Cheap Apartments for Rent in San Marcos, CA from $500 (94 Rentals)

How Many Bedrooms?Done
Select your price rangeDone
to
Note: Properties with the Total Monthly Price badge include all required fees. Hover over the badge for details.
Lifestyle Matching SearchDone
Learn more about Lifestyle Search
By AmenitiesDone
By Community TypeDone
Features and AvailabilityDone
Done

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

property at 2540 Corbel Way

$1,850

Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$1,850
Total Monthly Price
$1,850

2 Bedroom, 1 Bath Home for Rent

Available Now

2540 Corbel Way

San MarcosCA92078

What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much

Learn the official definition (spending 30% or more of your gross income on housing) and how to calculate your exact rent-to-income ratio. This guide offers expert tips on factoring in total housing costs (including utilities and fees) and budgeting accurately to avoid unnecessary financial strain.

Read Article
close
View Me
Palomar Station
Rent Specials
$2,478 - $6,356
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$2,478 - $6,356
Total Monthly Price
Varies
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

Palomar Station

1257 Armorlite DrSan Marcos, CA 92069
Affordability
  • Verified
  • Customer Reviewed
  • 3D Tour

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.

Read Article
close
View Me
Westlake Village
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Westlake Village

405-419 Autumn DrSan Marcos, CA 92069
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
Melrose Villas
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Melrose Villas

1820 Melrose DrSan Marcos, CA 92078
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
Paseo del Oro
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Paseo del Oro

428 W Mission RdSan Marcos, CA 92069
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
Terra Cotta Apartments
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Terra Cotta Apartments

501-523 Rush DrSan Marcos, CA 92078
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
Grandon Village
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Grandon Village

1603-1615 Grandon AveSan Marcos, CA 92078
Senior Living
  • Utilities Included
  • Smoke Free
close
View Me
Shane Park Plaza
1 Bedroom Apartments

Shane Park Plaza

240-260 S Rancho Santa Fe RdSan Marcos, CA 92078

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.

Read Article
close
View Me
Meadowlark Apartments
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Meadowlark Apartments

233 W San Marcos BlvdSan Marcos, CA 92069
Student Housing
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
Villa Serena
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Villa Serena

339-340 Marcos StSan Marcos, CA 92069
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
Sierra Vista
2 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Sierra Vista

435-459 Autumn DrSan Marcos, CA 92069
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
Casa Mia Apartments
2 Bedroom Apartments

Casa Mia Apartments

346 Pleasant WaySan Marcos, CA 92069
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
Crest 850
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Crest 850

850 Village DrSan Marcos, CA 92078
Student Housing
close
View Me
Sora Residence
2 Bedroom Apartments

Sora Residence

254 Richmar AveSan Marcos, CA 92069
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
Liberty Triplex
2 to 4 Bedroom Apartments

Liberty Triplex

354-368 Liberty DrSan Marcos, CA 92069
  • 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.

Read Article

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.

Read Article
Showing Results 1-50, Page 1 of 2

San Marcos, CA Local Guide

Photo of Staff Writer - Local Guide Expert
Written By:
Staff Writer
Local Guide Expert

Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in San Marcos, CA

Pricing Updated: 05/20/2026

Current apartment rentals in the San Marcos, CA area range in price from $1,590 to $14,568 with an overall median price of $7,072. 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 $1,700. 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$3,227$1,59050
Grand Estates$3,418$1,59067
Lake San Marcos$3,844$1,70022
Atherton at San Elijo Hills$7,534$2,000312
Mira Lago$7,534$1,925361
Richland Villas$7,534$2,000356
San Elijo Hills$7,534$1,700303
Vallecitos Ridge$7,534$2,000324
Village O$7,534$1,700321
Vistas at Rancho Santalina$7,534$1,590337

