Cheap Homes for Rent in San Marcos, CA from $1,900 (21 Rentals)

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Search the lowest-cost Homes available for rent right now in San Marcos.

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.

property at 826 Genoa Way

826 Genoa Way

San MarcosCA92078

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.

Smart Renter's Guide: Calculating Affordable Rent & Housing Costs

Wondering how to determine your rental budget? This comprehensive guide covers everything from the 30% rule to hidden fees and effective budgeting strategies.

San Marcos, CA Local Guide

Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in San Marcos, CA

Pricing Updated: 06/17/2025

Current apartment rentals in the San Marcos, CA area range in price from $1,500 to $7,600 with an overall median price of $4,430. The three San Marcos neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are University Commons at $3,095, Village O at $1,500, and Atherton at San Elijo Hills at $1,925. 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
University Commons$3,095$3,0951
Village O$3,405$1,50061
Atherton at San Elijo Hills$3,447$1,92560
Vallecitos Ridge$3,469$1,50058
Paloma$3,553$1,92557
Vistas at Rancho Santalina$3,889$1,92554
Grand Estates$4,051$1,92540
Mira Lago$5,900$1,50099
Richland Villas$5,900$1,50087
Lake San Marcos$7,600$7,6001

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 $1,707. 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 ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Hadley Apartments - A 55+ Lifestyle CommunityA11BR,1BA$1,707
Village Green Senior CommunityTwo Bedroom One Bath2BR,1BA$1,720
55+ Senior Living at Quail Creek ApartmentsOne Bedroom1BR,1BA$1,750
Valle at MissionPalm1BR,1BA$1,870
Casa EscondidaOne Bedroom, One Bath1BR,1BA$1,895

Best Value Apartments for Rent in San Marcos, CA

As of June 17, 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 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 $2,800 with a $2.33 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 ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
Santa Fe TownhomesA2BR,2.5BA$2.14
Diamond PointeThree Bed Two Bath Home - Upstairs3BR,2BA$2.33
Liberty Triplex2 Beds, 2 baths2BR,2BA$2.60
Country Club VillasPlan Two2BR,2BA$2.42
Elan Riverwalk22A2BR,2BA$2.53
Hadley Apartments - A 55+ Lifestyle CommunityB22BR,1BA$2.70
Sycamore Ridge Apartments1 Bedroom/ 1 Bath1BR,1BA$2.67
55+ Senior Living at Quail Creek ApartmentsOne Bedroom1BR,1BA$2.44
Country Club GardensOne Bedrooms1BR,1BA$2.68
Village Green Senior CommunityTwo Bedroom One Bath2BR,1BA$2.63

Quick Rent Budget Calculator

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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 $1,500 to $8,900. There are also 104 Single Family Homes for rent, Condos, and Townhome rentals currently available in San Marcos ranging from $1,999 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 $1,999 to $30,000 with an average monthly rent of $10,020.

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 $2,595 to $6,750, while Three Bedroom Homes, Condos, and Townhomes for rent range from $3,200 to $8,000. Four Bedroom Single-Family rentals are also available starting from $3,450 and Four Bedroom Apartments start at $5,150.

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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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.

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The Art of the Rental Viewing: What to look for during a property tour

Written by: Marie Brown

You’ve scrolled through countless listings, walked through a blur of rentals, and finally found what feels like the one. The pictures? Fantastic. The neighborhood seems just right.

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Know Your Budget: Calculating What You Can Realistically Afford When Renting

Written by: Lauren Harrington

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.

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The Freedom of Short-Term Leases: Exploring the Advantages for Renters

Written by: Bobbi Jackson

If you’re looking to relocate right now, a popular solution that may best fit your current rental needs is a short-term lease.