
Cheap Homes for Rent in San Marcos, CA from $1,500 (14 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Homes available for rent right now in San Marcos.


1146 Calle Emparrado

910 Deodar Rd

240 W Lincoln Ave
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.

1075 N Escondido Blvd

145 W El Norte Pkwy

225 W El Norte Pkwy

6980 Ballena Way

1091 Shadowridge Dr, Unit 113

214 Woodland Pky, Unit 101

316 Smilax Rd

204 Woodland Pkwy
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.

1463-E N Broadway
San Marcos, CA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent a home in San Marcos?
Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
---|---|---|---|
San Marcos 2 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $3,303 | $2,375 | $5,900 |
San Marcos 3 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $4,149 | $3,100 | $6,750 |
San Marcos 4 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $5,317 | $3,900 | $8,900 |
San Marcos 5 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $6,149 | $4,495 | $9,700 |
San Marcos 6 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $17,000 | $10,000 | $10,000+ |
Browse Top Homes for Rent in San Marcos
Explore San Marcos
San Marcos, CA Local Guide
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Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in San Marcos, CA
Pricing Updated: 09/08/2025Current apartment rentals in the San Marcos, CA area range in price from $868 to $7,767 with an overall median price of $3,569. The three San Marcos neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are San Elijo Hills at $2,898, Mira Lago at $1,895, and Richland Villas at $1,940. 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 | $3,068 | $2,898 | 12 |
Mira Lago | $3,187 | $1,895 | 65 |
Richland Villas | $3,187 | $1,940 | 57 |
Vallecitos Ridge | $3,205 | $1,925 | 15 |
Grand Estates | $3,340 | $868 | 98 |
Paloma | $3,641 | $868 | 52 |
Atherton at San Elijo Hills | $3,689 | $1,925 | 19 |
Village O | $3,778 | $1,925 | 29 |
Lake San Marcos | $3,833 | $1,925 | 30 |
Vistas at Rancho Santalina | $3,833 | $868 | 52 |
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 $868. Village Green Senior Community in the North Broadway neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $1,665. 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 | $868 |
Village Green Senior Community | One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $1,665 |
55+ Senior Living at Quail Creek Apartments | Two Bedrooms | 2BR,2BA | $1,750 |
Valle at Mission | Palm | 1BR,1BA | $1,825 |
Casa Escondida | One Bedroom, One Bath | 1BR,1BA | $1,895 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in San Marcos, CA
As of September 08, 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 3 Bedroom Model at Rancho Carrillo Apartments | Affordable Ap... starting at $3,340 with a $2.67 price per square foot in the Dejong 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 |
Rancho Carrillo Apartments | Affordable Ap... | 3 Bedroom | 3BR,2BA | $2.67 |
Diamond Pointe | Three Bed Two Bath Home - Upstairs | 3BR,2BA | $2.33 |
Coastal Living at San Marcos 55+ Community | Two Bedroom 55+ Community | 2BR,2BA | $2.68 |
Country Club Villas | Plan Two | 2BR,2BA | $2.42 |
Elan Riverwalk | 22A | 2BR,2BA | $2.63 |
Windsong Villas | 2/1 Upstairs | 2BR,1BA | $2.61 |
55+ Senior Living at Quail Creek Apartments | One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $2.44 |
Country Club Gardens | One Bedrooms | 1BR,1BA | $2.68 |
La Sabila | Studio | Studio ,1BA | $2.00 |
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Pet Friendly LifestyleSan Marcos, CA
Ranked #122
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
Frequently Asked Questions about San Marcos
What type of rentals are currently available in San Marcos?
There are currently 271 Apartments for Rent in San Marcos, CA with pricing that ranges from $868 to $6,600. There are also 104 Single Family Homes for rent, Condos, and Townhome rentals currently available in San Marcos ranging from $1,500 to $30,000.
What is the current price range for Rental Homes in San Marcos?
Today's rental pricing for Homes for Rent, Condos and Townhomes in San Marcos ranges from $1,500 to $30,000 with an average monthly rent of $8,899.
How much are larger Three and Four Bedroom Rentals in San Marcos?
For those who are looking for larger living arrangements, Three Bedroom Apartments in San Marcos range from $2,800 to $5,558, while Three Bedroom Homes, Condos, and Townhomes for rent range from $3,100 to $6,750. Four Bedroom Single-Family rentals are also available starting from $3,900 and Four Bedroom Apartments start at $6,600.
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.

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.

The Ultimate Long-Distance Moving Checklist: Tips from a Real Estate Pro
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Hard truth. Moving is never easy. I’ve done it all – from local moves to cross-country relocations From packing to unpacking the last box, I have found moving to be an exhausting, expensive and stressful experience every time.

Cash or credit? Understanding the Importance of Credit Score in Real Estate and Renting
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Throughout the day, think about all the times that you have to pay for something. So many of us reach automatically for a credit card or even our phone for a quick payment.

Roommate Matching: Finding the Right Fit and Avoiding Pitfalls
Written by: Cheryl Bowman
A fantastic way to save money and enjoy a built-in community is to share an apartment. However, a bad roommate situation can turn your dream rental into a nightmare.