Bedroom count
Property type
Last updated on November 13, 2026
Average rent in
San Marcos, TX
Average rent in
Last updated on November 13, 2026
Bedroom count
Property type
Key takeaways for renters
The bottom line
San Marcos, TX rent slipped 11.2% year over year, with a current median of $1,310/month. Renters today are paying $164 less per month on average than last year as the market continues to cool from its 2024 peak.
Compared to national trends
San Marcos is 31.0% more affordable than the $1,900/month national median, offering a more accessible rental market for those seeking value in Texas.
Price ranges
Studios rent for $595/month, 1-bedrooms for $1,052/month, and 2-bedrooms for $1,125/month. Larger units include 3-bedrooms at $1,600/month and 4+ bedrooms at $1,999/month. This range reflects the variety of options available across bedroom sizes.
Neighborhood spotlight
Sunset Acres saw rents climb 114.2% year over year to $1,450/month, contrasting with the citywide decline. This neighborhood's rise shows localized strength amid broader market cooling.
Median rent
Median rent in San Marcos
$1,310/mo
11%vs previous year
The average rent in San Marcos is $1,310 per month as of November 2026. This is 31% below the national average rent, or $589 less per month.
average price per square foot
Total rentals
Available rentals in San Marcos
227
for rent on Zumper.com as of November 2026
Rent price distribution
Share of San Marcos rentals at each price point
Rent trends in San Marcos, TX
Average rent prices in San Marcos have decreased by 2% over the last month and have decreased by 11% since last year.
Rent trends
Rent prices on this page are calculated on a rolling 30-day basis and updated daily.
Compare rent prices in
San Marcos, TX
Rent prices in San Marcos vary by bedroom size, rental type, and neighborhood. The average rent for an apartment in San Marcos is $1,199, whereas a house costs $1,750. 1-bedroom apartments in San Marcos run $1,104 on average, while 2-bedroom apartments are $1,099.
Listings | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Studio | $595 | No Change | 42% | |
1 bedroom | $1,051 | 2% | 11% | |
2 bedroom | $1,125 | No Change | 17% | |
3 bedroom | $1,600 | 2% | 11% | |
4 bedroom | $1,999 | 4% | 7% |
Listings | ||
|---|---|---|
Alamo | $1,099 | |
Blanco Gardens | $1,175 | |
Downtown San Marcos | $1,225 | |
Dunbar | $1,200 | |
Forest Hills | $1,097 | |
Heritage | $1,099 | |
Hughson Heights | $1,149 | |
Millview East | $1,070 | |
Southwest Hills | $1,325 | |
Westover | $1,322 |
Listings | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Apartments | $1,199 | No Change | 3% | |
Condos | $1,112 | 11% | 26% | |
Houses | $1,750 | No Change | 5% | |
Rooms | $774 | No Change | - |
Studio
Average rent
$595
Last year
42%
1 bedroom
Average rent
$1,051
Last 30 days
2%
Last year
11%
2 bedroom
Average rent
$1,125
Last year
17%
3 bedroom
Average rent
$1,600
Last 30 days
2%
Last year
11%
4 bedroom
Average rent
$1,999
Last 30 days
4%
Last year
7%
Heritage
Average rent
$1,099
Hughson Heights
Average rent
$1,149
Southwest Hills
Average rent
$1,325
Blanco Gardens
Average rent
$1,175
Westover
Average rent
$1,322
Millview East
Average rent
$1,070
Forest Hills
Average rent
$1,097
Dunbar
Average rent
$1,200
Alamo
Average rent
$1,099
Downtown San Marcos
Average rent
$1,225
Apartments
Average rent
$1,199
Last year
3%
Condos
Average rent
$1,112
Last 30 days
11%
Last year
26%
Houses
Average rent
$1,750
Last year
5%
Rooms
Average rent
$774
The table above reflects average rent prices in San Marcos, TX, broken down by the number of bedrooms, neighborhoods, and property types. The availability of data for each category is dependent on market inventory and will adjust depending on your selected filters.
How does rent in San Marcos, TX compare to other cities?
Compare median rent prices in San Marcos and Austin by all bedroom counts and property types.
