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Cheap Apartments for Rent in San Marcos, CA from $600 (8 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in San Marcos.
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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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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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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 | $2,034 | $1,695 | $3,625 |
| Cheap San Marcos 1 Bedroom Apartments | $2,457 | $1,665 | $3,491 |
| Cheap San Marcos 2 Bedroom Apartments | $2,913 | $1,720 | $5,438 |
| Cheap San Marcos 3 Bedroom Apartments | $3,733 | $2,800 | $5,260 |
| Cheap San Marcos 4 Bedroom Apartments | $6,600 | $6,600 | $6,600 |
Browse Top Apartments in San Marcos
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San Marcos, CA Local Guide
Written By:
Staff Writer Local Guide Expert
- San Marcos Neighborhoods
- Nearby Cities
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- Local Counties
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Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in San Marcos, CA
Pricing Updated: 08/04/2025Current apartment rentals in the San Marcos, CA area range in price from $1,695 to $5,438 with an overall median price of $3,683. The three San Marcos neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are San Elijo Hills at $2,877, Mira Lago at $1,895, and Richland Villas at $1,919. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Elijo Hills | $3,118 | $2,877 | 11 |
| Mira Lago | $3,380 | $1,895 | 67 |
| Richland Villas | $3,380 | $1,919 | 56 |
| Vallecitos Ridge | $3,390 | $1,925 | 14 |
| Paloma | $3,561 | $1,925 | 65 |
| Grand Estates | $3,645 | $1,695 | 112 |
| Atherton at San Elijo Hills | $3,723 | $1,925 | 18 |
| Village O | $3,723 | $1,925 | 27 |
| Vistas at Rancho Santalina | $4,014 | $1,925 | 69 |
| Lake San Marcos | $4,087 | $1,925 | 46 |
Cheapest Available San Marcos Apartments for Rent
The cheapest available apartment rental in San Marcos, CA is a Studio unit found at Vista Del Mar in the Grand Estates neighborhood priced from $1,695. Village Green Senior Community in the North Broadway neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 2 Beds apartment currently listed from $1,720. Here is today’s list of the most affordable San Marcos apartments for rent:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vista Del Mar | Upstairs Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,695 |
| Village Green Senior Community | Two Bedroom One Bath | 2BR,1BA | $1,720 |
| Hadley Apartments - A 55+ Lifestyle Community | A1 | 1BR,1BA | $1,741 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in San Marcos, CA
As of August 04, 2025 the best value apartment in the San Marcos area is the $2.08 price per square foot A Model at Santa Fe Townhomes in the in the Grand Estates neighborhood starting from $3,495. The second greatest value San Marcos apartment is the Three Bed Two Bath Home - Upstairs Model at Diamond Pointe starting at $2,800 with a $2.33 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 | $2.08 |
| Diamond Pointe | Three Bed Two Bath Home - Upstairs | 3BR,2BA | $2.33 |
| Forest Glen | Citrus | 3BR,2BA | $2.77 |
| Country Club Villas | Plan Two | 2BR,2BA | $2.42 |
| Elan Riverwalk | 22A | 2BR,2BA | $2.63 |
| Windsong Villas | 2/1 Downstairs | 2BR,1BA | $2.61 |
| 55+ Senior Living at Quail Creek Apartments | One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $2.44 |
| Country Club Gardens | One Bedrooms | 1BR,1BA | $2.68 |
| Hadley Apartments - A 55+ Lifestyle Community | A1 | 1BR,1BA | $2.61 |
| Village Green Senior Community | Two Bedroom One Bath | 2BR,1BA | $2.63 |
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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
Pet Friendly LifestyleSan Marcos, CA
Ranked #116
Among cities in California for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities.
Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score
2.5Pet Friendly
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
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
What Are Walk Score®, Transit Score®, and Bike Score® Ratings?
- Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address.
- Transit Score® measures access to public transit.
- Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
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 $1,996.
What is the price of a cheap apartment in San Marcos?
The cheapest apartment in San Marcos is Hadley Apartments - A 55+ Lifestyle Community which is listed at $1,741, while the average apartment in San Marcos costs $3,683.
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 6 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 $666 which is $3,017 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in San Marcos.
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.
The Ultimate Long-Distance Moving Checklist: Tips from a Real Estate Pro
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Hard truth. Moving is never easy. I’ve done it all – from local moves to cross-country relocations From packing to unpacking the last box, I have found moving to be an exhausting, expensive and stressful experience every time.
Cash or credit? Understanding the Importance of Credit Score in Real Estate and Renting
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Throughout the day, think about all the times that you have to pay for something. So many of us reach automatically for a credit card or even our phone for a quick payment.
Roommate Matching: Finding the Right Fit and Avoiding Pitfalls
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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.
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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.