2101 Ridgeview Pl
EscondidoCA92026
Cheap Homes for Rent in San Marcos, CA from $800 (16 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Homes available for rent right now in San Marcos.
2101 Ridgeview Pl
EscondidoCA92026
6800 Amber Ln
CarlsbadCA92009
1375 Dolomite Way
San MarcosCA92078
2160 Coast Ave
San MarcosCA92078
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.
976 Deer Springs Rd
San MarcosCA92069
1375 Dolomite Way
San MarcosCA92078
621 Starstone Dr
San MarcosCA92078
1350 N Escondido Blvd
EscondidoCA92026
266 S Carmel Rd
San MarcosCA92078
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.
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$2,129Studio Apartments Available Now
Furnished Studio-San Marcos
1480 Grand AveSan Marcos, CA 92078
1039 W Lincoln Ave
EscondidoCA92026
1731 Watson Way
VistaCA92083
101 S Spruce St, Unit 231
101 S Spruce St
EscondidoCA92025
858 S Rancho Santa Fe Rd
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.
205 Westlake Dr
San MarcosCA92069
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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 | $3,217 | $2,295 | $5,900 |
| San Marcos 3 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $4,783 | $2,825 | $10,000+ |
| San Marcos 4 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $6,742 | $1,800 | $10,000+ |
| San Marcos 5 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $13,000 | $10,000 | $10,000+ |
| San Marcos 6 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $10,500 | $10,000 | $10,000+ |
Note: Properties with the Total Monthly Price badge include all required fees. Hover over the badge for details.
Browse Top Homes for Rent in San Marcos
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San Marcos, CA Local Guide
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Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in San Marcos, CA
Pricing Updated: 04/01/2026Current apartment rentals in the San Marcos, CA area range in price from $895 to $6,750 with an overall median price of $4,151. The three San Marcos neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are San Elijo Hills at $1,400, Atherton at San Elijo Hills at $2,025, and Mira Lago at $895. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Elijo Hills | $3,000 | $1,400 | 1 |
| Atherton at San Elijo Hills | $3,672 | $2,025 | 12 |
| Mira Lago | $4,000 | $895 | 21 |
| Richland Villas | $4,000 | $895 | 22 |
| Village O | $4,000 | $1,400 | 17 |
| Vallecitos Ridge | $4,050 | $895 | 10 |
| Paloma | $4,297 | $895 | 13 |
| Vistas at Rancho Santalina | $4,697 | $895 | 27 |
| Lake San Marcos | $4,800 | $1,400 | 9 |
| Grand Estates | $4,995 | $1,960 | 6 |
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 | $1,833 |
| Country Club Gardens | One Bedrooms | 1BR,1BA | $1,895 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in San Marcos, CA
As of April 01, 2026 the best value apartment in the San Marcos area is the $2.10 price per square foot 4 Beds, 4.5 baths Model at 3256 Sitio Tortuga in the in the Olivenhain neighborhood starting from $8,950. The second greatest value San Marcos apartment is the Plan C3 - Townhome Model at Rowan starting at $3,903 with a $2.15 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. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3256 Sitio Tortuga | 4 Beds, 4.5 baths | 4BR,4.5BA | $2.10 |
| Rowan | Plan C3 - Townhome | 3BR,3BA | $2.15 |
| Diamond Pointe | Three Bed Two Bath Home - Upstairs | 3BR,2BA | $2.42 |
| Plaza Verde | 2 Bed 2 Bath | 2BR,2BA | $2.58 |
| Country Club Villas | Plan One | 1BR,1BA | $2.47 |
| Mariposa | One Bedroom - One Bath Patio | 1BR,1BA | $2.66 |
| Sycamore Ridge Apartments | 1 Bedroom/ 1 Bath | 1BR,1BA | $2.67 |
| 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 |
10 Hidden Costs of Renting You Should Budget for Before Signing a Lease
Avoid financial stress when renting. Learn about the 10 most common hidden costs—from pet fees to utilities—you must budget for before you sign a lease.
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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
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Best Local Schools in San Marcos, CA
School data provided by Great Schools
Remember the 3 Rules of Real Estate:Location, Location, Location!
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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 272 Apartments for Rent in San Marcos, CA with pricing that ranges from $1,590 to $12,859. There are also 96 Single Family Homes for rent, Condos, and Townhome rentals currently available in San Marcos ranging from $895 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 $895 to $19,500 with an average monthly rent of $6,138.
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 $2,499 to $12,859, while Three Bedroom Homes, Condos, and Townhomes for rent range from $2,825 to $16,500. Four Bedroom Single-Family rentals are also available starting from $1,800 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
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.
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.