Average Rent in San Marcos, CA

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Current Versus Historical San Marcos, CA Rents

San Marcos rentals average $3,800 for a 1-bedroom rental to $5,995 for a 4-bedroom rental. The median price of all currently available listings is $4,200, or roughly $33 per square feet.

For the apartment units and housing in June 2026, median rents have risen substantially over the last year. Studio rentals prices have increased by $0 (0.00%) year-over-year from $14,198 to $14,198. 1-bedroom rentals prices have increased by $1,688 (76.27%) year-over-year from $2,213 to $3,900. 2-bedroom rentals prices have increased by $30 (0.95%) year-over-year from $3,165 to $3,195. 3-bedroom rentals prices have decreased by $122 (-3.11%) year-over-year from $3,917 to $3,795. 4-bedroom rentals prices have increased by $1,763 (35.03%) year-over-year from $5,032 to $6,795. Note that this figure includes all active and rented listings throughout the month.

Month-to-month, seasonality might have a bigger impact than overall trend price changes. Studio rents have gone down by 0.00% this month. 1-bedroom rents have gone up by 33.03% this month. 2-bedroom rents have gone down by 0.83% this month. 3-bedroom rents have gone down by 3.07% this month. 4-bedroom rents have gone up by 7.79% this month.

Beds	Price / Sqft	Jun 2026 Rent	1 Yr Ago Rent (% +/-)	3 Yr Ago Rent (% +/-)
1 BR	$69.09	$3,900	$2,213 (76.27%)	$2,423 (60.94%)
2 BR	$38.32	$3,195	$3,165 (0.95%)	$2,909 (9.83%)
3 BR	$31.14	$3,795	$3,917 (-3.11%)	$3,623 (4.74%)
4+ BR	$23.83	$6,795	$5,032 (35.03%)	$5,117 (32.80%)

Historical Rents in San Marcos, CA

Studio

1 Bed

2 Bed

3 Bed

4 Bed

Top Cities Near San Marcos

There are a total of 2 cities nearby San Marcos. The average rent in San Marcos is currently $5,025 per month. Only one city nearby has an average rent lower than that. Our records show that Oceanside, CA, with an average rent of $4,200, is the most affordable city nearby. In contrast, the most expensive city near San Marcos, CA is Carlsbad, CA. Monthly rents here are on average $5,850 per month.

Let's compare San Marcos, CA's rent against other top cities nearby by bedroom size. One bedrooms are about 24.67% more expensive. Two bedrooms in San Marcos, CA are about 37.03% more affordable. Finally, rent for three bedrooms are about 47.53% more affordable. Want more information? Check out the top 2 cities near San Marcos, CA in the following table.

City	Studio	1 Bed	2 Bed	All
Oceanside, CA	$2,395	$2,425	$4,400	$4,200
Carlsbad, CA	N/A	$3,300	$4,500	$5,850

Top Neighborhoods Near San Marcos

Neighborhood	Studio	1 Bed	2 Bed	All

Top Counties Near San Marcos

County	Studio	1 Bed	2 Bed	All

Top Zipcodes Near San Marcos

Zipcode	Studio	1 Bed	2 Bed	All

Frequently Asked Questions - San Marcos Average Rents

What is the average rent price in San Marcos, CA?

The average monthly rental price for San Marcos, CA apartments for rent is approximately $4,200. This calculation takes into consideration rental listings of varying bedroom/bathroom sizes, building types, and locations.

Do San Marcos, CA rent prices drop in winter?

Yes! On average we see a 3.4% drop in rental prices between the peak summer months and the slower winter months. With the added bonus of decreased competition from other renters looking to move, winter is generally considered the best time of the year to find an apartment for rent in San Marcos, CA.

How much is a one bedroom apartment in San Marcos, CA?

The average monthly rental price for one bedroom apartments is $3,800 and an average price per square feet of $69.09. There are a total of 3 one bedroom apartment listings currently available for rent in San Marcos.

How much is a two bedroom apartment in San Marcos, CA?

The average monthly rental price for two bedroom apartments is $3,248 and an average price per square feet of $38.32. There are a total of 6 two bedroom apartment listings currently available for rent in San Marcos.

How have rent prices in San Marcos, CA changed this year?

Rent prices for rentals in San Marcos, CA can fluctuate yearly. Specifically, studio rental prices have changed by 0.00%, one bedroom rental prices have changed by 0.76%, two bedroom rental prices have changed by 0.01%, three bedroom rental prices have changed by -0.03% year-over-year.

What is a reasonable rent price in San Marcos, CA?

A reasonable rent price in San Marcos, CA is around $3,360/month. You can search for these reasonably priced rental listings on RentHop.