Cheap Apartments for Rent in San Marcos, CA from $600 (22 Rentals)

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

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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
  • Utilities Included
  • 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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Meadowlark Apartments
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Meadowlark Apartments

233 W San Marcos BlvdSan Marcos, CA 92069
Student Housing
  • 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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Amberwood Villas
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Amberwood Villas

1404 N BroadwayEscondido, CA 92026
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Hunters Pointe
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Hunters Pointe

7270 Calle PlataCarlsbad, CA 92009
  • Utilities Included
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Escondido Villas
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Escondido Villas

1136 N Escondido BlvdEscondido, CA 92026
  • Utilities Included

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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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Villa Quixote
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Villa Quixote

400-408 E Mission AveEscondido, CA 92025
  • Utilities Included

San Marcos, CA Local Guide

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Staff Writer
Local Guide Expert

Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in San Marcos, CA

Pricing Updated: 02/19/2026

Current apartment rentals in the San Marcos, CA area range in price from $1,300 to $7,650 with an overall median price of $4,752. The three San Marcos neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are University Commons at $3,500, Lake San Marcos at $2,500, and Mira Lago at $1,300. 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
University Commons$3,500$3,5001
Lake San Marcos$4,000$2,5008
Mira Lago$4,050$1,30022
Richland Villas$4,050$1,30023
Grand Estates$4,275$2,3956
Vallecitos Ridge$4,700$1,60012
Paloma$4,895$2,09512
Atherton at San Elijo Hills$4,950$1,60012
Vistas at Rancho Santalina$5,450$1,60022
Village O$7,650$1,30017

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 ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
La SabilaStudioStudio,1BA$1,590
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
Overture San Marcos 55+ Senior Housing Apartment HomesA21BR,1BA$1,782

Best Value Apartments for Rent in San Marcos, CA

As of February 19, 2026 the best value apartment in the San Marcos area is the $2.21 price per square foot 3 Bed 3 Bath Model at Vista La Costa in the in the Dejong neighborhood starting from $4,775. 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 ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
Vista La Costa3 Bed 3 Bath3BR,3BA$2.21
Diamond PointeThree Bed Two Bath Home - Upstairs3BR,2BA$2.33
Latitude 33Plan B12BR,2BA$2.65
Valle at EscondidoVilla3BR,2BA$2.62
Windsong Villas3/2 up3BR,2BA$2.34
MariposaTwo Bedrooms - Two Bath Patio2BR,2BA$2.47
Country Club VillasPlan One1BR,1BA$2.47
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

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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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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 Cheap San Marcos Apartments

What is the Cheapest Studio apartment in San Marcos?

Currently the most affordable Cheap Studio Apartment in San Marcos is at La Sabila listed at $1,590.

How much is rent for a Cheap One Bedroom San Marcos Apartment?

The lowest price for a Cheap One Bedroom San Marcos Apartment is $1,595 at Village Green Senior Community.

What is the lowest price for a Cheap Two Bedroom San Marcos Apartment for rent?

Today's best deal for a Cheap Two Bedroom Apartment in San Marcos is starting from $1,850 at 55+ Senior Living at Quail Creek Apartments.

What is the most affordable San Marcos Three Bedroom Apartment?

The best deal on a cheap San Marcos Three Bedroom Apartment rental is at Windsong Villas and starts from $2,499.

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.