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Apartments for Rent in San Marcos, CA

80 Rentals Available
  • a living room with a kitchen and a table with chairs
    27
    Today

    240 Las Flores Dr., San Marcos, CA 92069
    2 BEDS Ask for Pricing
  • a living room with couches and chairs and a coffee table
    31
    Today

    3474 Descanso Avenue, San Marcos, CA 92078
    1 BED $2,090+
    2 BEDS $2,585
  • a kitchen with stainless steel appliances and granite counter tops
    8
    Today

    468 North Twin Oaks Valley Road, San Marcos, CA 92069
    2 BEDS Ask for Pricing
    3 BEDS Ask for Pricing
  • a living room and kitchen with a table and chairs
    29
    6 days ago

    1045 Armorlite Drive, San Marcos, CA 92069
    STUDIO $2,323+
    1 BED $2,526+
    2 BEDS $2,837+
  • A kitchen with white cabinets and a black fridge.
    28
    Today

    570 East Barham Drive, San Marcos, CA 92078
    1 BED $2,442+
    2 BEDS $2,482+
    3 BEDS $3,747+
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  • a living room with a couch and chairs and a kitchen with a table
    14
    6 days ago

    250 North City Drive, San Marcos, CA 92078
    STUDIO $2,404+
    1 BED $2,485+
    2 BEDS $2,910+
  • a balcony with a swimming pool and a patio with chairs
    16
    Today

    850 Village Drive, San Marcos, CA 92078
    1 BED $2,350
    2 BEDS $2,900
  • a white garage door in front of a house
    Today

    1136 Canary Court, San Marcos, CA 92078
    3 BEDS $3,450
  • 2130 Silverado Street 2 Beds Apartment for Rent
    Today

    2130 Silverado Street, San Marcos, CA 92078
    2 BEDS $4,350
  • a playground with a slide in front of some apartments
    Today

    422 Los Vallecitos, San Marcos, CA 92069
    Income Restricted
    2 BEDS Ask for Pricing
    3 BEDS Ask for Pricing
  • the swimming pool at our apartments in palm springs
    Today

    339-340 Marcos Street, San Marcos, CA 92069
    Income Restricted
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  • A placeholder image with a camera icon and the text "Photos Coming Soon".
    Today

    360/362 West San Marcos Blvd, San Marcos, CA 92069
    2 BEDS $2,400+
  • a playground with a blue and red swing set
    Today

    432 W. Mission Road -106, San Marcos, CA 92069
    Income Restricted
    1 BED Ask for Pricing
    2 BEDS Ask for Pricing
    3 BEDS Ask for Pricing
  • a dining area with tables and chairs in a library
    Today

    1820 Melrose Drive, San Marcos, CA 92078
    Income Restricted
    1 BED Ask for Pricing
    2 BEDS Ask for Pricing
    3 BEDS Ask for Pricing
  • an aerial view of a city with buildings with solar panels on the roof
    Today

    340 Marcos Street, San Marcos, CA 92069
    Income Restricted
    1 BED Ask for Pricing
    2 BEDS Ask for Pricing
    3 BEDS Ask for Pricing
  • a large swimming pool in front of some apartments
    42
    Today

    523 Rush Drive, San Marcos, CA 92078
    Income Restricted
    1 BED Ask for Pricing
    2 BEDS $898
    3 BEDS $1,416
  • a playground in a neighborhood with houses
    48
    Today

    1020 Stephanie Court, San Marcos, CA 92078
    Income Restricted
    1 BED $1,335
    2 BEDS Ask for Pricing
    3 BEDS Ask for Pricing
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  • a living room with a couch and a coffee table
    Today

    2152 Silverado St, San Marcos, CA 92078
    3 BEDS $3,800
  • an aerial view of an apartment complex with a swimming pool
    63
    Today

    1730 Elfin Forest Rd, San Marcos, CA 92078
    Income Restricted
    1 BED $625+
    2 BEDS $1,585+
    3 BEDS $775+
  • A living room with a glass table and white chairs.
    1 day ago

