Average Rent in San Marcos, CA

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Current Versus Historical San Marcos, CA Rents

San Marcos rentals average $3,900 for a 1-bedroom rental to $5,650 for a 4-bedroom rental. The median price of all currently available listings is $4,100, or roughly $30 per square feet.

For the apartment units and housing in July 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 $1,389 (55.33%) year-over-year from $2,511 to $3,900. 2-bedroom rentals prices have decreased by $66 (-2.01%) year-over-year from $3,265 to $3,200. 3-bedroom rentals prices have increased by $81 (2.13%) year-over-year from $3,792 to $3,873. 4-bedroom rentals prices have increased by $638 (12.74%) year-over-year from $5,012 to $5,650. 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 13.59% this month. 2-bedroom rents have gone up by 0.30% this month. 3-bedroom rents have gone down by 3.75% this month. 4-bedroom rents have gone down by 2.28% this month.

Beds	Price / Sqft	Jul 2026 Rent	1 Yr Ago Rent (% +/-)	3 Yr Ago Rent (% +/-)
1 BR	$70.91	$3,900	$2,511 (55.33%)	$2,373 (64.33%)
2 BR	$33.07	$3,200	$3,265 (-2.01%)	$2,976 (7.52%)
3 BR	$30.91	$3,873	$3,792 (2.13%)	$3,656 (5.94%)
4+ BR	$25.02	$5,650	$5,012 (12.74%)	$5,167 (9.35%)

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 3 cities nearby San Marcos. The average rent in San Marcos is currently $4,598 per month. Only one city nearby has an average rent lower than that. Our records show that Oceanside, CA, with an average rent of $4,000, is the most affordable city nearby. In contrast, the most expensive city near San Marcos, CA is Encinitas, CA. Monthly rents here are on average $9,448 per month.

Let's compare San Marcos, CA's rent against other top cities nearby by bedroom size. One bedrooms are about 32.05% more expensive. Two bedrooms in San Marcos, CA are about 32.77% more affordable. Finally, rent for three bedrooms are about 40.74% more affordable. Want more information? Check out the top 3 cities near San Marcos, CA in the following table.

City	Studio	1 Bed	2 Bed	All
Oceanside, CA	N/A	$2,095	$3,200	$4,000
Carlsbad, CA	N/A	$2,650	$3,950	$4,598
Encinitas, CA	$2,000	$4,750	$4,850	$9,448

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

There is one zipcode in or near San Marcos, CA. The average rent for this zipcode is $5,325.

The following table includes the zipcode in or near San Marcos, CA. You can view the average rent breakdown for each zipcode by bedroom size.

Zipcode	Studio	1 Bed	2 Bed	All
92130, San Diego, CA	N/A	$3,226	$3,900	$5,325

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 $4,100. 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 $3,900 and an average price per square feet of $70.91. There are a total of 1 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 $2,975 and an average price per square feet of $33.07. 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 0.55%, two bedroom rental prices have changed by -0.02%, three bedroom rental prices have changed by 0.02% year-over-year.

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

A reasonable rent price in San Marcos, CA is around $3,280/month. You can search for these reasonably priced rental listings on RentHop.