
Cheap Apartments for Rent in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA from $2,100 (43 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in Rancho Santa Margarita.


Villas Aliento Apartment Homes

Villa La Paz Apartment Homes

Total Monthly Price
29 Via Cresta, Unit 29

eaves Santa Margarita

Villas Antonio Apartment Homes

Total Monthly Price
Avila at Rancho Santa Margarita

Las Flores Apartment Homes
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.

The Highlands

Total Monthly Price
Overture Rancho Santa Margarita 55+ Senior Housing Apartment Homes

55 Vía Pausa

55+ Community FountainGlen Rancho Santa Margarita

58 Gavilan

132 Flor De Sol

28425 Pueblo Dr

Saddleback Ranch Apartments
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.

SYCAMORE LANE APARTMENT HOMES

31611 Vía Conejo, Unit 136B

Los Alisos at Mission Viejo

Mosaic Apartment Homes

Vista Del Lago

154 Canyon Woods Apartments

Westridge Apartment Homes

Sonterra at Foothill Ranch
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.

Siena Terrace

River Oaks Apartments

9 Pegasus Dr

Alicia Viejo Apartment Homes

SERRANO HIGHLANDS APARTMENT HOMES

The Arbors

Total Monthly Price
Adagio on the Green

Paloma Summit Condominium Rentals
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.

eaves Mission Viejo

Trabuco Woods Apartment Homes

Emerald Court Apartment Homes

26832 Belleza Cir

Heritage Square Senior Apartment Homes

Madrid

19801 Meadow Ridge Dr

20702 El Toro Rd
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.

Laurel Canyon Apartment Homes

Ridgecrest Apartments

Heritage Park Senior Apartment Homes
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 | $2,290 | $2,235 | $2,354 |
| Cheap Rancho Santa Margarita 1 Bedroom Apartments | $2,628 | $2,188 | $3,975 |
| Cheap Rancho Santa Margarita 2 Bedroom Apartments | $3,390 | $2,810 | $5,925 |
| Cheap Rancho Santa Margarita 3 Bedroom Apartments | $4,385 | $3,829 | $4,880 |
Browse Top Apartments in Rancho Santa Margarita
See all Apartments in Rancho Santa MargaritaExplore Rancho Santa Margarita
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA Local Guide
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Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
Pricing Updated: 07/30/2026Current 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rancho Santa Margarita Central | $3,829 | $2,207 | 53 |
| Samlarc | $3,829 | $2,207 | 59 |
| Las Flores | $4,482 | $2,350 | 37 |
| Tijeras Creek Golf Club | $4,482 | $2,290 | 60 |
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 $2,188. Cortesia at Rancho Santa Margarita in the Mission Viejo Central neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $2,207. 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 | $2,188 |
| Cortesia at Rancho Santa Margarita | Siena | 1BR,1BA | $2,207 |
| Los Alisos at Mission Viejo | One Bedroom A1B | 1BR,1BA | $2,299 |
| Emerald Court Apartment Homes | Plan 2 | 1BR,1BA | $2,325 |
| 55+ Community FountainGlen Rancho Santa Margarita | Sedona | Studio,1BA | $2,340 |
| Mosaic Apartment Homes | Plan B | 1BR,1BA | $2,350 |
| Vista Del Lago | Costa | 1BR,1BA | $2,416 |
| Villas Antonio Apartment Homes | Plan One | 1BR,1BA | $2,420 |
| 154 Canyon Woods Apartments | 1 Bedroom / 1 Bath | 1BR,1BA | $2,425 |
| Villas Aliento Apartment Homes | Plan 1 | 1BR,1BA | $2,450 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
As of July 30, 2026 the best value apartment in the Rancho Santa Margarita area is the $2.95 price per square foot Plan B Model at Ridgecrest Apartments in the in the Mission Viejo Central neighborhood starting from $3,096. The second greatest value Rancho Santa Margarita apartment is the B1 Model at Avalon Baker Ranch starting at $3,245 with a $3.15 price per square foot in the Mission Viejo North 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. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ridgecrest Apartments | Plan B | 2BR,2BA | $2.95 |
| Avalon Baker Ranch | B1 | 2BR,2BA | $3.15 |
| Sonterra at Foothill Ranch | Heather | 2BR,2BA | $3.14 |
| Westridge Apartment Homes | Hacienda | 2BR,2BA | $3.04 |
| Villa La Paz Apartment Homes | Plan B | 2BR,2BA | $3.12 |
| Heritage Park Senior Apartment Homes | Plan C | 2BR,1BA | $3.39 |
| 154 Canyon Woods Apartments | 1 Bedroom / 1 Bath | 1BR,1BA | $3.11 |
| Saddleback Ranch Apartments | 1 Bed 1 Bath Up | 1BR,1BA | $2.92 |
| SYCAMORE LANE APARTMENT HOMES | Agave | 1BR,1BA | $3.41 |
| Mosaic Apartment Homes | Plan B | 1BR,1BA | $3.36 |
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.
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
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 $2,188 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 $2,654 at 55+ Community FountainGlen Rancho Santa Margarita.
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.

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.

Renters Insurance 101: What It Is, What It Covers, and Why You Need It
Written by: Robin Stewart
Insurance seems to be a part of life. In some states, having insurance is the law, as is the case for automobile insurance. Renters are no exception.

Apartment Occupancy Rates: Renter Attraction vs Renter Retention
Written by: Robin Stewart
There’s a tenet in marketing about client or customer attraction and retention. Studies and data have consistently shown it costs less to keep a current customer than to attract a new one.