
Cheap Homes for Rent in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA from $1,300 (8 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Homes available for rent right now in Rancho Santa Margarita.


28425 Pueblo Dr

31611 Vía Conejo, Unit 136B

9 Pegasus Dr
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.

26832 Belleza Cir

19801 Meadow Ridge Dr

34 Via Meseta

20702 El Toro Rd
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.
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent a home in Rancho Santa Margarita?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rancho Santa Margarita 2 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $3,318 | $2,700 | $3,900 |
| Rancho Santa Margarita 3 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $4,746 | $3,950 | $5,670 |
| Rancho Santa Margarita 4 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $5,901 | $4,899 | $6,950 |
| Rancho Santa Margarita 5 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $10,750 | $7,350 | $10,000+ |
Browse Top Homes for Rent in Rancho Santa Margarita
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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: 08/20/2026Current apartment rentals in the Rancho Santa Margarita, CA area range in price from $1,350 to $9,500 with an overall median price of $3,933. 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 | $3,900 | $2,800 | 3 |
| Samlarc | $3,900 | $2,275 | 8 |
| Tijeras Creek Golf Club | $3,950 | $1,350 | 21 |
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 $2,165. Westridge Apartment Homes in the Mission Viejo Central neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $2,255. 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 | $2,165 |
| Westridge Apartment Homes | Navaho | Studio,1BA | $2,255 |
| Emerald Court Apartment Homes | Plan 2 | 1BR,1BA | $2,330 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
As of August 20, 2026 the best value apartment in the Rancho Santa Margarita area is the $2.94 price per square foot Plan B Model at Ridgecrest Apartments in the in the Mission Viejo Central neighborhood starting from $3,092. The second greatest value Rancho Santa Margarita apartment is the Heather Model at Sonterra at Foothill Ranch starting at $3,176 with a $3.18 price per square foot in the Pacific Commerce Center 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 | $2.94 |
| Sonterra at Foothill Ranch | Heather | 2BR,2BA | $3.18 |
| The Highlands | Plan B2 | 2BR,2BA | $3.32 |
| Las Flores Apartment Homes | Plan D | 2BR,2BA | $3.47 |
| Crestwood Apartment Homes | 22C | 2BR,2BA | $3.44 |
| Saddleback Ranch Apartments | 1 Bed 1 Bath Down | 1BR,1BA | $2.99 |
| Trabuco Woods Apartment Homes | 1 Bed 1 Bath | 1BR,1BA | $3.29 |
| SYCAMORE LANE APARTMENT HOMES | Agave | 1BR,1BA | $3.32 |
| Mosaic Apartment Homes | Plan B | 1BR,1BA | $3.51 |
| Vista Del Lago | Costa Renovated | 1BR,1BA | $3.47 |
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
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 Rancho Santa Margarita
What type of rentals are currently available in Rancho Santa Margarita?
There are currently 52 Apartments for Rent in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA with pricing that ranges from $2,187 to $5,635. There are also 48 Single Family Homes for rent, Condos, and Townhome rentals currently available in Rancho Santa Margarita ranging from $1,350 to $19,000.
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 $1,350 to $19,000 with an average monthly rent of $5,010.
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.

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.

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.