Cheap Homes for Rent in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA from $1,300 (14 Rentals)

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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.

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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.

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Rancho Santa Margarita, CA Local Guide

Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

Pricing Updated: 01/01/2026

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$4,995$2,5003
Tijeras Creek Golf Club$6,225$1,40018
Samlarc$6,550$2,5008
Las Flores$7,200$6,5001

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 $2,065. 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 ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Saddleback Ranch Apartments1 Bed 1 Bath Down1BR,1BA$2,065
55+ FountainGlen Rancho Santa MargaritaPalermo1BR,1BA$2,164
SYCAMORE LANE APARTMENT HOMESAloeStudio,1BA$2,206
Cortesia at Rancho Santa MargaritaSiena1BR,1BA$2,217
Mosaic Apartment HomesPlan AStudio,1BA$2,275

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

As of January 01, 2026 the best value apartment in the Rancho Santa Margarita area is the $3.09 price per square foot 2 Bed 2 Bath Down Model at Saddleback Ranch Apartments in the in the Mission Viejo Central neighborhood starting from $3,477. 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 ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
Saddleback Ranch Apartments2 Bed 2 Bath Down2BR,2BA$3.09
Westridge Apartment HomesSanta Fe2BR,2BA$3.12
Villas Antonio Apartment HomesPlan Five2BR,2BA$3.18
Trabuco Woods Apartment Homes2 Bed 2 Bath2BR,2BA$3.21
Ridgecrest ApartmentsPlan A1BR,1BA$3.10
154 Canyon Woods Apartments1 Bedroom / 1 Bath1BR,1BA$3.04
Avila at Rancho Santa MargaritaA11BR,1BA$3.30
Emerald Court Apartment HomesPlan 21BR,1BA$3.31
Siena TerraceNaples1BR,1BA$3.35
23465 Via Ronda23465 Via RondaStudio ,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.

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The 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.

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Cash 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.

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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.

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Best Local Schools in
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

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

Explore Rancho Santa Margarita, CA Rentals by Map

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Frequently Asked Questions about Rancho Santa Margarita

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

There are currently 50 Apartments for Rent in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA with pricing that ranges from $1,750 to $4,585. There are also 54 Single Family Homes for rent, Condos, and Townhome rentals currently available in Rancho Santa Margarita ranging from $1,300 to $7,900.

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 $1,300 to $7,900 with an average monthly rent of $4,396.

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Everything is a negotiation in real estate!