    1608 Via Ocioso, San Marcos, CA 92078
    2 BEDS $3,800
  • A kitchen with wooden cabinets and a white refrigerator.
    1 day ago

    443 Almond Rd, San Marcos, CA 92078
    2 BEDS $2,995
  • A kitchen with white cabinets and a wooden floor.
    1 day ago

    1195 La Moree Road, San Marcos, CA 92078
    2 BEDS $2,645
  • A modern kitchen with dark cabinets and a large island.
    1 day ago

    424 Bunsen St, San Marcos, CA 92078
    4 BEDS $4,800
  • A living room with a grey sofa, a grey armchair, a glass coffee table and a wooden floor.
    1 day ago

    550 Via Del Caballo, San Marcos, CA 92078
    4 BEDS $5,095
  • A kitchen with wooden cabinets and a white countertop.
    1 day ago

    857 Ballow Wy, San Marcos, CA 92078
    3 BEDS $3,700
25-0-city
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San Marcos, CA rent trends

Rental prices in San Marcos, CA have decreased by 0.24% over the past year. The average rent moved from $2,734 to $2,728.

Check out the average rent prices in San Marcos by neighborhood.

Compared to the national average rent of $1,750, the average rent in San Marcos, CA is $2,728.

Average rent in San Marcos, CA

$2,728/mo San Marcos, CA average rental price, September 2025
Image Average Rent

The average monthly rent of apartments in San Marcos, CA is $2,728.

    What's the typical rent budget in San Marcos, CA?

    About 43% of apartment rents in San Marcos, CA range between $2,501-$3,000. Meanwhile, apartments around > $3,000 represent 23% of apartments. Around 26% of San Marcos’s apartments are in the $2,001-$2,500 price range. 8% of apartments are priced between $1,501-$2,000.

    The largest share of rentals in San Marcos, CA (43%) fall between $2,501-$3,000 per month. This suggests that most people succesfully find suitable apartments within this price.

    Getting around in San Marcos, CA

    68 /100
    Somewhat Walkable
    50 /100
    Bikeable
    Walk Score®: 68, Bike Score®: 50

    Frequently asked questions

    When were prices and availability in San Marcos, CA last updated?

    Prices and availability in San Marcos, CA were last updated on 17 Nov 2025.

    What are the best apartments in San Marcos, CA?

    The best apartments in San Marcos, CA are: Vista Flores Apartments, Meadow Creek Apartments, Whispering Oaks, Marc San Marcos and Barham Villas.

    What is the average rent in San Marcos, CA?

    The average rent in San Marcos, CA is $2,734.

    What is the price range for a studio apartment in San Marcos, CA?

    The price range for a studio apartment in San Marcos, CA is between $2,323 and $4,366.

    What is the price range for a 1-bedroom apartment in San Marcos, CA?

    The price range for a 1-bedroom apartment in San Marcos, CA is between $625 and $5,000.

    What is the price range for a 2-bedroom apartment in San Marcos, CA?

    The price range for a 2-bedroom apartment in San Marcos, CA is between $898 and $5,000.

    What is the price range for a 3-bedroom apartment in San Marcos, CA?

    The price range for a 3-bedroom apartment in San Marcos, CA is between $775 and $6,145.

    What type of rental buildings are in San Marcos, CA?

    In San Marcos 37% of the housing is rented out compared to 63% of homes are owned, according to the most recent Census Bureau estimates. 28% of San Marcos’s apartments are found in large buildings of 50 units or more, 46% are located in smaller apartment complexes with less than 50 units, and 18% are single-family rentals.

    What do typical apartment communities look like in San Marcos, CA?

    The average age of rental buildings in San Marcos is 24 years old, with 58% being newer apartment buildings completed since 2000. The average height of apartment buildings in the city is 3 stories, of which 96% are garden-style apartment communities, 4% are mid-sized buildings, and none are high-rises. These characteristics describe large-scale apartment communities of 50 apartments or more.

    What apartment floorplans are common in San Marcos, CA?

    Studio apartments in San Marcos are around 2% of rentals, while 1-bedroom floor plans represent 31% of the total stock. For those in search of larger rentals, 2-bedroom floorplans make up 52% of all rentals. More generous apartments with 3 bedrooms or more are also available in this city for those in search of more space.