San Marcos
31%lower than the national median
16%lower than the national median
Takeaway
The median rent for all rentals in San Marcos, TX is 18% lower than the median rent in Austin, TX.
Average rent in nearby cities
Explore rent trends in neighboring markets
$1,600
11%$1,814
1%$1,800
3%$1,665
1%$1,487
7%$2,350
22%$1,294
29%$1,485
4%$1,700
$1,775
5%$1,499
$1,350
27%Cost of living in San Marcos, TX
Explore the cost of essential expenses, and then use our rent calculator to find out how much rent you can afford.
Expenses accrued by most renters | Average cost compared to national average |
|---|---|
| Goods & Services | 12% lower |
| Groceries | 7% lower |
| Health | 8% lower |
| Housing | 26% lower |
| Transportation | 9% lower |
| Utilities | 11% lower |
Discover rentals in San Marcos, TX
2d ago
1654 Post Rd, San Marcos, TX 78666
2 beds
2 baths
$550–$590
Total Monthly Price. The price shown includes base rent and all known required monthly fees, based on information provided by the property.Apartment for rent
2d ago
Verified
1651 Post Rd, San Marcos, TX 78666
2–4 beds
2–4 baths
$599–$649
Fees may apply. The price shown reflects base rent. Complete fee information is not available from the property, so additional fees may increase the total monthly cost.Apartment for rent
5d+ ago
129 Pavonia Ct, San Marcos, TX 78666
1–4 beds
1–2 baths
$641–$2,148
Additional fees apply. The price shown reflects base rent. Based on information provided by the property, additional fees may apply, but no required monthly charges have been confirmed. See all fees for details.Apartment for rent
1d ago
Verified
225 Ramsay St, San Marcos, TX 78666
2–3 beds
2–3 baths
$679–$700
Fees may apply. The price shown reflects base rent. Complete fee information is not available from the property, so additional fees may increase the total monthly cost.Apartment for rent
5d+ ago
Apartment for rent in San Marcos
1301 Leah Ave #3101, San Marcos, TX 78666
2 beds
2 baths
$3,250
Fees may apply. The price shown reflects base rent. Complete fee information is not available from the property, so additional fees may increase the total monthly cost.Apartment for rent
Available Jul 11
5d+ ago
Apartment for rent in San Marcos
1301 Leah Ave #1307, San Marcos, TX 78666
2 beds
2 baths
$3,250
Fees may apply. The price shown reflects base rent. Complete fee information is not available from the property, so additional fees may increase the total monthly cost.Apartment for rent
Available Jul 11
5d+ ago
House for rent in San Marcos
1850 Camino Alto #NA, San Marcos, TX 78666
3 beds
2 baths
$2,950
Price dropped $145Additional fees apply. The price shown reflects base rent. Based on information provided by the property, additional fees may apply, but no required monthly charges have been confirmed. See all fees for details.House for rent
Available Oct 12
3d ago
Rio Vista house for rent in San Marcos
115 Riviera St #1, San Marcos, TX 78666
2 beds
2 baths
$2,800
Fees may apply. The price shown reflects base rent. Complete fee information is not available from the property, so additional fees may increase the total monthly cost.House for rent
Available Nov 9
9h ago
Verified
1635 Aquarena Springs Dr, San Marcos, TX 78666
Studio
1 bath
$595–$704
Additional fees apply. The price shown reflects base rent. Based on information provided by the property, additional fees may apply, but no required monthly charges have been confirmed. See all fees for details.Apartment for rent
11h ago
Verified
1041 1041 Vervain Rd, San Marcos, TX 78666
1–3 beds
1–2 baths
$905–$1,506
Additional fees apply. The price shown reflects base rent. Based on information provided by the property, additional fees may apply, but no required monthly charges have been confirmed. See all fees for details.Apartment for rent
13h ago
Verified
834 Cottonwood Pkwy, San Marcos, TX 78666
Studio–3 beds
1–2 baths
$1,164–$1,549
Total Monthly Price. The price shown reflects a 6-month lease and includes base rent and all known required monthly fees, based on information provided by the property.Apartment for rent
22h ago
Verified
1350 Sadler Dr, San Marcos, TX 78666
1–3 beds
1–2 baths
$1,141–$1,729
