# Average Rent in San Marcos, CA > How much is rent in San Marcos, CA? $3,499 median across 284 units in 15 buildings, each with a daily price history and a citywide trend, tracked daily. Canonical: https://average-rent.com/city/san-marcos-ca/ Latest included observation: November 6, 2026 ## What is the average rent in San Marcos, CA? The average listed apartment rent in San Marcos, CA is $3,876 per month, as of November 6, 2026. This sample includes 284 priced apartments in 15 buildings. These are tracked asking prices, not signed leases. We use published total monthly rent when known and base rent otherwise. Unknown fees remain unknown. Included building observations run from November 4, 2026 through November 6, 2026. Buildings without a qualifying price do not count in this sample. The guide directory can include more buildings. 15 apartment buildings, 284 units. Recorded asking prices and price history where available. [Browse apartments in San Marcos, CA](https://average-rent.com/city/san-marcos-ca/apartments/) Avg Rent $3,876/mo median $3,499 market average Cheapest $2,125/mo Windsor Manor Apartments Properties 15 tracked daily Units 284 available now [View rent trends and price history](https://average-rent.com/city/san-marcos-ca/trends/) [Explore San Marcos, CA on the interactive map](https://average-rent.com/search/#city=san-marcos-ca) [San Marcos, CA Resident Access](https://average-rent.com/city/san-marcos-ca/resident-access/): City Club members share insider gate codes, parking links, and amenity tips. View Analysis ## Rent Price Breakdown Compare pricing across all 15 properties in San Marcos, CA. Timeframe ## Average rent trend, last month All bedroom types, citywide. Choose a window above to scope the view. $2,898 Average rent today Line chart of average rent in San Marcos, CA over the last month. Started at $2,910, ended at $2,898. ### Average rent trend, last month | Date or category | Average monthly rent (USD) | | --- | --- | | Oct | 2,910 | | Oct | 2,999 | | Oct | 2,995 | | Oct | 2,858 | | Nov | 2,898 | [Full San Marcos, CA price history](https://average-rent.com/city/san-marcos-ca/trends/) ### Average Rent by Property ### Starting Price vs Average ### Rent by Bedroom Count ### Price per Square Foot ## San Marcos, CA Rent Prices All 15 properties ranked by lowest available rent. [#1 3.1 (42)](https://average-rent.com/city/san-marcos-ca/windsor-manor-apartments-san-marcos-ca/): Windsor Manor Apartments 250 Knoll Rd, San Marcos, CA 92069, USA From $2,125/mo Avg $2,210 5 units [#2 4.8 (166)](https://average-rent.com/city/san-marcos-ca/coral-tree-apartments-san-marcos-ca/): Coral Tree Apartments 320 Smilax Rd, San Marcos, CA 92069, USA From $2,150/mo Avg $2,588 6 units [#3 3.9 (14)](https://average-rent.com/city/san-marcos-ca/mission-view-apartments-san-marcos-ca/): Mission View Apartments 343 Autumn Dr, San Marcos, CA 92069, USA From $2,150/mo Avg $2,400 2 units [#4 3.9 (19)](https://average-rent.com/city/san-marcos-ca/benchmark-apartments-san-marcos-ca/): Benchmark Apartments 353 W San Marcos Blvd, San Marcos, CA 92069, USA From $2,250/mo Avg $2,400 3 units [#5 3.6 (47)](https://average-rent.com/city/san-marcos-ca/tuscany-hills-apartments-san-marcos-ca/): Tuscany Hills Apartments 715 Ash Ln, San Marcos, CA 92069, USA From $2,313/mo Avg $2,354 3 units [#6 4.2 (351)](https://average-rent.com/city/san-marcos-ca/marc-san-marcos-san-marcos-ca/): Marc San Marcos 1045 Armorlite Dr, San Marcos, CA 92069, USA From $2,343/mo Avg $2,865 18 units [#7 4.5 (107)](https://average-rent.com/city/san-marcos-ca/barham-villas-apartments-san-marcos-ca/): Barham