Cheap Homes for Rent in San Marcos, CA from $1,600 (20 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.

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.

San Marcos, CA Local Guide

Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in San Marcos, CA

Pricing Updated: 01/31/2026

Current 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:

NeighborhoodMedian PriceMin PriceAvailable Units
Paloma$3,350$1,59073
Grand Estates$3,646$1,590103
Lake San Marcos$3,653$2,00040
University Commons$4,500$2,20028
Atherton at San Elijo Hills$7,000$2,000306
Mira Lago$7,000$1,800378
Richland Villas$7,000$1,800363
Village O$7,000$2,000328
Vistas at Rancho Santalina$7,000$1,590343
San Elijo Hills$7,500$2,200283

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 ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Village Green Senior CommunityOne Bedroom1BR,1BA$1,595
Casa EscondidaOne Bedroom, One Bath1BR,1BA$1,595
55+ Senior Living at Quail Creek ApartmentsOne Bedroom1BR,1BA$1,750
Overture San Marcos 55+ Senior Housing Apartment HomesA21BR,1BA$1,800
Pepperwood ApartmentsPlan 1Studio,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 ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
Vista La Costa3 Bed 3 Bath3BR,3BA$2.21
RowanPlan B1 - Townhome2BR,2.5BA$2.21
Diamond PointeThree Bed Two Bath Home - Upstairs3BR,2BA$2.33
Valle at MissionJuniper3BR,1.5BA$2.26
Liberty Triplex2 Beds, 2 baths2BR,2BA$2.60
MariposaTwo Bedrooms - Two Bath Patio2BR,2BA$2.47
Country Club VillasPlan One1BR,1BA$2.47
55+ Senior Living at Quail Creek ApartmentsOne Bedroom1BR,1BA$2.44
Village Green Senior CommunityOne Bedroom1BR,1BA$2.44
Casa EscondidaOne Bedroom, One Bath1BR,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.

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The 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.

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Cash 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.

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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.

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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 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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.