Apartments for Rent in San Marcos, CA
33 Places
Michele, 48
Nestled in the heart of Carlsbad's
Entire place | Marisol Place, Carlsbad, CA, USA
Nestled in the heart of Carlsbad's vibrant coastal-inspired community, Marisol offers a unique blend of luxury and relaxation. Our thoughtfully designed apartments feature modern amenities and stylish finishes, perfect for those seeking a tranquil yet connected lifestyle. Whether you're lounging poolside, exploring nearby trails, or taking advantage of local beaches, Marisol Apartments invites you to live inspired by the sea.
Available Date: Immediately
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Michele, 48
Platform 25 delivers thoughtfully
Entire place | Imperial Avenue, San Diego, CA, USA
Platform 25 delivers thoughtfully designed residences in one of San Diego's most connected neighborhoods where transit, culture, and convenience meet practical, modern living. Where Access Meets Authenticity Platform 25 offers modern apartment homes designed for residents who prioritize convenience, connection, and community. With immediate access to transit, major employment hubs, and neighborhood essentials, Platform 25 simplifies daily life so you can focus on what matters most.
Available Date: Immediately
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Adia, 23
downtown room
Entire place | Island Avenue, San Diego, CA, USA
room with hallway bathroom just for you. access to kitchen and living room. currently just myself and my bf living here with our dog, he is super friendly and crate trained. we have a washing machine and dryer in our apartment, the apartment has a gym, game room, pool and lounge you would have access to as well. looking for a roommate to sublease month to month. no pets. The first month's rent can function as your security deposit. Open to adding you to the regular lease if you prefer, however then you'd have to pass the financial requirements and provide first month's rent alongside a security deposit. open to military.
Available Date: Immediately
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Madyx, 20
Fully furnished shared bedroomm
Entire place | El Cajon Boulevard, San Diego, CA, USA
Looking for a roommate (typically between ages 19-24) to fill a room in our shared apartment here in San Diego! Move-in available ASAP, with the lease running through July 2027. The details: • $959/month — electricity and water included • Fully furnished room • Shared common spaces with 4 other roommates • In-unit washer/dryer • AC and heater included • Private balcony access • Parking pass available for $25 (covers the entire lease term), or free street parking nearby Community amenities: • Gym • Two pools • Outdoor grill areas • Hammocks for lounging This is a great setup if you want an easy, low-hassle move — everything’s furnished and utilities are handled, so you can just bring your bags. Message me with any questions or to schedule a time to see the room! Reach out to me via cell at.
Available Date: Immediately
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Javier, 23
Need a male to sub-let my lease
Entire place | Collwood Boulevard, San Diego, CA, USA
Hello, I am looking for someone to sub-let my lease at the Fifty Twenty- appartment complex near SDSU. It is a male only apartment.Details:Rent-930$Utilities includedIt is a shared room with a bathroomThe apartment is a 6 bed 4 bath set up with a private kitchen and living roomEverything is furnished5 minutes from stateShuttle service includedGym and game room in club house I am needing to get this room sub-let as I am no longer able to live here, dm me for more info.
Available Date: Immediately
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Koytoya, 48
URGENT LEASE TAKEOVER
Entire place | Collwood Way, San Diego, CA, USA
Private room and private bath, fully furnished at 5025 apartments. My daughter decided on a different school so need to sublease relet room. Half off a month of rent if interested.
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Hope, 31
Private Furnished Studio
Entire place | San Marcos, CA, USA
Private furnished studio/room available starting August 1, 2026. Conveniently located next to Palomar College, just 10 minutes from Cal State San Marcos, 1 mile from grocery stores/shops, and with easy access to Highway 78. Just 8 miles from the beach!The space includes:Private gated side yard, with side entrance, outdoor patio and outdoor storageDedicated off street parking spotFull-size kitchen with new appliances including fridge, microwave, range, and icemaker (includes basic silverware, dishes, pot/pan, utensils)Private bathroomIn-unit washer and dryerTwin XL Murphy bed (can stay down or be folded away for additional living space)Desk/workspaceCouch and dining areaBlackout window shadesAir conditioning and heatingPrivate high-speed Wi-FiFully furnished and move-in readyJust under 400 square feetRent: $2,000/monthUtilities: Not included (water and electricity metered and paid separately)
Available Date: Immediately
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Denise, 40
Looking for someone to take over
Entire place | San Marcos, CA, USA
One bedroom apartment right across the street from Cal State San Marcos, walking distance. Looking for someone to take over the lease ASAP until May 18, which is around the last day of this school year. Unit has a balcony overlooking the pool. Washer and dryer inside the unit as well as comes with the parking space.
