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Cheap Apartments for Rent in San Marcos, CA from $600 (17 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in San Marcos.
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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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$1,595 - $1,7201 Bedroom Apartments Available Now
Village Green Senior Community
1068 N BroadwayEscondido, CA 92026
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Rent Specials
$1,595 - $2,7951 to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now
Casa Escondida
715 N BroadwayEscondido, CA 92025
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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$1,665 - $2,0351 to 2 Bedroom Apartments Contact Us For Availability
Summer Creek Apartments
640 W Lincoln AveEscondido, CA 92026
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1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments
Terrace Gardens- A 55 and Better Community
1045 Morning View DrEscondido, CA 92026
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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.
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Showing Results 1-17, Page 1 of 1
San Marcos, CA Local Guide
How much does it cost to rent an apartment in San Marcos?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cheap San Marcos Studio Apartments | $2,577 | $1,590 | $3,780 |
| Cheap San Marcos 1 Bedroom Apartments | $2,756 | $1,595 | $4,865 |
| Cheap San Marcos 2 Bedroom Apartments | $3,582 | $1,685 | $8,800 |
| Cheap San Marcos 3 Bedroom Apartments | $5,185 | $2,584 | $10,000+ |
| Cheap San Marcos 4 Bedroom Apartments | $6,600 | $6,600 | $6,600 |
Browse Top Apartments in San Marcos
See all Apartments in San MarcosExplore San Marcos
San Marcos, CA Local Guide
Written By:
Staff Writer Local Guide Expert
- San Marcos Neighborhoods
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Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in San Marcos, CA
Pricing Updated: 01/02/2026Current apartment rentals in the San Marcos, CA area range in price from $1,590 to $12,850 with an overall median price of $5,502. The three San Marcos neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are Paloma at $1,590, Grand Estates at $1,590, and Lake San Marcos at $2,000. Here is today’s list of the top 10 neighborhoods with the lowest median pricing for San Marcos Apartments for rent:
| Neighborhood | Median Price | Min Price | Available Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paloma | $3,420 | $1,590 | 86 |
| Grand Estates | $3,666 | $1,590 | 117 |
| Lake San Marcos | $3,774 | $2,000 | 44 |
| University Commons | $4,850 | $2,300 | 23 |
| Mira Lago | $6,345 | $1,685 | 95 |
| Richland Villas | $6,345 | $1,685 | 82 |
| Vallecitos Ridge | $6,375 | $2,000 | 37 |
| Village O | $6,395 | $2,000 | 55 |
| Vistas at Rancho Santalina | $6,410 | $1,590 | 86 |
| Atherton at San Elijo Hills | $6,475 | $2,000 | 30 |
Cheapest Available San Marcos Apartments for Rent
The cheapest available apartment rental in San Marcos, CA is a Studio unit found at La Sabila in the Grand Estates neighborhood priced from $1,590. Village Green Senior Community in the North Broadway 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 Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| La Sabila | Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,590 |
| Village Green Senior Community | One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $1,595 |
| Casa Escondida | One Bedroom, One Bath | 1BR,1BA | $1,595 |
| Vista Del Mar | Upstairs Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,695 |
| 55+ Senior Living at Quail Creek Apartments | One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $1,750 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in San Marcos, CA
As of January 02, 2026 the best value apartment in the San Marcos area is the $2.02 price per square foot A Model at Santa Fe Townhomes in the in the Grand Estates neighborhood starting from $3,395. The second greatest value San Marcos apartment is the Plan B1 - Townhome Model at Rowan starting at $3,190 with a $2.21 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 Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Fe Townhomes | A | 2BR,2.5BA | $2.02 |
| Rowan | Plan B1 - Townhome | 2BR,2.5BA | $2.21 |
| Diamond Pointe | Three Bed Two Bath Home - Upstairs | 3BR,2BA | $2.33 |
| Latitude 33 | Plan B1 | 2BR,2BA | $2.39 |
| Liberty Triplex | 2 Beds, 2 baths | 2BR,2BA | $2.60 |
| Elan Riverwalk | 22A | 2BR,2BA | $2.61 |
| Country Club Villas | Plan One | 1BR,1BA | $2.47 |
| 55+ Senior Living at Quail Creek Apartments | One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $2.44 |
| Village Green Senior Community | One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $2.44 |
| Casa Escondida | One Bedroom, One Bath | 1BR,1BA | $2.59 |
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.
Read ArticleCash 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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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
School data provided by Great Schools
Remember the 3 Rules of Real Estate:Location, Location, Location!
Explore San Marcos, CA Rentals by Map
See the most popular apartments and homes in San Marcos, CA
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 $1,925.
What is the price of a cheap apartment in San Marcos?
The cheapest apartment in San Marcos is Casa Escondida which is listed at $1,595, while the average apartment in San Marcos costs $5,502.
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 18 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 $456 which is $5,046 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
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.
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.
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.
How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Everything is a negotiation in real estate!