Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Lake San Marcos Neighborhood of San Marcos, CA from $800 (8 Rentals)

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Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the Lake San Marcos area of San Marcos.

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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.

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Melrose Villas
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Melrose Villas

1820 Melrose DrSan Marcos, CA 92078
  • Utilities Included
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Grandon Village
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Grandon Village

1603-1615 Grandon AveSan Marcos, CA 92078
Senior Living
  • Utilities Included
  • Smoke Free
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Shane Park Plaza
1 Bedroom Apartments

Shane Park Plaza

240-260 S Rancho Santa Fe RdSan Marcos, CA 92078
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Hunters Pointe
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Hunters Pointe

7270 Calle PlataCarlsbad, CA 92009
  • Utilities Included

Roommate Matching: Finding the Right Fit and Avoiding Pitfalls

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Lake San Marcos, San Marcos, CA Local Guide

Cheapest Available Lake San Marcos Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in the Lake San Marcos area of San Marcos, CA is a 1 Bed unit found at Benchmark Apartments priced from $2,100. Meadow Creek Apartments has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $2,115. Here are the most affordable Lake San Marcos apartments for rent in San Marcos, CA:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Benchmark Apartments1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom1BR,1BA$2,100
Meadow Creek Apartments1B 1B1BR,1BA$2,115
Elan Northwoods11A1BR,1BA$2,343

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Lake San Marcos, CA

As of January 02, 2026 the best value apartment in the Lake San Marcos area is the $3.15 price per square foot 3x2FC-1144 Model at Virano Apartments in the in the Grand Estates neighborhood starting from $3,599. The second greatest value Lake San Marcos apartment is the 2 Beds, 2 baths Model at Liberty Triplex starting at $2,600 with a $2.60 price per square foot in the Grand Estates neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Lake San Marcos apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
Virano Apartments3x2FC-11443BR,2BA$3.15
Liberty Triplex2 Beds, 2 baths2BR,2BA$2.60
Rancho Carrillo Apartments | Affordable Apartments2 Bedroom2BR,2BA$3.05
Benchmark Apartments1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom1BR,1BA$2.63
Elan Northwoods11A1BR,1BA$3.12
Viewpoint Luxury Apartments1x1-7161BR,1BA$3.56
Palomar StationOne Bedroom - 31BR,1BA$3.47
Meadow Creek Apartments1B 1B1BR,1BA$3.36

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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Pet Friendly Lifestyle
Lake San Marcos, San Marcos, CA

Ranked #9

Among cities in California for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities.

Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score

3.5
Pet Friendly

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Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Lake San Marcos Apartments

What is the price of a cheap apartment in Lake San Marcos?

The cheapest apartment in Lake San Marcos is Benchmark Apartments which is listed at $2,100, while the average apartment in Lake San Marcos costs $3,774.

What types of apartments are the cheapest in Lake San Marcos?

Student, low-income, and by-the-bed apartments are typically the cheapest rentals in most cities, though they require qualifying criteria to rent. There are 2 regular apartments in Lake San Marcos that we think qualify as ‘cheap apartments’ that do not have special requirements to apply to rent.

How do the prices of cheap apartments compare to the average apartment in Lake San Marcos?

Cheap apartments in Lake San Marcos have an average cost of $371 which is $3,403 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in Lake San Marcos.

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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How to Make Your Apartment Holiday-Ready: Renter-Friendly Tips

Written by: Justin Habersaat

Getting your apartment ready for the holidays can be exciting but sometimes challenging in a smaller space. Here are some modern tips to keep things festive, safe, and inviting this season.

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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.

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How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Everything is a negotiation in real estate!