Available Date: Immediately
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Lorina, 37
Looking for a responsible roommate
Entire place | Ohio Street, San Diego, CA, USA
Located in the heart of North Park, this spacious apartment is a rare to come along and perfect someone that wants to enjoy the perks of NP without having to uber all the time, with plenty of natural light. Me & my diabetic ( yes, she has diabetes) cat the current tenants and we’ve been here for the last 5 years. I work full time and volunteer when I’n free, so I’mNever home.
Available Date: Immediately
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Yelena, 63
Room for rent
Entire place | Spanish Oak Way, Vista, CA, USA
a room available in Vista, border with Carlsbad and Oceanside, shadowridge area. House has ocean view If you interested connect with me13 minutes away from Carlsbad beaches, and quick convenient access to the I-15 and I-5.Big room in two floors home with furniture House has ocean view and ocean breeze, close to schools and shopping center and 2 minutes from EOS fitness
Available Date: Immediately
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Frequently asked questions
How many apartments for rent are available in San Marcos right now?
San Marcos has been approving housing faster than most of North County: it is on pace in three of its four state housing categories, has permitted 871 moderately priced homes toward them, and the 200-acre North City project will add 3,400 more at buildout. That pipeline is why this city offers choices its neighbors do not. Roomster shows 33 apartments for rent here, split between the new buildings in North City and the Creek District, the established complexes around Richmar and Coronado Hills, and the quieter south-side pockets near San Elijo Hills and Lake San Marcos.
How much does it cost to rent an apartment in San Marcos?
The citywide average sits near $2,734 and has been flat over the past year, off a fraction of a percent while much of San Diego County kept climbing. In practice a studio averages about $2,435, a one-bedroom $2,355, a two-bedroom $2,826, and a three-bedroom $3,468; studios price unusually close to one-bedrooms here because so many of them sit in recent construction. You can still find one-bedrooms under $2,100 a month around Richmar, Coronado Hills, and the older complexes off Mission Road, while the North City towers, where studios open in the low $2,300s, set the ceiling.
How does San Marcos compare with Escondido, Vista, and Carlsbad on apartment rent?
It sits in the middle of the SR-78 corridor in both geography and price. Against the San Marcos average of about $2,734, Escondido runs near $2,254 and Vista near $2,608, Oceanside is close behind at $2,676, and Carlsbad is roughly $3,294. San Diego proper averages about $2,999. The practical read: moving one city east to Escondido saves several hundred dollars a month and keeps you on the same SPRINTER line, while moving west to Carlsbad buys the coast at a premium. If your job is in a Carlsbad business park, renting in San Marcos and commuting west is the standard trade here.
Is there rent control in San Marcos, CA?
There is no local rent control ordinance in San Marcos, so the statewide Tenant Protection Act governs. It caps annual increases at 5 percent plus regional inflation and never more than 10 percent, and for San Diego County the ceiling is 8.2 percent from August 1, 2026 through July 31, 2027, down from 8.8 percent the year before. The exemption that matters most locally: buildings under 15 years old are not covered, and San Marcos has built so heavily in the last decade that much of North City, the Creek District, and the newer complexes fall outside the cap. Ask how old the building is before assuming the limit protects you.
What deposit and fees should I expect when renting an apartment in San Marcos?
California caps security deposits at one month's rent for most landlords, with an exception allowing up to two months for an owner who is an individual rather than a company and holds no more than two properties totaling four units. On a $2,355 one-bedroom, that is a far smaller move-in cost than the first, last, and deposit that used to be standard along the 78 corridor. From January 1, 2026, every mandatory charge has to be built into the advertised rent, and a landlord may not bill you a fee for delivering a notice or for paying rent by check. Ask what parking costs in the newer buildings, since a covered space is often the one legitimate add-on.
Are there apartments for rent near the SPRINTER or Cal State San Marcos?
Yes, and the city planned it that way. Rather than scatter density across single-family neighborhoods, San Marcos concentrated it around the rail line, so the newest apartments cluster within a walk of a station: North City beside the Cal State San Marcos stop, the Creek District around San Marcos Civic Center, and the shopping-adjacent blocks near Nordahl Road. Palomar College station anchors the older complexes on the Mission Road side. Trains run roughly every half hour on weekdays and tie into the COASTER at Oceanside for a coastal commute, so a car-light lease is workable here in a way it is not across most of North County.
