
Cheap Apartments for Rent in San Marcos, CA from $600 (22 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in San Marcos.


Rancho Santa Fe Village - Affordable 55+

Westlake Village

Melrose Villas

Paseo del Oro

Grandon Village

Shane Park Plaza
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.

San Marcos Manor Apartments

Meadowlark Apartments

3592 Via Nido Via

La Sabila

Casa Escondida

Village Green Senior Community

Summer Creek Apartments
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.

Bright & Sunny Studio w/ All New Renovation!!

55+ Senior Living at Quail Creek Apartments

Amberwood Villas

Terrace Gardens- A 55 and Better Community

Broadway Palms Apartments

Hunters Pointe

Escondido Villas
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.

Villa Quixote
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 | $2,664 | $1,590 | $3,789 |
| Cheap San Marcos 1 Bedroom Apartments | $2,684 | $1,595 | $4,874 |
| Cheap San Marcos 2 Bedroom Apartments | $3,622 | $1,040 | $8,809 |
| Cheap San Marcos 3 Bedroom Apartments | $5,554 | $2,499 | $10,000+ |
| Cheap San Marcos 4 Bedroom Apartments | $6,869 | $6,500 | $7,509 |
Browse Top Apartments in San Marcos
See all Apartments in San MarcosExplore San Marcos
San Marcos, CA Local Guide

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Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in San Marcos, CA
Pricing Updated: 02/19/2026Current 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:
| Neighborhood | Median Price | Min Price | Available Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| University Commons | $3,500 | $3,500 | 1 |
| Lake San Marcos | $4,000 | $2,500 | 8 |
| Mira Lago | $4,050 | $1,300 | 22 |
| Richland Villas | $4,050 | $1,300 | 23 |
| Grand Estates | $4,275 | $2,395 | 6 |
| Vallecitos Ridge | $4,700 | $1,600 | 12 |
| Paloma | $4,895 | $2,095 | 12 |
| Atherton at San Elijo Hills | $4,950 | $1,600 | 12 |
| Vistas at Rancho Santalina | $5,450 | $1,600 | 22 |
| Village O | $7,650 | $1,300 | 17 |
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 |
| 55+ Senior Living at Quail Creek Apartments | One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $1,750 |
| Overture San Marcos 55+ Senior Housing Apartment Homes | A2 | 1BR,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 Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vista La Costa | 3 Bed 3 Bath | 3BR,3BA | $2.21 |
| Diamond Pointe | Three Bed Two Bath Home - Upstairs | 3BR,2BA | $2.33 |
| Latitude 33 | Plan B1 | 2BR,2BA | $2.65 |
| Valle at Escondido | Villa | 3BR,2BA | $2.62 |
| Windsong Villas | 3/2 up | 3BR,2BA | $2.34 |
| Mariposa | Two Bedrooms - Two Bath Patio | 2BR,2BA | $2.47 |
| 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.
Read ArticleThe 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.
Read ArticleQuick Rent Budget Calculator
How much rent can you afford?
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.
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 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

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.

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.

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.

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.