2101 Ridgeview Pl
EscondidoCA92026
Cheap Homes for Rent in San Marcos, CA from $1,200 (8 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Homes available for rent right now in San Marcos.
2540 Corbel Way
San MarcosCA92078
1350 N Escondido Blvd
EscondidoCA92026
266 S Carmel Rd
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.
224 Woodland Pkwy
San MarcosCA92069
343 Autumn Dr, Unit 209
343 Autumn Dr
San MarcosCA92069
343 Autumn Dr, Unit 214
343 Autumn Dr
San MarcosCA92069
1620 1/2 York Dr
VistaCA92084
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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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 | $3,391 | $1,850 | $5,100 |
| San Marcos 3 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $4,115 | $1,400 | $6,750 |
| San Marcos 4 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $7,622 | $3,700 | $10,000+ |
| San Marcos 5 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $13,000 | $10,000 | $10,000+ |
Note: Properties with the Total Monthly Price badge include all required fees. Hover over the badge for details.
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San Marcos, CA Local Guide
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Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in San Marcos, CA
Pricing Updated: 05/21/2026Current 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:
| Neighborhood | Median Price | Min Price | Available Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paloma | $3,227 | $1,590 | 50 |
| Grand Estates | $3,418 | $1,590 | 67 |
| Lake San Marcos | $3,844 | $1,700 | 22 |
| Atherton at San Elijo Hills | $7,534 | $2,000 | 312 |
| Mira Lago | $7,534 | $1,925 | 361 |
| Richland Villas | $7,534 | $2,000 | 356 |
| San Elijo Hills | $7,534 | $1,700 | 303 |
| Vallecitos Ridge | $7,534 | $2,000 | 324 |
| Village O | $7,534 | $1,700 | 321 |
| Vistas at Rancho Santalina | $7,534 | $1,590 | 337 |
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 Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Casa Escondida | One Bedroom, One Bath | 1BR,1BA | $1,595 |
| Village Green Senior Community | One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $1,645 |
| Hendrix Apartments - A 55+ Lifestyle Community | S1 | Studio,1BA | $1,729 |
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 Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| KSB - Santa Fe Townhomes | 2BR/2.5BA | 2BR,2.5BA | $2.14 |
| Diamond Pointe | Three Bed Two Bath Home - Upstairs | 3BR,2BA | $2.42 |
| Vista Flores Apartments | 2B 1B L | 2BR,1BA | $2.67 |
| Benchmark Apartments | 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom | 1BR,1BA | $2.63 |
| Lincoln Heights | 1 Bedroom / 1 Bath | 1BR,1BA | $2.61 |
| 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 |
| Village Green Senior Community | One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $2.51 |
| Casa Escondida | One Bedroom, One Bath | 1BR,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
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.
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Best Local Schools in San Marcos, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions about San Marcos
What type of rentals are currently available in San Marcos?
There are currently 276 Apartments for Rent in San Marcos, CA with pricing that ranges from $1,590 to $12,909. There are also 71 Single Family Homes for rent, Condos, and Townhome rentals currently available in San Marcos ranging from $1,250 to $19,500.
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 $1,250 to $19,500 with an average monthly rent of $5,691.
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 $2,483 to $12,909, while Three Bedroom Homes, Condos, and Townhomes for rent range from $1,400 to $6,750. Four Bedroom Single-Family rentals are also available starting from $3,700 and Four Bedroom Apartments start at $6,600.
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
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.
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.