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  35. 1 BED
    $2,465+
    2 BEDS
    $2,785+

    Rancho Hills

    856 Heatherwood Ln, Vista, CA 92081
  37. 2 BEDS
    $2,550

    Ridgeview

    6505 Paseo Frontera, Carlsbad, CA 92009
Showing 42 of 139 results, Page 1 of 4

San Marcos at a Glance

Average Rent

$2,424
(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 is home to California State University San Marcos and Palomar College, making it an educational hub in North County San Diego with a population of over 94,000. If you're searching for apartments for rent in San Marcos, you'll discover everything from apartment communities near the university district to residential options in San Elijo Hills and Discovery Hills, with studios averaging around $2,498 per month and two-bedroom units averaging $2,855.

Renting in San Marcos means you'll enjoy both outdoor adventures and city conveniences, with Lake San Marcos, Walnut Grove Park, and miles of hiking and biking trails throughout Twin Oaks Valley just minutes away. Restaurant Row along San Marcos Boulevard puts dining and shopping within walking distance, while the weekly farmers market brings fresh local produce and artisan goods right to your neighborhood. Getting around is easy with the Sprinter light rail running along Highway 78 (with six local stations), plus quick access to I-15 and I-5 for trips throughout San Diego County. The Creek District and University District keep growing too, bringing new retail and dining spots to complement established neighborhoods.

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 610 Sq Ft $2,627/mo

Average Rent in Nearby Cities

(For 1 bedroom apartments)

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

Frequently asked questions about renting in San Marcos, CA

What are the average rent costs in San Marcos, CA?

The average rent in San Marcos, CA is $2,424.

What are the average rent costs of a studio apartment in San Marcos, CA?

The average rent for a studio apartment in San Marcos, CA is $2,461.

What are the average rent costs of a one bedroom apartment in San Marcos, CA?

The average rent for a 1 bedroom apartment in San Marcos, CA is $2,424.

What are the average rent costs of a two bedroom apartment in San Marcos, CA?

The average rent for a 2 bedroom apartment in San Marcos, CA is $2,882.

What are the average rent costs of a three bedroom apartment in San Marcos, CA?

The average rent for a 3 bedroom apartment in San Marcos, CA is $3,839.

What are the average rent costs of a four bedroom apartment in San Marcos, CA?

The average rent for a 4 bedroom apartment in San Marcos, CA is $5,223.

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