Cheap Homes for Rent in San Marcos, CA from $1,200 (13 Rentals)

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San Marcos, CA Local Guide

Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in San Marcos, CA

Pricing Updated: 07/24/2025

Current apartment rentals in the San Marcos, CA area range in price from $1,200 to $8,195 with an overall median price of $5,613. The three San Marcos neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are University Commons at $3,400, Vallecitos Ridge at $1,200, and Paloma at $1,200. 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$3,700$3,4002
Vallecitos Ridge$3,760$1,2004
Paloma$4,750$1,20011
Grand Estates$5,200$3,2505
Lake San Marcos$6,250$3,5508
Atherton at San Elijo Hills$6,495$1,99912
Mira Lago$6,495$1,20023
Richland Villas$6,495$1,20025
Village O$6,495$1,20016
Vistas at Rancho Santalina$6,495$1,99925

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 $1,717. 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$1,717
Village Green Senior CommunityTwo Bedroom One Bath2BR,1BA$1,720
55+ Senior Living at Quail Creek ApartmentsOne Bedroom1BR,1BA$1,750
Rancho Carrillo Apartments | Affordable Ap...2 Bedroom2BR,2BA$1,781
Country Club GardensOne Bedrooms1BR,1BA$1,895

Best Value Apartments for Rent in San Marcos, CA

As of July 24, 2025 the best value apartment in the San Marcos area is the $2.08 price per square foot A Model at Santa Fe Townhomes in the in the Grand Estates neighborhood starting from $3,495. 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$2.08
Rancho Carrillo Apartments | Affordable Ap...3 Bedroom3BR,2BA$2.67
Diamond PointeThree Bed Two Bath Home - Upstairs3BR,2BA$2.33
Valle at EscondidoHacienda2BR,1.5BA$2.49
Liberty Triplex2 Beds, 2 baths2BR,2BA$2.60
Country Club VillasPlan Two2BR,2BA$2.42
Windsong Villas2/1 Downstairs2BR,1BA$2.61
55+ Senior Living at Quail Creek ApartmentsOne Bedroom1BR,1BA$2.44
Hadley Apartments - A 55+ Lifestyle CommunityA11BR,1BA$2.57
Village Green Senior CommunityTwo Bedroom One Bath2BR,1BA$2.63

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Frequently Asked Questions about San Marcos

What type of rentals are currently available in San Marcos?

There are currently 270 Apartments for Rent in San Marcos, CA with pricing that ranges from $1,665 to $7,500. There are also 108 Single Family Homes for rent, Condos, and Townhome rentals currently available in San Marcos ranging from $1,200 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 $1,200 to $30,000 with an average monthly rent of $9,554.

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.

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

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.