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Cheap Apartments for Rent in San Marcos, CA

476 Rentals
.
  23. Building Photo - Casa Mia
    Call for Rent

    Casa Mia

    346 Pleasant Way, San Marcos, CA 92069
  24. Building Photo - Ridgeview
    2 BEDS
    $2,300

    Ridgeview

    6505 Paseo Frontera, Carlsbad, CA 92009
  26. Primary Photo - Crest 850
    1 BED
    $2,350

    Crest 850

    850 Village Dr, San Marcos, CA 92078
  30. Building Photo - Palomar Station
    1 Month Free
    1 Month Free
    |
    STUDIO
    $2,499+
    1 BED
    $2,599+
    2 BEDS
    $3,337+
    3 BEDS
    $3,792+

    Palomar Station

    1257 Armorlite Dr, San Marcos, CA 92069
    Call
Showing 42 of 144 results, Page 1 of 4

San Marcos at a Glance

Average Rent

$2,362
(All bedrooms and property types)
Learn more about
Average Rent in San Marcos
7

School Rating

out of 10 Rating
Learn more about
Schools in San Marcos
1

Some Transit

out of 100 TransitScore® Rating
Learn more about
Transportation in San Marcos
44

Somewhat Bikeable

out of 100 BikeScore® Rating
Learn more about
Transportation in San Marcos

San Marcos, CA Apartments for Rent

San Marcos, California sits in the North County region of San Diego County, where rolling hills and Mediterranean climate create an appealing setting for apartment living. Located just 35 miles north of downtown San Diego, apartments for rent in San Marcos place residents near California State University San Marcos and Palomar College. The city spans 25 square miles, from the elevated vistas of San Elijo Hills to the established neighborhoods near Twin Oaks Valley. With average rent for a one-bedroom apartment at $2,324, San Marcos offers more attainable housing costs compared to nearby coastal communities while maintaining easy beach access.

The city's central location, bordered by Escondido, Vista, Carlsbad, and Encinitas, makes it particularly convenient for North County residents. The SPRINTER light rail station on Mission Road connects to Oceanside and Escondido, while State Route 78 provides direct access to Interstate 5 and Interstate 15. Since its incorporation in 1963, San Marcos has transformed from its agricultural roots into a suburban community of nearly 95,000 residents. The city features outdoor recreation spots like Double Peak Park, offering panoramic views of North County, and the San Marcos Creek Trail system for hiking and biking enthusiasts.

Renting in San Marcos

Average Rental Rates and Apartment Sizes

Top Budget-Friendly Neighborhoods in San Marcos

(For 1 bedroom apartments)
  • Neighborhoods Average Sq Ft Average Rent
  • Lancer Park 651 Sq Ft $2,660/mo

Getting Around San Marcos

Transportation

55

Somewhat Walkable

out of 100 WalkScore® Rating
You might be able to get out and walk when living in this area. Some errands can be accomplished on foot, but for others you need a car.
44

Somewhat Bikeable

out of 100 BikeScore® Rating
You might be able to find places to ride your bike in this area, but you'll most likely want your car for most errands.
1

Minimal Transit

out of 100 TransitScore® Rating
You'll likely want a car when living in this area since it has few transit options.
Scores provided by Walk Scoreⓘ

Education

GreatSchools Rating
San Marcos High

Public High School

Public
Grades 9-12
3,380 Students
GreatSchools Rating
Mission Hills High

Public High School

Public
Grades 9-12
2,893 Students
GreatSchools Rating
San Elijo Middle

Public Middle School

Public
Grades 6-8
1,463 Students
GreatSchools Rating
Woodland Park Middle

Public Middle School

Public
Grades 6-8
1,183 Students
GreatSchools Rating
San Marcos Middle

Public Middle School

Public
Grades 6-8
931 Students
GreatSchools Rating
Paloma Elementary

Public Elementary School

Public
Grades K-5
715 Students
GreatSchools Rating
Knob Hill Elementary

Public Elementary School

Public
Grades K-5
752 Students
GreatSchools Rating
Discovery Elementary

Public Elementary School

Public
Grades K-5
668 Students
GreatSchools Rating
San Elijo Elementary

Public Elementary School

Public
Grades K-5
858 Students

Data provided by GreatSchools.org 2025 © 2025. All rights reserved.

Apartments for Rent Near San Marcos

Specialty Housing

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San Marcos Apartments for Rent in Your Budget

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