deal for a Cheap Two Bedroom Apartment in Rancho Santa Margarita is starting from $2,480 at Heritage Square Senior Apartment Homes.
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

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.

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.

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.

How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Everything is a negotiation in real estate!





