
Cheap Apartments for Rent in San Marcos, CA from $500 with Swimming Pool (50 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in San Marcos.


2540 Corbel Way

WINDSOR MANOR III

Windsor Manor Apartments

WINDSOR MANOR I

Royal Oaks 55+ Senior Apartment Community

Benchmark Apartments

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Overture San Marcos 55+ Senior Housing Apartment Homes

Elan Northwoods

Meadow Creek Apartments
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.

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Palomar Station

Tuscany Hills Apartments

224 Woodland Pkwy, Unit 157

Prominence Apartments

eaves San Marcos

Coastal Living at San Marcos 55+ Community

Alora Apartments

Barham Villas

Woodland Village Senior Apartments

Casa Escondida
Apartment Common Area Rules: What Renters Need to Know
From the lounge to the laundry room, understand your rights and responsibilities in shared apartment spaces. Get tips on pet rules, noise, and security.

Summer Creek Apartments

Hendrix Apartments - A 55+ Lifestyle Community

Vista Del Mar

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55+ Senior Living at Quail Creek Apartments

Pepperwood Apartments

Hadley Apartments - A 55+ Lifestyle Community

Lincoln Heights

Sycamore Ridge Apartments

Country Club Gardens

Reidy Creek II
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.

Mariposa

Elan River Village

Country Club Villas

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Millcreek Apartments

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Hidden Cove

Valle at Escondido

Reidy Creek

Crosscreek

Forest Glen

Glenbrook Terrace 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.

Shadowridge Village Apartments

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Madera Ridge

Shadowridge Park Apartments

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Altair Apartment Homes

Hilltop Condos at Sienna Hills

Plaza Verde

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Rowan

Elan Riverwalk

Ridgeview

525 W El Norte Pkwy
It's time to soak up some sun!
One of the easiest and more obvious ways of enjoying the summer sun is to lounge out by your community pool. Learn a Few Rules to Keep in Mind while at the pool.
San Marcos, CA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in San Marcos?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Marcos Studio Apartments | $2,660 | $1,590 | $3,814 |
| San Marcos 1 Bedroom Apartments | $2,728 | $1,595 | $4,974 |
| San Marcos 2 Bedroom Apartments | $3,586 | $1,850 | $8,834 |
| San Marcos 3 Bedroom Apartments | $5,597 | $2,483 | $10,000+ |
| San Marcos 4 Bedroom Apartments | $7,694 | $6,600 | $8,950 |
Explore San Marcos
San Marcos, CA Local Guide
- San Marcos Neighborhoods
- Nearby Cities
- ZIP codes
- Local Counties
- School Districts
10 Hidden Costs of Renting You Should Budget for Before Signing a Lease
Avoid financial stress when renting. Learn about the 10 most common hidden costs—from pet fees to utilities—you must budget for before you sign a lease.
Read ArticleDon'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.
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 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 Village Green Senior Community which is listed at $1,595, while the average apartment in San Marcos costs $7,102.
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 25 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 $324 which is $6,778 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

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.

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.

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.