Total Monthly Price. The price shown reflects a 15-month lease and includes base rent and all known required monthly fees, based on information provided by the property.Apartment for rent
9h ago
Verified
1635 Aquarena Springs Dr, San Marcos, TX 78666
Studio
1 bath
$595–$704
Additional fees apply. The price shown reflects base rent. Based on information provided by the property, additional fees may apply, but no required monthly charges have been confirmed. See all fees for details.Apartment for rent
11h ago
Verified
1041 1041 Vervain Rd, San Marcos, TX 78666
1–3 beds
1–2 baths
$905–$1,506
Additional fees apply. The price shown reflects base rent. Based on information provided by the property, additional fees may apply, but no required monthly charges have been confirmed. See all fees for details.Apartment for rent
22h ago
Verified
1350 Sadler Dr, San Marcos, TX 78666
1–3 beds
1–2 baths
$1,141–$1,729
Total Monthly Price. The price shown reflects a 15-month lease and includes base rent and all known required monthly fees, based on information provided by the property.Apartment for rent
13h ago
Verified
834 Cottonwood Pkwy, San Marcos, TX 78666
Studio–3 beds
1–2 baths
$1,164–$1,549
Total Monthly Price. The price shown reflects a 6-month lease and includes base rent and all known required monthly fees, based on information provided by the property.Apartment for rent
11h ago
Verified
1041 1041 Vervain Rd, San Marcos, TX 78666
1–3 beds
1–2 baths
$905–$1,506
Additional fees apply. The price shown reflects base rent. Based on information provided by the property, additional fees may apply, but no required monthly charges have been confirmed. See all fees for details.Apartment for rent
13h ago
Verified
834 Cottonwood Pkwy, San Marcos, TX 78666
Studio–3 beds
1–2 baths
$1,164–$1,549
Total Monthly Price. The price shown reflects a 6-month lease and includes base rent and all known required monthly fees, based on information provided by the property.Apartment for rent
22h ago
Verified
1350 Sadler Dr, San Marcos, TX 78666
1–3 beds
1–2 baths
$1,141–$1,729
Total Monthly Price. The price shown reflects a 15-month lease and includes base rent and all known required monthly fees, based on information provided by the property.Apartment for rent
2d ago
Verified
1651 Post Rd, San Marcos, TX 78666
2–4 beds
2–4 baths
$599–$649
Fees may apply. The price shown reflects base rent. Complete fee information is not available from the property, so additional fees may increase the total monthly cost.Apartment for rent
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Frequently asked questions for San Marcos, TX
Quick answers to common questions about the San Marcos rental market.
How much is rent in San Marcos?
The average rent in San Marcos is $1,310 per month as of November 7, 2026.
Is rent up or down in San Marcos?
Average rent prices in San Marcos have decreased by 2% over the last month and have decreased by 11% since last year.
How does San Marcos rent compare to the national average?
Rent in San Marcos is 31% below the national average, which means renters are paying approximately $589 less per month.
Which neighborhoods are most affordable in San Marcos?
The most affordable neighborhoods in San Marcos are Millview East ($1,070/mo), Forest Hills ($1,097/mo), and Heritage ($1,099/mo).
What salary do I need to afford rent in San Marcos?
To comfortably afford rent in San Marcos, you'd need to earn approximately $52,000/year, based on spending no more than 30% of your income on rent.
When is the best time of year to rent in San Marcos?
April offers the best timing for apartment hunting in San Marcos, with rents running about 5.7% lower than peak July prices. March and April also see higher competition but December tends to be the least competitive month overall.
Methodology
Rent prices are based on Zumper's rental listings from the past 30 days. Median rent is calculated across all available listings and property types on the platform. If you filter the page by bedroom count or property type, the pricing throughout the page will update automatically to reflect that segment of the rental market.
Household and population data come from the U.S. Census Bureau. Cost-of-living data is sourced from the Council for Community and Economic Research's Cost of Living Index (COLI).