Cheapest Available San Marcos Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in San Marcos, CA is a 1 Bed unit found at Casa Escondida in the Country Club neighborhood priced from $1,595. Village Green Senior Community in the North Broadway neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $1,645. Here is today’s list of the most affordable San Marcos apartments for rent:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Casa EscondidaOne Bedroom, One Bath1BR,1BA$1,595
Village Green Senior CommunityOne Bedroom1BR,1BA$1,645
Hendrix Apartments - A 55+ Lifestyle CommunityS1Studio,1BA$1,729
55+ Senior Living at Quail Creek ApartmentsOne Bedroom1BR,1BA$1,750
Valle at MissionPalm1BR,1BA$1,788
Pepperwood ApartmentsPlan 1Studio,1BA$1,855
Lincoln Heights1 Bedroom / 1 Bath1BR,1BA$1,895
Country Club GardensOne Bedrooms1BR,1BA$1,895
Hadley Apartments - A 55+ Lifestyle CommunityA11BR,1BA$1,919
Sycamore Ridge Apartments1 Bedroom/ 1 Bath1BR,1BA$1,925

Best Value Apartments for Rent in San Marcos, CA

As of May 21, 2026 the best value apartment in the San Marcos area is the $2.14 price per square foot 2BR/2.5BA Model at KSB - Santa Fe Townhomes in the in the Ocean Hills neighborhood starting from $3,595. The second greatest value San Marcos apartment is the Three Bed Two Bath Home - Upstairs Model at Diamond Pointe starting at $2,900 with a $2.42 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.
KSB - Santa Fe Townhomes2BR/2.5BA2BR,2.5BA$2.14
Diamond PointeThree Bed Two Bath Home - Upstairs3BR,2BA$2.42
Vista Flores Apartments2B 1B L2BR,1BA$2.67
Benchmark Apartments1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom1BR,1BA$2.63
Lincoln Heights1 Bedroom / 1 Bath1BR,1BA$2.61
Sycamore Ridge Apartments1 Bedroom/ 1 Bath1BR,1BA$2.67
55+ Senior Living at Quail Creek ApartmentsOne Bedroom1BR,1BA$2.44
Country Club GardensOne Bedrooms1BR,1BA$2.68
Village Green Senior CommunityOne Bedroom1BR,1BA$2.51
Casa EscondidaOne Bedroom, One Bath1BR,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 Article
Decorative image

Real Estate and Rental Term Glossary | ApartmentHomeLiving.com Renter University

From the letter A all the way to the letter Z, the Real Estate and Rental Term Glossary from the content team at ApartmentHomeLiving.com provides our visitors and shoppers with a little clarity and helpful guidance in navigating the real estate world through definitions and explainers for the top subjects and terms that someone may come across during the leasing, buying, or selling process.

Read Article
Decorative image

Quick 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.

decorative image of people with a giant lease agreement

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

San Marcos, CA
Population: 96,847

Ranked #326

in US Census Population by City

decorative image of people examining a giant globe and floating graphs

Pet Friendly Lifestyle
San Marcos, CA

Ranked #124

Among cities in California for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities.

Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score

2.5
Pet Friendly

decorative image of woman handing cat to small boy

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

Decorative image of map

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

View Map
San Marcos, CA Apartments Map
View Map
San Marcos, CA Rental Homes Map

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 $7,072.

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 41 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 $302 which is $6,770 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

decorative image for A Seasoned Property Manager's Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Deposit Back article

A Seasoned Property Manager's Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Deposit Back

Written by: Lauren Harrington

I’m going to talk with you as a seasoned property manager and friend. So, let’s start with your security deposit. I want you to think about this guide as insider information. You deserve your deposit back.

decorative image for Expert Solutions for Creating the Perfect Work-From-Home Apartment Layouts article

Expert Solutions for Creating the Perfect Work-From-Home Apartment Layouts

Written by: Lauren Harrington

This article is based on first-hand experience managing apartment communities and helping renters adapt to their spaces after moving in.

decorative image for What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much article

What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much

Written by: Lauren Harrington

This article draws from first-hand renter experiences and recurring financial challenges reported after moving in.

decorative image for Maximizing Your Refund: Essential Tax Tips for Renters article

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.