1 Bedroom Apartments for Rent in San Marcos, CA (138 Rentals)

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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.

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.

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Grandon Village
1 Bedroom Apartments

Grandon Village

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

Shane Park Plaza

240-260 S Rancho Santa Fe RdSan Marcos, CA 92078
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Estrella
1 Bedroom Apartments

Estrella

600 W Richmar AveSan Marcos, CA 92069
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1023 Grand Ave
1 Bedroom Apartments

1023 Grand Ave

1023 Grand AveSan Marcos, CA 92078
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Mariposa
1 Bedroom Apartments

Mariposa

604 W Richmar AveSan Marcos, CA 92069
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363-379 Autumn Dr
1 Bedroom Apartments

363-379 Autumn Dr

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

171-185 Echo Ln

171-185 Echo LnSan Marcos, CA 92069

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.

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Lake Park Terrace
1 Bedroom Apartments

Lake Park Terrace

1513-1525 Grandon AveSan Marcos, CA 92078
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Paseo del Oro
1 Bedroom Apartments

Paseo del Oro

428 W Mission RdSan Marcos, CA 92069
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Westlake Village
1 Bedroom Apartments

Westlake Village

405-419 Autumn DrSan Marcos, CA 92069
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Melrose Villas
1 Bedroom Apartments

Melrose Villas

1820 Melrose DrSan Marcos, CA 92078
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Alora Apartments
1 Bedroom Apartments

Alora Apartments

616 Richmar AveSan Marcos, CA 92069
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Crest 850
1 Bedroom Apartments

Crest 850

850 Village DrSan Marcos, CA 92078
Student Housing
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Camden Old Creek
1 Bedroom Apartments

Camden Old Creek

1935 Northstar WaySan Marcos, CA 92078
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El Dorado II
1 Bedroom Apartments

El Dorado II

303 Richmar AveSan Marcos, CA 92069
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Villa Serena
1 Bedroom Apartments

Villa Serena

340 Marcos StSan Marcos, CA 92069
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Villa Serena
1 Bedroom Apartments

Villa Serena

339-340 Marcos StSan Marcos, CA 92069
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Eastgate
1 Bedroom Apartments

Eastgate

16 Creekside DrSan Marcos, CA 92078
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ParkView
1 Bedroom Apartments

ParkView

363-379 Autumn DrSan Marcos, CA 92069
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Terra Cotta Apartment
1 Bedroom Apartments

Terra Cotta Apartment

501-523 Rush DrSan Marcos, CA 92078
  • Utilities Included

San Marcos, CA Local Guide

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Written By:
Staff Writer
Local Guide Expert

San Marcos 1 Bedroom Apartment Units with Current Availability by Neighborhood

Availability Confirmed As of: January 08, 2026

There are currently 529 available 1 Bedroom apartment units from neighborhoods all over San Marcos, CA that range in price from $1,800 to $4,865. Mira Lago, Richland Villas and Vistas at Rancho Santalina 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 Lago82$3,000$1,800
Richland Villas76$3,015$1,800
Vistas at Rancho Santalina70$3,005$1,925
Village O63$3,025$2,000
Vallecitos Ridge57$3,030$2,000
Atherton at San Elijo Hills54$3,035$2,000
San Elijo Hills50$3,040$2,528
Grand Estates32$2,411$1,925
Paloma23$2,347$1,925
Lake San Marcos16$2,347$2,000

Largest Available San Marcos 1 Bedroom Apartments

The largest available 1 Bedroom apartment unit in San Marcos, CA is found at Country Club Villas in the Jesmond Dene neighborhood and is 850 square feet priced from $2,100. 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 $2,667. Here is today’s list of the largest available 1 Bedroom units in San Marcos:

Apartment ListingModel NameSquare FootagePriced From
Country Club VillasPlan One850 Sq Ft$2,100
Palomar StationOne Bedroom - 6829 Sq Ft$2,667
222 North CityA-7.1782 Sq Ft$3,440
Prominence ApartmentsSanta Barbara III772 Sq Ft$2,528
MariposaOne Bedroom - One Bath Patio750 Sq Ft$2,019
Elan Northwoods11A750 Sq Ft$2,343
Pepperwood ApartmentsPlan 2748 Sq Ft$2,175
Coastal Living at San Marcos 55+ CommunityOne Bedroom 55+ Community746 Sq Ft$2,400
Forest GlenAvocado743 Sq Ft$2,355

Cheapest Available San Marcos 1 Bedroom Apartments

As of January 08, 2026 the lowest priced 1 Bedroom apartment unit in San Marcos, CA is the One Bedroom Model starting from $1,595 at Village Green Senior Community in the North Broadway neighborhood. The second most affordable San Marcos 1 Bedroom is the One Bedroom, One Bath Model at Casa Escondida starting at $1,595 in the Country Club neighborhood. The average price for all 1 Bedroom apartments in San Marcos is currently $2,754. Here is today’s list of the cheapest available 1 Bedroom options in San Marcos:

Apartment ListingModel NamePriced From
Village Green Senior CommunityOne Bedroom$1,595
Casa EscondidaOne Bedroom, One Bath$1,595
55+ Senior Living at Quail Creek ApartmentsOne Bedroom$1,750
Overture San Marcos 55+ Senior Housing Apartment HomesA2$1,800
Valle at MissionPalm$1,848
Country Club GardensOne Bedrooms$1,895
Sycamore Ridge Apartments1 Bedroom/ 1 Bath$1,925
Elan River Village11A$2,035
Millcreek ApartmentsAspen$2,095
Country Club VillasPlan One$2,100

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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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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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

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

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Frequently Asked Questions about 1 Bedroom San Marcos Apartments

What is the Cheapest apartment in San Marcos with 1 Bedroom?

Currently the most affordable 1 Bedroom in San Marcos is at Village Green Senior Community listed at $1,595.

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 $2,754.

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 850 square feet unit starting from $2,100 at Country Club Villas.

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 646 sq ft.

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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A Renters Guide for Tips on Writing Your Notice for Not Renewing Your Apartment

Written by: Bob Mallory

Packing up everything you own to move is so stressful for many that ending your apartment lease can feel like a small or unimportant task. Ending your lease involves more than simply turning over your keys on the last day.

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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!