
Cheap Apartments for Rent in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA from $2,150 (38 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in Rancho Santa Margarita.


Villas Aliento Apartment Homes

eaves Santa Margarita

Cortesia at Rancho Santa Margarita

34 Via Meseta

Villas Antonio Apartment Homes

Total Monthly Price
Avila at Rancho Santa Margarita

Las Flores Apartment Homes

55+ Community FountainGlen Rancho Santa Margarita
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.

79 Gaviota

23195 Mesto

28425 Pueblo Dr

Saddleback Ranch Apartments

Vista Del Lago

SYCAMORE LANE APARTMENT HOMES

Westridge Apartment Homes

Total Monthly Price
21202 Cedar Ln, Unit STUDIO

Siena Terrace
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.

154 Canyon Woods Apartments

Los Alisos at Mission Viejo

Mosaic Apartment Homes

River Oaks Apartments

9 Pegasus Dr

Alicia Viejo Apartment Homes

Sonterra at Foothill Ranch

The Arbors

Paloma Summit Condominium Rentals
How I Find the Perfect Rental for My Clients: A Real Estate Pro's Guide
Finding the right apartment starts with three things: location, cost, and amenities. Get the insider perspective from a real estate professional on how to nail all three.

Avalon Baker Ranch

Emerald Court Apartment Homes

Trabuco Woods Apartment Homes

eaves Mission Viejo

26832 Belleza Cir

20702 El Toro Rd

Heritage Square Senior Apartment Homes

Heritage Park Senior Apartment Homes

Laurel Canyon Apartment Homes
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.

19801 Meadow Ridge Dr

Madrid
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 | $2,280 | $2,150 | $2,395 |
| Cheap Rancho Santa Margarita 1 Bedroom Apartments | $2,651 | $2,150 | $4,275 |
| Cheap Rancho Santa Margarita 2 Bedroom Apartments | $3,375 | $2,735 | $5,470 |
| Cheap Rancho Santa Margarita 3 Bedroom Apartments | $4,377 | $3,709 | $4,780 |
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: 09/14/2026Current apartment rentals in the Rancho Santa Margarita, CA area range in price from $2,150 to $6,880 with an overall median price of $2,946. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rancho Santa Margarita Central | $2,841 | $2,150 | 77 |
| Samlarc | $2,864 | $2,150 | 87 |
| Tijeras Creek Golf Club | $2,982 | $2,150 | 83 |
| Las Flores | $3,179 | $2,456 | 53 |
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 $2,150. 55+ Community FountainGlen Rancho Santa Margarita in the Rancho Santa Margarita North neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $2,198. 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 | $2,150 |
| 55+ Community FountainGlen Rancho Santa Margarita | Sedona | Studio,1BA | $2,198 |
| Emerald Court Apartment Homes | Plan 1 | 1BR,1BA | $2,225 |
| Villa La Paz Apartment Homes | Plan D | 1BR,1BA | $2,285 |
| Westridge Apartment Homes | Navaho | Studio,1BA | $2,290 |
| Villas Aliento Apartment Homes | Plan 1 | 1BR,1BA | $2,320 |
| Trabuco Woods Apartment Homes | 1 Bed 1 Bath | 1BR,1BA | $2,340 |
| SYCAMORE LANE APARTMENT HOMES | Agave | 1BR,1BA | $2,370 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
As of September 14, 2026 the best value apartment in the Rancho Santa Margarita area is the $2.67 price per square foot Milan Model at Cortesia at Rancho Santa Margarita in the in the Mission Viejo Central neighborhood starting from $3,709. The second greatest value Rancho Santa Margarita apartment is the Plan B Model at Ridgecrest Apartments starting at $3,201 with a $3.05 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. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cortesia at Rancho Santa Margarita | Milan | 3BR,2BA | $2.67 |
| Ridgecrest Apartments | Plan B | 2BR,2BA | $3.05 |
| The Highlands | Plan B2 | 2BR,2BA | $3.32 |
| Los Alisos at Mission Viejo | Two Bedroom B2B | 2BR,2BA | $3.26 |
| Mosaic Apartment Homes | Plan C | 2BR,2BA | $3.09 |
| Saddleback Ranch Apartments | 1 Bed 1 Bath Down | 1BR,1BA | $3.01 |
| eaves Mission Viejo | A3 | 1BR,1BA | $3.33 |
| Trabuco Woods Apartment Homes | 1 Bed 1 Bath | 1BR,1BA | $3.25 |
| SYCAMORE LANE APARTMENT HOMES | Agave | 1BR,1BA | $3.29 |
| Siena Terrace | Naples | 1BR,1BA | $3.43 |
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.
Best Local Schools in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
Las Flores Elementary School
Arroyo Vista Middle School
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 55+ Community FountainGlen Rancho Santa Margarita listed at $2,198.
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 $2,150 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 $2,735 at Villa La Paz 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

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.