Rent an Apartment in San Marcos, CA: What Commute and Lease Terms Should You Prioritize?
If you're planning to rent an apartment in San Marcos, CA, understanding how commute, lease options, and apartment features affect your search can make all the difference. Whether you're a professional seeking a smooth daily commute or a couple wanting flexible lease terms, this guide offers practical advice to help you compare listings and neighborhoods effectively.
What Makes San Marcos a Good Place to Rent an Apartment?
San Marcos appeals to a variety of renters, especially professionals and couples relocating to the area. The city's mix of residential neighborhoods and proximity to major transit routes means that commute convenience plays a key role in apartment selection. Depending on your work location, prioritizing neighborhoods with easy access to public transit or highways can reduce travel time significantly. Budget-wise, expect variation depending on the apartment size and lease flexibility you choose, with furnished and pet-friendly units often carrying a premium.
How to Narrow Down Apartments for Rent in San Marcos, CA?
Start your search by focusing on neighborhoods that balance your budget with commute needs. For example, areas closer to transit hubs may offer better walkability but could be priced higher. Consider these practical filters when searching:
- Apartment type: Studios and one-bedroom units are common; choose based on your space needs and budget.
- Lease terms: Short term, month-to-month, or sublet options provide flexibility but might have higher rents.
- Amenities: Look for in-unit laundry, parking, and pet-friendly policies if those are important to you.
Using these filters will help you compare listings more effectively and find apartments that truly match your lifestyle.
What to Compare Before Renting an Apartment in San Marcos, CA?
When evaluating apartments, consider how lease terms and budget align with your plans. Month-to-month or short term rentals can ease move-in timing but often come with increased costs. confirm the lease length, security deposit, and any application or property management fees before committing. Also, think about the commute: an apartment farther from your workplace might be cheaper but could add significant daily travel time. Balancing these factors ensures you find a place that fits both your financial and lifestyle needs.
How to Avoid Costly Rental Mistakes in San Marcos, CA?
Be cautious about the application and payment process. Always use secure methods for deposits and rent payments, and avoid any requests for cash transactions. While Roomster listings include ID check and address check options, be sure to review landlord or property management credentials carefully. Arrange in-person or virtual tours before signing any lease, and confirm all terms in writing. Taking these steps can help you avoid scams and misunderstandings that could disrupt your housing plans.
FAQ About Apartments for Rent in San Marcos, CA
What kind of apartment is easiest to find in San Marcos, CA?
One-bedroom apartments and studios are widely available, especially in areas with good transit access. Furnished and pet-friendly options are also common but may require more searching depending on your timing.
Should I look for a studio, one-bedroom, or shared apartment in San Marcos, CA?
Choose based on your budget and privacy needs. Studios and one-bedrooms offer more privacy and independence, while shared apartments can reduce costs but require compatibility with roommates.
What should I ask before renting an apartment in San Marcos, CA?
Ask about lease length, move-in dates, included utilities, pet policies, and any fees for parking or amenities. Clarify the process for deposits and how maintenance requests are handled.
How early should I start searching for apartments in San Marcos, CA?
Begin your search at least 30 to 60 days before your intended move-in date. This timeframe allows you to compare listings, schedule tours, and negotiate lease terms without rushing.
Entire places in San Marcos, CA on Roomster
Areas in San Marcos CA:
- Aliso Viejo, CA
- Carlsbad, CA
- Chula Vista, CA
- Coronado, CA
- El Cajon, CA
- Escondido, CA
- Hemet, CA
- Irvine Spectrum, Irvine
- La Mesa, CA
- Laguna Hills, CA
- Laguna Niguel, CA
- Laguna Woods, CA
- Lake Elsinore, CA
- Lake Forest, CA
- Menifee, CA
- Mission Viejo, CA
- Murrieta, CA
- Oceanside, CA
- Perris, CA
- Poway, CA
- San Clemente, CA
- San Jacinto, CA
- San Juan Capistrano, CA
- Santee, CA
- Spring Valley, CA
- Temecula, CA
- Vista, California








































































