Cheap Apartments for Rent in San Marcos, CA from $600 (61 Rentals)

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Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in San Marcos.

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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Westlake Village
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Westlake Village

405-419 Autumn DrSan Marcos, CA 92069
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Melrose Villas
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Melrose Villas

1820 Melrose DrSan Marcos, CA 92078
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Paseo del Oro
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Paseo del Oro

428 W Mission RdSan Marcos, CA 92069
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Grandon Village
1 to 2 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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Eastgate
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Eastgate

16 Creekside DrSan Marcos, CA 92078
  • Utilities Included

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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Meadowlark Apartments
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Meadowlark Apartments

233 W San Marcos BlvdSan Marcos, CA 92069
Student Housing
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Villa Serena
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Villa Serena

339-340 Marcos StSan Marcos, CA 92069
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Sierra Vista
2 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Sierra Vista

435-459 Autumn DrSan Marcos, CA 92069
  • Utilities Included

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.

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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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Millcreek Apartments
$2,107 - $2,809
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Base Rent
$2,093 - $2,795
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1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

Millcreek Apartments

2130 S Santa Fe AveVista, CA 92084
Corporate Housing
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  • Customer Reviewed
  • Utilities Included
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Hidden Cove
$2,171 - $3,002
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Base Rent
$2,093 - $2,924
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1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

Hidden Cove

910 Del Dios HwyEscondido, CA 92029
Pet Friendly
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  • Customer Reviewed
  • 3D Tour

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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San Marcos, CA Local Guide

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Staff Writer
Local Guide Expert

Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in San Marcos, CA

Pricing Updated: 04/05/2026

Current apartment rentals in the San Marcos, CA area range in price from $1,590 to $12,859 with an overall median price of $6,763. The three San Marcos neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are Paloma at $1,590, Grand Estates at $1,590, and University Commons at $2,550. Here is today’s list of the top 10 neighborhoods with the lowest median pricing for San Marcos Apartments for rent:

NeighborhoodMedian PriceMin PriceAvailable Units
Paloma$3,295$1,59062
Grand Estates$3,599$1,590100
University Commons$6,500$2,55019
Atherton at San Elijo Hills$7,509$2,000373
Mira Lago$7,509$1,895429
Richland Villas$7,509$1,922417
Vallecitos Ridge$7,509$2,000373
Village O$7,509$2,000388
Vistas at Rancho Santalina$7,509$1,590410
Lake San Marcos$7,725$2,00031

Cheapest Available San Marcos Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in San Marcos, CA is a 1 Bed unit found at Village Green Senior Community in the North Broadway neighborhood priced from $1,595. Casa Escondida in the Country Club neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $1,595. Here is today’s list of the most affordable San Marcos apartments for rent:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Village Green Senior CommunityOne Bedroom1BR,1BA$1,595
Casa EscondidaOne Bedroom, One Bath1BR,1BA$1,595
55+ Senior Living at Quail Creek ApartmentsOne Bedroom1BR,1BA$1,750
Valle at MissionPalm1BR,1BA$1,838
Country Club GardensOne Bedrooms1BR,1BA$1,895
Lincoln Heights1 Bedroom / 1 Bath1BR,1BA$1,895
Overture San Marcos 55+ Senior Housing Apartment HomesA21BR,1BA$1,922
Sycamore Ridge Apartments1 Bedroom/ 1 Bath1BR,1BA$1,925
MariposaOne Bedroom - One Bath Patio1BR,1BA$1,995
Elan Riverwalk11A1BR,1BA$2,025

Best Value Apartments for Rent in San Marcos, CA

As of April 06, 2026 the best value apartment in the San Marcos area is the $2.10 price per square foot 4 Beds, 4.5 baths Model at 3256 Sitio Tortuga in the in the Olivenhain neighborhood starting from $8,950. The second greatest value San Marcos apartment is the Plan B1 - Townhome Model at Rowan starting at $3,198 with a $2.22 price per square foot in the Urbana at Citracado Village neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for San Marcos apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
3256 Sitio Tortuga4 Beds, 4.5 baths4BR,4.5BA$2.10
RowanPlan B1 - Townhome2BR,2.5BA$2.22
Diamond PointeThree Bed Two Bath Home - Upstairs3BR,2BA$2.42
Country Club VillasPlan One1BR,1BA$2.47
Benchmark Apartments1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom1BR,1BA$2.63
MariposaOne Bedroom - One Bath Patio1BR,1BA$2.66
Sycamore Ridge Apartments1 Bedroom/ 1 Bath1BR,1BA$2.67
55+ Senior Living at Quail Creek ApartmentsOne Bedroom1BR,1BA$2.44
Village Green Senior CommunityOne Bedroom1BR,1BA$2.44
Casa EscondidaOne Bedroom, One Bath1BR,1BA$2.59

10 Hidden Costs of Renting You Should Budget for Before Signing a Lease

Avoid financial stress when renting. Learn about the 10 most common hidden costs—from pet fees to utilities—you must budget for before you sign a lease.

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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

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Cash or credit? Understanding the Importance of Credit Score in Real Estate and Renting

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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

Best Local Schools in
San Marcos, CA

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

Explore San Marcos, CA Rentals by Map

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See the most popular apartments and homes in San Marcos, CA

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Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap San Marcos Apartments

What is a cheap apartment in San Marcos?

A cheap apartment is any apartment up to the 30% percentile of cost for the area, which in San Marcos is under $2,025.

What is the price of a cheap apartment in San Marcos?

The cheapest apartment in San Marcos is Village Green Senior Community which is listed at $1,595, while the average apartment in San Marcos costs $6,763.

What types of apartments are the cheapest in San Marcos?

Student, low-income, and by-the-bed apartments are typically the cheapest rentals in most cities, though they require qualifying criteria to rent. There are 13 regular apartments in San Marcos that we think qualify as ‘cheap apartments’ that do not have special requirements to apply to rent.

How do the prices of cheap apartments compare to the average apartment in San Marcos?

Cheap apartments in San Marcos have an average cost of $424 which is $6,339 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in San Marcos.

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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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.

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18 Must-Ask Rental Tour Questions That Reveal the Truth about a Property

Written by: Lauren Harrington

Renting your next home can feel thrilling and overwhelming at the same time.

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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.