
Cheap Homes for Rent in San Marcos, CA from $1,600 (20 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Homes available for rent right now in San Marcos.


1401 Montgomery Dr

1067 Shadowridge Dr

Furnished Studio-San Marcos

240 W Lincoln Ave

3511 De Leone Rd
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.

1886 Fairway Park, Unit B

1946 Monte Vista Dr

343 Autumn Dr

343 Autumn Dr

1620 1/2 York Dr

574 Beverly Pl
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.

269 W San Marcos Blvd

320 Smilax Rd

227 Woodland Pky

343 Autumn Dr

205 Westlake Dr

1941 Wellington Ln
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.

269 W San Marcos Blvd

1643 Rue De Valle
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 | $3,027 | $2,395 | $5,900 |
| San Marcos 3 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $4,111 | $3,000 | $6,750 |
| San Marcos 4 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $5,644 | $3,200 | $10,000+ |
| San Marcos 5 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $6,002 | $4,300 | $10,000+ |
| San Marcos 6 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $17,000 | $10,000 | $10,000+ |
| San Marcos 7 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $9,999 | $9,999 | $9,999 |
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: 01/31/2026Current apartment rentals in the San Marcos, CA area range in price from $1,590 to $12,850 with an overall median price of $5,922. 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 $2,000. 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 | $3,350 | $1,590 | 73 |
| Grand Estates | $3,646 | $1,590 | 103 |
| Lake San Marcos | $3,653 | $2,000 | 40 |
| University Commons | $4,500 | $2,200 | 28 |
| Atherton at San Elijo Hills | $7,000 | $2,000 | 306 |
| Mira Lago | $7,000 | $1,800 | 378 |
| Richland Villas | $7,000 | $1,800 | 363 |
| Village O | $7,000 | $2,000 | 328 |
| Vistas at Rancho Santalina | $7,000 | $1,590 | 343 |
| San Elijo Hills | $7,500 | $2,200 | 283 |
Cheapest Available San Marcos Apartments for Rent
 The cheapest available apartment rental in San Marcos, CA is a 1 Bed unit found at Village Green Senior Community in the North Broadway neighborhood priced from $1,595. Casa Escondida in the Country Club neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $1,595. Here is today’s list of the most affordable San Marcos apartments for rent:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Village Green Senior Community | One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $1,595 |
| Casa Escondida | One Bedroom, One Bath | 1BR,1BA | $1,595 |
| 55+ Senior Living at Quail Creek Apartments | One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $1,750 |
| Overture San Marcos 55+ Senior Housing Apartment Homes | A2 | 1BR,1BA | $1,800 |
| Pepperwood Apartments | Plan 1 | Studio,1BA | $1,855 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in San Marcos, CA
As of January 31, 2026 the best value apartment in the San Marcos area is the $2.21 price per square foot 3 Bed 3 Bath Model at Vista La Costa in the in the Dejong neighborhood starting from $4,775. The second greatest value San Marcos apartment is the Plan B1 - Townhome Model at Rowan starting at $3,190 with a $2.21 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. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vista La Costa | 3 Bed 3 Bath | 3BR,3BA | $2.21 |
| Rowan | Plan B1 - Townhome | 2BR,2.5BA | $2.21 |
| Diamond Pointe | Three Bed Two Bath Home - Upstairs | 3BR,2BA | $2.33 |
| Valle at Mission | Juniper | 3BR,1.5BA | $2.26 |
| Liberty Triplex | 2 Beds, 2 baths | 2BR,2BA | $2.60 |
| Mariposa | Two Bedrooms - Two Bath Patio | 2BR,2BA | $2.47 |
| Country Club Villas | Plan One | 1BR,1BA | $2.47 |
| 55+ Senior Living at Quail Creek Apartments | One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $2.44 |
| Village Green Senior Community | One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $2.44 |
| 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 ArticleThe Ultimate Long-Distance Moving Checklist: Tips from a Real Estate Pro
Moving is tough, especially long-distance. Learn how to minimize stress & expenses with proven strategies from a real estate pro, covering everything from logistics to finances.
Read ArticleCash or credit? Understanding the Importance of Credit Score in Real Estate and Renting
Discover how your credit score impacts your ability to lease or buy a home. Learn how credit scores are determined, how to check yours, and strategies to improve it for real estate success.
Read ArticleQuick Rent Budget Calculator
How much rent can you afford?
The common "Rule of Thumb" is that rent should be no more than 30% of your income. How much is that? Enter your monthly income and click "Calculate My Budget" to find out.
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 273 Apartments for Rent in San Marcos, CA with pricing that ranges from $1,590 to $12,850. There are also 107 Single Family Homes for rent, Condos, and Townhome rentals currently available in San Marcos ranging from $1,600 to $17,000.
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 $1,600 to $17,000 with an average monthly rent of $6,401.
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 $2,398 to $12,850, while Three Bedroom Homes, Condos, and Townhomes for rent range from $3,000 to $6,750. Four Bedroom Single-Family rentals are also available starting from $3,200 and Four Bedroom Apartments start at $6,500.
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

18 Must-Ask Rental Tour Questions That Reveal the Truth about a Property
Written by: Lauren Harrington
Renting your next home can feel thrilling and overwhelming at the same time.

A Renters Guide for Tips on Writing Your Notice for Not Renewing Your Apartment
Written by: Bob Mallory
Packing up everything you own to move is so stressful for many that ending your apartment lease can feel like a small or unimportant task. Ending your lease involves more than simply turning over your keys on the last day.

Renting with Roommates: Realistic Expectations for Shared Lease
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Given the high costs for housing, I have found that many people are looking for a roommate to share expenses. These arrangements can increase opportunities for more desirable and larger spaces.

Apartment Common Area Rules: What Renters Need to Know
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Back in the day when I rented one of my first apartments, the property didn’t even have laundry in the building. Now, rental properties are often competing against each other to provide the best amenities.