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Cheap Apartments for Rent in San Marcos, CA from $600 (15 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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$1,665 - $2,0351 to 2 Bedroom Apartments Contact Us For Availability
Summer Creek Apartments
640 W Lincoln AveEscondido, CA 92026
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$1,670 - $1,7201 Bedroom Apartments Available Now
Village Green Senior Community
1068 N BroadwayEscondido, CA 92026
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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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1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments
Terrace Gardens- A 55 and Better Community
1045 Morning View DrEscondido, CA 92026
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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.
Showing Results 1-15, 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 | $2,589 | $1,695 | $3,780 |
| Cheap San Marcos 1 Bedroom Apartments | $2,781 | $1,665 | $4,865 |
| Cheap San Marcos 2 Bedroom Apartments | $3,586 | $1,925 | $8,800 |
| Cheap San Marcos 3 Bedroom Apartments | $5,451 | $2,479 | $10,000+ |
| Cheap San Marcos 4 Bedroom Apartments | $6,050 | $5,500 | $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
- Nearby Cities
- ZIP codes
- Local Counties
- School Districts
Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in San Marcos, CA
Pricing Updated: 11/28/2025Current apartment rentals in the San Marcos, CA area range in price from $1,695 to $12,850 with an overall median price of $5,529. The three San Marcos neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are Paloma at $1,737, Lake San Marcos at $1,850, and Grand Estates at $1,695. 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 | $3,539 | $1,737 | 66 |
| Lake San Marcos | $3,743 | $1,850 | 36 |
| Grand Estates | $3,796 | $1,695 | 102 |
| University Commons | $4,597 | $2,300 | 27 |
| Mira Lago | $6,410 | $1,895 | 146 |
| Richland Villas | $6,410 | $1,936 | 136 |
| Vallecitos Ridge | $6,425 | $2,000 | 93 |
| Atherton at San Elijo Hills | $6,475 | $2,000 | 91 |
| San Elijo Hills | $6,475 | $2,500 | 74 |
| Village O | $6,475 | $1,936 | 112 |
Cheapest Available San Marcos Apartments for Rent
The cheapest available apartment rental in San Marcos, CA is a 1 Bed unit found at Village Green Senior Community in the North Broadway neighborhood priced from $1,670. 55+ Senior Living at Quail Creek Apartments in the Jesmond Dene neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $1,750. Here is today’s list of the most affordable San Marcos apartments for rent:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Village Green Senior Community | One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $1,670 |
| 55+ Senior Living at Quail Creek Apartments | One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $1,750 |
| Casa Escondida | One Bedroom, One Bath | 1BR,1BA | $1,795 |
| Valle at Mission | Palm | 1BR,1BA | $1,855 |
| Country Club Gardens | One Bedrooms | 1BR,1BA | $1,895 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in San Marcos, CA
As of November 28, 2025 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 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 | $2.02 |
| 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 |
| Mariposa | Two Bedrooms - Two Bath | 2BR,2BA | $2.63 |
| Elan Riverwalk | 22A | 2BR,2BA | $2.61 |
| Windsong Villas | 2/1 Casita (Single Story) | 2BR,1BA | $2.61 |
| Country Club Villas | Plan One | 1BR,1BA | $2.47 |
| Plaza Verde | 1 Bed 1 Bath | 1BR,1BA | $2.61 |
| 55+ Senior Living at Quail Creek Apartments | One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $2.44 |
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.
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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 #131
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 $2,035.
What is the price of a cheap apartment in San Marcos?
The cheapest apartment in San Marcos is Village Green Senior Community which is listed at $1,670, while the average apartment in San Marcos costs $5,529.
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 3 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 $772 which is $4,757 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.
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!
The Rental Move-In Inspection Checklist: A Guide for Renters
Written by: Trey Huguley
The move-in inspection checklist is a crucial tool for both tenants and landlords. This checklist, provided by the team at ApartmentHomeLiving.com, helps document the condition of an apartment at the time of move-in.
Your Guide to Co-Signers: The Risks, Rewards, and Everything in Between
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
For many people, obstacles can arise during the rental application process for a variety of issues.