1 Bedroom Apartments for Rent in San Marcos, CA (119 Rentals)

How Many Bedrooms?Done
Select your price rangeDone
Lifestyle Matching SearchDone
By AmenitiesDone
By Community TypeDone
Features and AvailabilityDone
Done

The Art of the Rental Viewing: What to look for during a property tour

Touring a rental? This guide helps you know exactly what to look for, from safety features to hidden flaws, so you can confidently sign your lease or keep searching.

close
View Me
Paseo del Oro
1 Bedroom Apartments

Paseo del Oro

428 W Mission RdSan Marcos, CA 92069
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
Westlake Village
1 Bedroom Apartments

Westlake Village

405-419 Autumn DrSan Marcos, CA 92069
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
Melrose Villas
1 Bedroom Apartments

Melrose Villas

1820 Melrose DrSan Marcos, CA 92078
  • Utilities Included

Smart Renter's Guide: Calculating Affordable Rent & Housing Costs

Wondering how to determine your rental budget? This comprehensive guide covers everything from the 30% rule to hidden fees and effective budgeting strategies.

close
View Me
Grandon Village
1 Bedroom Apartments

Grandon Village

1603-1615 Grandon AveSan Marcos, CA 92078
Senior Living
  • Utilities Included
  • Smoke Free
close
View Me
Shane Park Plaza
1 Bedroom Apartments

Shane Park Plaza

240-260 S Rancho Santa Fe RdSan Marcos, CA 92078
close
View Me
Alora Apartments
1 Bedroom Apartments

Alora Apartments

604 Richmar AveSan Marcos, CA 92069
close
View Me
Lake Park Terrace
1 Bedroom Apartments

Lake Park Terrace

1513-1525 Grandon AveSan Marcos, CA 92078

Navigating 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.

close
View Me
Villa Serena
1 Bedroom Apartments

Villa Serena

340 Marcos StSan Marcos, CA 92069
close
View Me
Villa Serena
1 Bedroom Apartments

Villa Serena

339-340 Marcos StSan Marcos, CA 92069
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
363-379 Autumn Dr
1 Bedroom Apartments

363-379 Autumn Dr

363-379 Autumn DrSan Marcos, CA 92069
close
View Me
171-185 Echo Ln
1 Bedroom Apartments

171-185 Echo Ln

171-185 Echo LnSan Marcos, CA 92069
close
View Me
ParkView
1 Bedroom Apartments

ParkView

363-379 Autumn DrSan Marcos, CA 92069
close
View Me
Sage Canyon
1 Bedroom Apartments

Sage Canyon

1010 Stephanie StSan Marcos, CA 92078
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
El Dorado II
1 Bedroom Apartments

El Dorado II

303 Richmar AveSan Marcos, CA 92069
close
View Me
Estrella
1 Bedroom Apartments

Estrella

600 W Richmar AveSan Marcos, CA 92069
close
View Me
North City
1 Bedroom Apartments

North City

222 N City DrSan Marcos, CA 92096
close
View Me
Mariposa
1 Bedroom Apartments

Mariposa

604 W Richmar AveSan Marcos, CA 92069
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
Terra Cotta Apartment
1 Bedroom Apartments

Terra Cotta Apartment

501-523 Rush DrSan Marcos, CA 92078
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
Eastgate
1 Bedroom Apartments

Eastgate

16 Creekside DrSan Marcos, CA 92078
  • Utilities Included

San Marcos, CA Local Guide

Photo of Staff Writer  - Local Guide Expert
Written By:
Staff Writer
Local Guide Expert

San Marcos 1 Bedroom Apartment Units with Current Availability by Neighborhood

Availability Confirmed As of: July 09, 2025

There are currently 167 available 1 Bedroom apartment units from neighborhoods all over San Marcos, CA that range in price from $1,895 to $3,448. Mira Lago, Grand Estates and Richland Villas are the neighborhoods that currently have the most 1 Bedroom availability. Here is today's list of the top neighborhoods in San Marcos with the most available 1 Bedroom apartments:

NeighborhoodAvailable UnitsMedian PriceMin Price
Mira Lago37$2,395$1,895
Grand Estates30$2,489$1,925
Richland Villas30$2,400$2,000
Paloma18$2,425$1,925
Vistas at Rancho Santalina17$2,483$1,925
Village O10$2,733$1,925
Vallecitos Ridge8$2,395$1,925
Atherton at San Elijo Hills7$2,395$1,925
Lake San Marcos4$2,767$1,925
University Commons4$2,625$2,613

Largest Available San Marcos 1 Bedroom Apartments

The largest available 1 Bedroom apartment unit in San Marcos, CA is found at Alcove in the Urbana at Citracado Village neighborhood and is 835 square feet priced from $2,695. Palomar Station in the Grand Estates neighborhood has the second largest 1 Bedroom, which is sized at 829 square feet and currently listed start at $2,861. Here is today’s list of the largest available 1 Bedroom units in San Marcos:

