Cheap Homes for Rent in San Marcos, CA from $1,500 (14 Rentals)

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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.

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.

San Marcos, CA Local Guide

Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in San Marcos, CA

Pricing Updated: 09/08/2025

Current 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:

NeighborhoodMedian PriceMin PriceAvailable Units
San Elijo Hills$3,068$2,89812
Mira Lago$3,187$1,89565
Richland Villas$3,187$1,94057
Vallecitos Ridge$3,205$1,92515
Grand Estates$3,340$86898
Paloma$3,641$86852
Atherton at San Elijo Hills$3,689$1,92519
Village O$3,778$1,92529
Lake San Marcos$3,833$1,92530
Vistas at Rancho Santalina$3,833$86852

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 ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
La SabilaStudioStudio,1BA$868
Village Green Senior CommunityOne Bedroom1BR,1BA$1,665
55+ Senior Living at Quail Creek ApartmentsTwo Bedrooms2BR,2BA$1,750
Valle at MissionPalm1BR,1BA$1,825
Casa EscondidaOne Bedroom, One Bath1BR,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 ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
Santa Fe TownhomesA2BR,2.5BA$2.02
Rancho Carrillo Apartments | Affordable Ap...3 Bedroom3BR,2BA$2.67
Diamond PointeThree Bed Two Bath Home - Upstairs3BR,2BA$2.33
Coastal Living at San Marcos 55+ CommunityTwo Bedroom 55+ Community2BR,2BA$2.68
Country Club VillasPlan Two2BR,2BA$2.42
Elan Riverwalk22A2BR,2BA$2.63
Windsong Villas2/1 Upstairs2BR,1BA$2.61
55+ Senior Living at Quail Creek ApartmentsOne Bedroom1BR,1BA$2.44
Country Club GardensOne Bedrooms1BR,1BA$2.68
La SabilaStudioStudio ,1BA$2.00

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Pet Friendly Lifestyle
San Marcos, CA

Ranked #122

Among cities in California for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities.

Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score

2.5
Pet Friendly

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Remember the 3 Rules of Real Estate:
Location, Location, Location!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.