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Cheap Apartments for Rent in San Marcos, CA from $600 (9 Rentals)
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Roommate Matching: Finding the Right Fit and Avoiding Pitfalls
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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.
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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 | $2,125 | $1,695 | $3,784 |
| Cheap San Marcos 1 Bedroom Apartments | $2,439 | $1,665 | $3,459 |
| Cheap San Marcos 2 Bedroom Apartments | $2,945 | $1,720 | $4,687 |
| Cheap San Marcos 3 Bedroom Apartments | $3,762 | $2,595 | $5,260 |
| Cheap San Marcos 4 Bedroom Apartments | $5,900 | $5,900 | $5,900 |
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
- ZIP codes
- Local Counties
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Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in San Marcos, CA
Pricing Updated: 07/08/2025Current apartment rentals in the San Marcos, CA area range in price from $1,695 to $5,900 with an overall median price of $4,194. The three San Marcos neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are San Elijo Hills at $2,468, Vallecitos Ridge at $1,925, and Paloma at $1,925. 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 | $3,077 | $2,468 | 15 |
| Vallecitos Ridge | $3,300 | $1,925 | 22 |
| Paloma | $3,551 | $1,925 | 35 |
| Atherton at San Elijo Hills | $3,697 | $1,925 | 28 |
| Village O | $3,812 | $1,925 | 37 |
| Grand Estates | $3,918 | $1,695 | 67 |
| Vistas at Rancho Santalina | $4,035 | $1,925 | 38 |
| Lake San Marcos | $4,100 | $1,925 | 11 |
| University Commons | $4,850 | $2,500 | 15 |
| Mira Lago | $5,900 | $1,895 | 81 |
Cheapest Available San Marcos Apartments for Rent
The cheapest available apartment rental in San Marcos, CA is a 1 Bed unit found at Hadley Apartments - A 55+ Lifestyle Community in the North Broadway neighborhood priced from $1,717. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hadley Apartments - A 55+ Lifestyle Community | A1 | 1BR,1BA | $1,717 |
| Village Green Senior Community | Two Bedroom One Bath | 2BR,1BA | $1,720 |
| 55+ Senior Living at Quail Creek Apartments | One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $1,750 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in San Marcos, CA
As of July 09, 2025 the best value apartment in the San Marcos area is the $2.14 price per square foot A Model at Santa Fe Townhomes in the in the Grand Estates neighborhood starting from $3,595. The second greatest value San Marcos apartment is the Citrus Model at Forest Glen starting at $3,320 with a $2.77 price per square foot in the Jesmond Dene 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 | $2.14 |
| Forest Glen | Citrus | 3BR,2BA | $2.77 |
| Diamond Pointe | Three Bed Two Bath Home - Upstairs | 3BR,2BA | $2.33 |
| Liberty Triplex | 2 Beds, 2 baths | 2BR,2BA | $2.60 |
| Country Club Villas | Plan Two | 2BR,2BA | $2.42 |
| Sycamore Ridge Apartments | 1 Bedroom/ 1 Bath | 1BR,1BA | $2.67 |
| 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 | $2.57 |
| 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 #125
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
San Marcos, CA Apartments MapSan Marcos, CA Rental Homes MapGetting 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
How much is rent for a Cheap One Bedroom San Marcos Apartment?
The lowest price for a Cheap One Bedroom San Marcos Apartment is $1,717 at Hadley Apartments - A 55+ Lifestyle 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 $1,720 at Village Green Senior Community.
What is the most affordable San Marcos Three Bedroom Apartment?
The best deal on a cheap San Marcos Three Bedroom Apartment rental is at Diamond Pointe and starts from $2,800.
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.
Roommate Matching: Finding the Right Fit and Avoiding Pitfalls
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Know Your Budget: Calculating What You Can Realistically Afford When Renting
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Renting an apartment or house isn’t just about looking through online ads, choosing a few apartments or homes you want to tour, filling out an application, and putting down a deposit. Those things are all necessary and important.
The Freedom of Short-Term Leases: Exploring the Advantages for Renters
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