Villas Apartments 570 E Barham Dr, San Marcos, CA 92078, USA From $2,355/mo Avg $2,976 14 units | # | Property | From | Avg | $/sqft | Rating | Units | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 1 | [Windsor Manor Apartments 250 Knoll Rd, San Marcos, CA 92069, USA](https://average-rent.com/city/san-marcos-ca/windsor-manor-apartments-san-marcos-ca/) | $2,125 | $2,210 | $2.99/ft² | 3.1 (42) | 5 | | 2 | [Coral Tree Apartments 320 Smilax Rd, San Marcos, CA 92069, USA](https://average-rent.com/city/san-marcos-ca/coral-tree-apartments-san-marcos-ca/) | $2,150 | $2,588 | $3.26/ft² | 4.8 (166) | 6 | | 3 | [Mission View Apartments 343 Autumn Dr, San Marcos, CA 92069, USA](https://average-rent.com/city/san-marcos-ca/mission-view-apartments-san-marcos-ca/) | $2,150 | $2,400 | -- | 3.9 (14) | 2 | | 4 | [Benchmark Apartments 353 W San Marcos Blvd, San Marcos, CA 92069, USA](https://average-rent.com/city/san-marcos-ca/benchmark-apartments-san-marcos-ca/) | $2,250 | $2,400 | $2.67/ft² | 3.9 (19) | 3 | | 5 | [Tuscany Hills Apartments 715 Ash Ln, San Marcos, CA 92069, USA](https://average-rent.com/city/san-marcos-ca/tuscany-hills-apartments-san-marcos-ca/) | $2,313 | $2,354 | $3.83/ft² | 3.6 (47) | 3 | | 6 | [Marc San Marcos 1045 Armorlite Dr, San Marcos, CA 92069, USA](https://average-rent.com/city/san-marcos-ca/marc-san-marcos-san-marcos-ca/) | $2,343 | $2,865 | $3.03/ft² | 4.2 (351) | 18 | | 7 | [Barham Villas Apartments 570 E Barham Dr, San Marcos, CA 92078, USA](https://average-rent.com/city/san-marcos-ca/barham-villas-apartments-san-marcos-ca/) | $2,355 | $2,976 | $3.27/ft² | 4.5 (107) | 14 | ## Rent & Price History by Building Compare apartment listings by price, bedrooms, and neighborhood. [Browse all apartments](https://average-rent.com/city/san-marcos-ca/apartments/) [Windsor Manor Apartments](https://average-rent.com/city/san-marcos-ca/windsor-manor-apartments-san-marcos-ca/): ![Windsor Manor Apartments apartments in San Marcos, CA](https://average-rent.com/api/photo/p/21175?w=600) 3.1 (42) 250 Knoll Rd, San Marcos, CA 92069, USA From $2,125/mo 5 units [Coral Tree Apartments](https://average-rent.com/city/san-marcos-ca/coral-tree-apartments-san-marcos-ca/): ![Coral Tree Apartments apartments in San Marcos, CA](https://average-rent.com/api/photo/p/21187?w=600) 4.8 (166) 320 Smilax Rd, San Marcos, CA 92069, USA From $2,150/mo 6 units [Mission View Apartments](https://average-rent.com/city/san-marcos-ca/mission-view-apartments-san-marcos-ca/): ![Mission View Apartments apartments in San Marcos, CA](https://average-rent.com/api/photo/places/ChIJi2OtYKaK24AROROOyp_-lIY/photos/Aa-ngMZ9jGINwHaqJItwQ45dW4l0ROs-UyieLocXA-bAEJsrngj7-NFlx6Gzemh2DUIX6h-YiohwvHv96S8JelnYwBR7CQnX6-W0AQLDcsa4-yhrz5PF9X2jaXsGuCRv6tFKLnEgjYis5Fgsj7s9__mvzyWv9QUQyeM3opBoYRRS76CgI-knfgHTgfNuXNmtzKRuVl3mLo8HReCOmYmJyT-tI7NCL3mL96OqvJKJNVj-t6hV21NpwkmhzUWctP5Br0OhCeYrZxi6ZfHTx22sfNXLn4w7tdOLsqvrno7Sc8sIlb0s3HZgQDRVmCPs6GqOrml3omesUjOSpyQAq1jsZnVp4yOHKf-eZCHVE7l5OdceSY5rfFJRrrZaIwkp_YTOM0DTcmmSsozT6Z3M8fyztQy8nMNaIDMSefE?w=600) 3.9 (14) 343 Autumn Dr, San Marcos, CA 92069, USA From $2,150/mo 2 units [Benchmark Apartments](https://average-rent.com/city/san-marcos-ca/benchmark-apartments-san-marcos-ca/): ![Benchmark Apartments apartments in San Marcos, CA](https://average-rent.com/api/photo/p/21189?w=600) 3.9 (19) 353 W San Marcos Blvd, San Marcos, CA 92069, USA From $2,250/mo 3 units [Tuscany Hills Apartments](https://average-rent.com/city/san-marcos-ca/tuscany-hills-apartments-san-marcos-ca/): ![Tuscany Hills Apartments apartments in San