    Living in San Marcos, CA

    San Marcos, located in the northern part of San Diego County, California, is about 30 miles north of San Diego city and close to 95 miles south of Los Angeles. This proximity to major cities makes San Marcos a strategic location for residents working in various sectors, particularly in education and healthcare, as it houses California State University San Marcos and numerous medical facilities.

    The city boasts several parks and recreational areas such as Discovery Lake, which offers hiking trails and fishing spots. Double Peak Park provides panoramic views of the surrounding areas, ideal for photography enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. San Marcos is also known for its rich arts scene, featuring frequent community events and public art installations. Historical elements are preserved in heritage sites like the Heritage Park and the San Marcos Historical Society.

    Diverse neighborhoods cater to a range of lifestyles, with restaurant options reflecting this variety. From the casual dining experiences at Old California Restaurant Row to upscale eateries featuring international cuisines, there's something to suit every palate. Educational opportunities are bolstered by the presence of good schools in the San Marcos Unified School District, attracting families seeking quality education for their children.

    Renting in San Marcos, CA

    San Marcos offers a mix of rental options from modern apartment complexes to single-family homes. The architectural styles range from contemporary to traditional, with each neighborhood offering its unique charm. In areas like Lake San Marcos, renters often enjoy scenic views and proximity to leisure activities including golf and tennis.

    Downtown San Marcos is favored by young professionals due to its proximity to entertainment venues and public transportation. Families might prefer the quieter, suburban parts of San Marcos like Santa Fe Hills, which are close to schools and parks. Rental properties typically offer amenities such as pools, fitness centers, and community spaces, catering to diverse demographic needs.

    Things for renting

    Shopping in San Marcos, CA

    The Grand Plaza and Creekside Marketplace are major shopping centers in San Marcos, hosting a range of retailers from national brands to specialty stores. For a more unique shopping experience, the San Marcos Farmers Market offers local crafts and fresh produce, presenting an opportunity to support local farmers and artisans.

    Common grocery chains like Vons and Sprouts are easily accessible, along with local retail brands that add to the shopping diversity, ensuring residents have a variety of options for their shopping needs.

    Transportation in San Marcos, CA

    San Marcos is served by the SPRINTER light rail line which connects east to Escondido and west to Oceanside, facilitating easy access to the broader San Diego area. This public transport option is complemented by bus services managed by the North County Transit District, with mobile apps available to assist with route planning and ticket purchases.

    For those traveling further, the nearby McClellan-Palomar Airport in Carlsbad offers regional flights, and for international or national travel, San Diego International Airport is less than an hour’s drive away. Additionally, the accessibility of major freeways such as Route 78 enhances the convenience of commuting and traveling from San Marcos.

    Look for apartments near me

    Are you looking to land that one apartment near you that ticks all the boxes? Now you can browse through available RentCafe apartment listings in your area, rated and reviewed by verified residents. Comparing the size, price, amenities and location of apartments for rent near you is easier than ever. Do you feel like expanding the search beyond your neighborhood and ZIP code? Browse apartments for rent in your city and state to find the best fit, wherever you are in the U.S. Somewhere out there is the perfect apartment just waiting for you.

    Whether you're looking for a studio, an apartment with one or more bedrooms, or maybe you're upgrading to a luxury apartment or need to acommodate a pet, RentCafe allows you to easily search for a rental near you based on your criteria, anywhere in the U.S. So, let's find your new home today!

    RentCafe is your one-stop shop for finding a great new apartment in San Marcos, CA. Easily search through a wide selection of apartments for rent in San Marcos, CA, and view detailed information about available rentals including floor plans, pricing, photos, amenities, interactive maps, and thorough property descriptions. Property owners and managers are one click away, so feel free to contact them and find out all you need to know about the apartment you’re interested in. Browse San Marcos, CA apartments with rents starting from $625 and submit your rental application today!

    Finding a home nearby is easier than you think. Check out our Apartments Near Me page and take your pick!