Apartment ListingModel NameSquare FootagePriced From
AlcovePlan A2835 Sq Ft$2,695
Palomar StationOne Bedroom - 5829 Sq Ft$2,861
Prominence ApartmentsSanta Barbara III772 Sq Ft$2,468
Alta Vista ApartmentsAndorra759 Sq Ft$2,437
MariposaOne Bedroom - One Bath Patio750 Sq Ft$1,995
Hidden Cove ApartmentsHomestead Premier750 Sq Ft$2,325
Pepperwood ApartmentsPlan 2748 Sq Ft$2,175
Sofi Shadowridge1 Bed 1 Bath B744 Sq Ft$2,559
Lincoln Heights1 Bedroom / 1 Bath725 Sq Ft$2,295
Sycamore Ridge Apartments1 Bedroom/ 1 Bath700 Sq Ft$1,925

Cheapest Available San Marcos 1 Bedroom Apartments

As of July 09, 2025 the lowest priced 1 Bedroom apartment unit in San Marcos, CA is the A1 Model starting from $1,717 at Hadley Apartments - A 55+ Lifestyle Community in the North Broadway neighborhood. The second most affordable San Marcos 1 Bedroom is the One Bedroom Model at 55+ Senior Living at Quail Creek Apartments starting at $1,750 in the Jesmond Dene neighborhood. The average price for all 1 Bedroom apartments in San Marcos is currently $2,445. Here is today’s list of the cheapest available 1 Bedroom options in San Marcos:

Apartment ListingModel NamePriced From
Hadley Apartments - A 55+ Lifestyle CommunityA1$1,717
55+ Senior Living at Quail Creek ApartmentsOne Bedroom$1,750
Valle at MissionPalm$1,845
Country Club GardensOne Bedrooms$1,895
Casa EscondidaOne Bedroom, One Bath$1,895
Sycamore Ridge Apartments1 Bedroom/ 1 Bath$1,925
MariposaOne Bedroom - One Bath Patio$1,995
Elan Riverwalk11A$2,015
Meadow Creek Apartments1B 1B$2,070
Valle at EscondidoCasa$2,089

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

San Marcos Overview

San Marcos, California is located in the northern part of San Diego County, California. The name of the city is actually Spanish for St. Mark, a major character from the Bible. There are many people who are looking for apartments in San Marcos, California because it is relatively close to San Diego. At the same time, there are numerous San Marcos apartments available. Therefore, how can you find the right option to meet your needs? Learn more about the joys of living in this area below. Remember to reach out to someone with local knowledge who can help you find the best apartment to meet your needs.á

Why live in San Marcos, CA?

San Marcos is a beautiful place to live for several reasons. First, the cost of living in San Marcos is lower than it is in San Diego. Therefore, you might be able to save some money by moving to the suburbs. Second, the weather is beautiful. It is warm throughout the year, and it does not rain very often. If you love warm weather, you should be happy in San Marcos. Finally, it is relatively easy to get around. Even though traffic can get heavy during rush hour, it is still relatively light during the day. For all of these reasons, many people are moving to San Marcos.á

Pet Friendly Lifestyle
San Marcos, CA

Ranked #122

Among cities in California for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities

Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score

2.5
Pet Friendly

decorative image of woman handing cat to small boy

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

Explore San Marcos, CA Rentals by Map

View MapSan Marcos, CA Apartments MapView MapSan Marcos, CA Rental Homes Map

Getting Around San Marcos, CA

Walk Score®

55 / 100

Somewhat Walkable

Some errands can be accomplished on foot

Bike Score®

44 / 100

Somewhat Bikeable

Minimal bike infrastructure

Transit Score®

1 / 100

Minimal Transit

It may be possible to get on a bus

Frequently Asked Questions about 1 Bedroom San Marcos Apartments

How much is the average rent for a 1 Bedroom San Marcos Apartment?

The average rent for a 1 Bedroom Apartment in San Marcos is $2,445.

What is the largest available 1 Bedroom San Marcos Apartment for rent?

Today's apartment with the most square footage in San Marcos is a 835 square feet unit starting from $2,695 at Alcove.

What is the average size for San Marcos 1 Bedroom Apartments for rent?

The average size for a 1 Bedroom rental in San Marcos is currently 773 sq ft.

Expert Rental Resources

Helpful Apartment Articles, How-To's and Tips

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.

decorative image for Roommate Matching: Finding the Right Fit and Avoiding Pitfalls article

Roommate Matching: Finding the Right Fit and Avoiding Pitfalls

Written by: Cheryl Bowman

A fantastic way to save money and enjoy a built-in community is to share an apartment. However, a bad roommate situation can turn your dream rental into a nightmare.

decorative image for The Art of the Rental Viewing: What to look for during a property tour article

The Art of the Rental Viewing: What to look for during a property tour

Written by: Marie Brown

You’ve scrolled through countless listings, walked through a blur of rentals, and finally found what feels like the one. The pictures? Fantastic. The neighborhood seems just right.

decorative image for Know Your Budget: Calculating What You Can Realistically Afford When Renting article

Know Your Budget: Calculating What You Can Realistically Afford When Renting

Written by: Lauren Harrington

Renting an apartment or house isn’t just about looking through online ads, choosing a few apartments or homes you want to tour, filling out an application, and putting down a deposit. Those things are all necessary and important.

decorative image for The Freedom of Short-Term Leases: Exploring the Advantages for Renters article

The Freedom of Short-Term Leases: Exploring the Advantages for Renters

Written by: Bobbi Jackson

If you’re looking to relocate right now, a popular solution that may best fit your current rental needs is a short-term lease.