Marcos, CA](https://average-rent.com/api/photo/p/21182?w=600) 3.6 (47) 715 Ash Ln, San Marcos, CA 92069, USA From $2,313/mo 3 units [Marc San Marcos](https://average-rent.com/city/san-marcos-ca/marc-san-marcos-san-marcos-ca/): ![Marc San Marcos apartments in San Marcos, CA](https://average-rent.com/api/photo/p/21181?w=600) 4.2 (351) 1045 Armorlite Dr, San Marcos, CA 92069, USA From $2,343/mo 18 units [Browse all San Marcos, CA apartments](https://average-rent.com/city/san-marcos-ca/apartments/) By Area ## San Marcos, CA neighborhoods Tracked buildings across 2 named neighborhoods. Pick one to see its apartments. [San Marcos 92069 15](https://average-rent.com/city/san-marcos-ca/apartments/?neighborhood=San%20Marcos%2092069)[San Marcos 92078 1](https://average-rent.com/city/san-marcos-ca/apartments/?neighborhood=San%20Marcos%2092078) ## San Marcos, CA Average Rent Prices 2026 The average listed rent in San Marcos, CA is **$3,876 per month**, based on 284 units across 15 apartment communities. Prices range from $2,125 at Windsor Manor Apartments to $12,900 at 222 North City. ### Average Rent by Bedroom Type | Type | Avg Rent | Starting From | Units | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Studio | $2,825/mo | $2,343/mo | 10 | | 1 Bed | $3,083/mo | $2,125/mo | 100 | | 2 Bed | $3,947/mo | $2,495/mo | 137 | | 3 Bed | $6,014/mo | $3,351/mo | 36 | | 4 Bed | $7,025/mo | $7,025/mo | 1 | We schedule daily price checks. The included observations can have different dates. Request an area we do not cover so we can review it for coverage. Paste this where you want the live widget. Free to use with the attribution link. Preview Market Context ## Who rents in San Marcos, CA, and what they pay Tracked one-bedroom rent in San Marcos, CA averages **$3,083/mo** , with two-bedroom units averaging **$3,947/mo**. At the local median household income of **$105,286**, that works out to **44% of gross income**, a severely rent-burdened market by HUD standards. The U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey 2023 release pegged median gross rent in San Marcos, CA at **$2,191/mo**. The [current tracked market average](https://average-rent.com/city/san-marcos-ca/trends/) runs **77% higher than** that benchmark, reflecting both two to three years of rent growth and the fact that the Census figure covers all renter-occupied housing in San Marcos, CA while the tracked market average covers units currently listed in larger apartment communities. ## What salary do I need to live comfortably in San Marcos, CA? Built on the 25 to 30 percent rent-to-income guideline used by most landlords and credit-scoring models. Minimum to afford average rent $155,000/year Based on the 30 percent rule, using our tracked average rent of $3,876/mo. Comfortable income $186,000/year Based on the 25 percent rule, leaving more room for savings, transport, and groceries. To afford the cheapest tracked apartment ($2,125/mo), you need to earn at least **$85,000/year**. Median household income in San Marcos, CA is **$105,286** , about 43% below the comfortable-living threshold. ## Cost of living in San Marcos, CA Overall prices in San Marcos, CA runs above the national average by about 11% (BEA Regional Price Parity index 110.7, where 100 equals the U.S. average). The breakdown below estimates monthly costs for a single adult, using national consumer-spending baselines from the Bureau of Labor Statistics scaled by San Marcos, CA's regional price parities. | Category | Monthly estimate | | --- | --- | | Rent (market average) | $3,876 | | Utilities | $799 | | Groceries | $552 | | Transportation | $1,904 | | Healthcare | $929 | | Other goods and services | $1,486 | | Estimated total | $9,546/mo | Population 94,078 Median household income $105,286 Census median rent $2,191/mo Census rent burden 36.0% Median age 36.8 Mean commute 27 min ## Methodology Rent data We use listed asking rents and schedule daily data updates. Individual buildings can have different verification dates. Check the building or unit page for its latest price and availability. Cost of living Estimates combine national consumer-spending baselines from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (Consumer Expenditure Survey) with the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities (MARPP dataset). Both are peer-reviewed federal data releases published annually. Salary to live comfortably We estimate annual income by dividing annual rent by 30 percent for the affordability figure and 25 percent for the comfortable-income figure. These estimates are a guide, not a guarantee of rental approval. Demographic figures Median household income, population, median age, commute time, Census median rent, and rent as percentage of income come from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey 5-year estimates, the most recent complete release. Cost of living and demographic figures were last published in 2023. Compare ## Nearby cities in California How San Marcos, CA rent compares to other markets in the state. | City | Avg Rent | vs San Marcos, CA | 30-Day Change | Properties | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Los Angeles, CA](https://average-rent.com/city/los-angeles-ca/) | $3,104 | -20% | -5% | 50 | | [San Diego, CA](https://average-rent.com/city/san-diego-ca/) | $3,370 | -13% | -5.5% | 36 | | [Anaheim, CA](https://average-rent.com/city/anaheim-ca/) | $2,881 | -26% | +1.8% | 34 | | [EL Cajon, CA](https://average-rent.com/city/el-cajon-ca/) | $2,261 | -42% | -8.8% | 33 | | [Hayward, CA](https://average-rent.com/city/hayward-ca/) | $2,730 | -30% | -5.6% | 32 | | [San Francisco, CA](https://average-rent.com/city/san-francisco-ca/) | $5,205 | +34% | +7.5% | 32 | ## Frequently asked questions ### What is the average rent in San Marcos, CA? The average listed apartment rent in San Marcos, CA is $3,876 per month, as of November 6, 2026. This sample includes 284 priced apartments in 15 buildings. These are tracked asking prices, not signed leases. ### What is the median rent in San Marcos, CA? The median asking rent in San Marcos, CA is $3,499 per month, computed from 284 priced listings; check the observation dates shown on this page. The average is $3,876/mo; the median resists skew from luxury listings. ### What is the cheapest apartment rent in San Marcos, CA? The lowest available rent in San Marcos, CA starts at $2,125 per month. Confirm current availability, fees, and lease terms with the selected listing. ### How much is a 1-bedroom apartment in San Marcos, CA? 1-bedroom apartments in San Marcos, CA average $3,083/mo. The lowest listed 1-bedroom starts at $2,125/mo across 100 units tracked. ### How much is a 2-bedroom apartment in San Marcos, CA? 2-bedroom apartments in San Marcos, CA average $3,947/mo. Units start from $2,495/mo across 137 units currently listed. ## Rent Trends in San Marcos, CA Track how apartment prices are changing over time. [View Rent Trends](https://average-rent.com/city/san-marcos-ca/trends/) +13 buildings added in the last 30 days ## Missing your neighborhood? Tell us where you're looking. We'll start tracking prices within 24 hours. [Get Started](https://average-rent.com/request/)