Cheap Homes for Rent in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA from $1,500 (11 Rentals)

How Many Bedrooms?Done
Select your price rangeDone
to
Note: Properties with the Total Monthly Price badge include all required fees. Hover over the badge for details.
By AmenitiesDone
By Community TypeDone
Features and AvailabilityDone
Done

Search the lowest-cost Homes available for rent right now in Rancho Santa Margarita.

property at 96 Flor De Sol

$2,195

Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$2,195

Total Monthly Price
$2,195

Studio, 1 Bath Condo for Rent

Available Jun 1

96 Flor De Sol, Unit NA, Unit NA

96 Flor De Sol
Rancho Santa MargaritaCA92688
property at 27533 Pasatiempo

$2,200

Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$2,200

Total Monthly Price
$2,200

Studio, 1 Bath Condo for Rent

Available Now

27533 Pasatiempo

Mission ViejoCA92692

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.

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.

Rancho Santa Margarita, CA Local Guide

Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

Pricing Updated: 05/21/2026

Current 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:

NeighborhoodMedian PriceMin PriceAvailable Units
Rancho Santa Margarita Central$3,749$2,12548
Samlarc$3,749$2,12556
Las Flores$4,270$2,12559
Tijeras Creek Golf Club$4,270$2,12567

Cheapest Available Rancho Santa Margarita Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA is a Studio unit found at Villas Aliento Apartment Homes in the Rancho Santa Margarita North neighborhood priced from $2,055. Westridge Apartment Homes in the Mission Viejo Central neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $2,075. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Rancho Santa Margarita apartments for rent:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Villas Aliento Apartment HomesPlan 4Studio,1BA$2,055
Westridge Apartment HomesNavahoStudio,1BA$2,075
Saddleback Ranch Apartments1 Bed 1 Bath Up1BR,1BA$2,099
Villa La Paz Apartment HomesPlan D1BR,1BA$2,155
eaves Mission ViejoA21BR,1BA$2,160

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

As of May 21, 2026 the best value apartment in the Rancho Santa Margarita area is the $3.45 price per square foot 22C Model at Crestwood Apartment Homes in the in the Mission Viejo North neighborhood starting from $3,205. The second greatest value Rancho Santa Margarita apartment is the Corsica Model at Siena Terrace starting at $2,936 with a $3.26 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 ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
Crestwood Apartment Homes22C2BR,2BA$3.45
Siena TerraceCorsica2BR,2BA$3.26
154 Canyon Woods Apartments1 Bedroom / 1 Bath1BR,1BA$3.11
Ridgecrest ApartmentsPlan A1BR,1BA$3.21
The HighlandsPlan A11BR,1BA$3.46
SERRANO HIGHLANDS APARTMENT HOMESMonterey1BR,1.2BA$3.46
Saddleback Ranch Apartments1 Bed 1 Bath Up1BR,1BA$2.80
Bellecour Way Apartment HomesSavio1BR,1BA$3.38
Las Flores Apartment HomesPlan A1BR,1BA$3.43
Trabuco Woods Apartment Homes1 Bed 1 Bath1BR,1BA$3.18

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 Article
Decorative image

Real 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 Article
Decorative image

Quick 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.

decorative image of people with a giant lease agreement

Remember the 3 Rules of Real Estate:
Location, Location, Location!

Explore Rancho Santa Margarita, CA Rentals by Map

View Map
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA Apartments Map
View Map
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA Rental Homes Map

Frequently Asked Questions about Rancho Santa Margarita

What type of rentals are currently available in Rancho Santa Margarita?

There are currently 53 Apartments for Rent in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA with pricing that ranges from $1,700 to $5,290. There are also 59 Single Family Homes for rent, Condos, and Townhome rentals currently available in Rancho Santa Margarita ranging from $1,550 to $10,950.

What is the current price range for Rental Homes in Rancho Santa Margarita?

Today's rental pricing for Homes for Rent, Condos and Townhomes in Rancho Santa Margarita ranges from $1,550 to $10,950 with an average monthly rent of $4,285.

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

decorative image for A Seasoned Property Manager's Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Deposit Back article

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.

decorative image for Expert Solutions for Creating the Perfect Work-From-Home Apartment Layouts  article

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.

decorative image for What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much article

What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much

Written by: Lauren Harrington

This article draws from first-hand renter experiences and recurring financial challenges reported after moving in.

decorative image for Maximizing Your Refund: Essential Tax Tips for Renters article

Maximizing Your Refund: Essential Tax Tips for Renters

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Other than tax professionals, I can’t think of anyone who looks forward to tax season. For everybody else, April is a stressful month to collect information and meet deadlines.