Apartments for Rent in San Marcos, CA

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Apartments for Rent in Bonita $2,611
Apartments for Rent in Carlsbad $3,172
Apartments for Rent in Chula Vista $2,624
Apartments for Rent in Dana Point $3,343
Apartments for Rent in Del Mar $3,669
Apartments for Rent in El Cajon $2,241
Apartments for Rent in Encinitas $2,953
Apartments for Rent in Escondido $2,253
Apartments for Rent in Fallbrook $1,838
Apartments for Rent in Hemet $1,750
Apartments for Rent in Imperial Beach $2,545
Apartments for Rent in La Jolla $3,258
Apartments for Rent in La Mesa $2,489
Apartments for Rent in Lake Elsinore $2,134
Apartments for Rent in Lakeside $2,141
Apartments for Rent in Lemon Grove $2,132
Apartments for Rent in Menifee $2,335
Apartments for Rent in Murrieta $2,389
Apartments for Rent in National City $2,000
Apartments for Rent in Oceanside $2,614
Apartments for Rent in Poway $2,684
Apartments for Rent in Ramona $2,038
Apartments for Rent in San Clemente $3,059
Apartments for Rent in San Diego $2,981
Apartments for Rent in Santee $2,438
Apartments for Rent in Spring Valley $2,500
Apartments for Rent in Sun City $2,288
Apartments for Rent in Temecula $2,412
Apartments for Rent in Vista $2,539
Apartments for Rent in Wildomar $2,764

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Average rent in San Marcos, CA

$2,719/mo San Marcos, CA average rental price, May 2025

The average monthly rent of apartments in San Marcos, CA is $2,719.

San Marcos, CA apartment rent ranges

About 46% of apartment rents in San Marcos, CA range between $2,501-$3,000. Meanwhile, apartments around > $3,000 represent 23% of apartments. Around 23% of San Marcos’s apartments are in the $2,001-$2,500 price range. 8% of apartments are priced between $1,501-$2,000.

San Marcos, CA rent trends

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

Compared to the national average rent of $1,761, the average rent in San Marcos, CA is $2,719.

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 22 Jun 2025.

What are the best apartments in San Marcos, CA?

The best apartments in San Marcos, CA are: Marc San Marcos, Vista Flores Apartments, Crest 850, Meadow Creek Apartments and Block C Apartments.

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 $2,369 and $6,008.

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 $1,028 and $4,990.

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 $674 and $7,320.

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 $1,028 and $8,832.

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 age and size of multifamily buildings are among the most visible characteristics of the rental market in a city.  In this case, the apartment buildings in San Marcos are about 22 years old, on average. Of these, 58% have been built since 2000, representing the newer options on the market and typically offering more amenities. Rental buildings in the city have an average height of 3 stories. About 96% of the rental communities here are low-rise, garden-style communities, 4% are mid-rises, and none are high-rise buildings. These are true especially for large-scale multifamily buildings with over 50 apartments.

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.

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 $674 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!

STUDIO	$2,376+
1 BED	$2,505+
2 BEDS	$3,078+

1 BED	$2,350+
2 BEDS	$2,900

1 BED	Ask for Pricing
2 BEDS	Ask for Pricing

STUDIO	$2,369+
1 BED	$2,590+
2 BEDS	$3,696+

2 BEDS	$2,875
3 BEDS	$3,595

1 BED	Call for pricing
2 BEDS	Call for pricing
3 BEDS	Call for pricing

1 BED	$2,623+
2 BEDS	$2,690+
3 BEDS	$3,007+

1 BED	$1,243
2 BEDS	$674+
3 BEDS	$1,419

1 BED	$1,925
2 BEDS	$2,400
3 BEDS	$2,600

1 BED	$1,950
2 BEDS	$2,425

Apartments for Rent in San Marcos, CA 76 Rentals Available

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