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ZIP Code · CA

ZIP 92078

Pop. 53,605·San Diego County·231st most expensive ZIP in California
Median rent (all units)
$3,352/mo
Year-over-Year
+7.2%
Month-over-Month
+2.4%
vs US Median
+$1,387
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
ZIP 92078 · $3,352
More expensive than 94% of US ZIP codes · National median $1,965/mo
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Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$2,580
1 BR
$2,770
2 BR
$3,380
3 BR
$4,500
4 BR+
$5,460
Research median
$3,380/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost
$40,224/yr
At $3,352/mo median
Location
StateCA
CountySan Diego County
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 7.2% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+7.2% YoY, +2.4% MoM), not inventory.
Demographics

Who lives here

ZIP 92078 (San Marcos, CA) is majority owner-occupied, has a median income above the national average, 49.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
53,605
Median income
$120,268
Median age
38.8
Renters
28%
Age distribution
24.7%
19.7%
26.9%
17%
Under 1824.7%
18–3419.7%
35–5426.9%
55–6411.6%
65+17%
Gender
48.7%
51.3%
Male48.7%
Female51.3%
Race & ethnicity
57.7%
27.7%
12.1%
White57.7%
Black1%
Hispanic27.7%
Asian12.1%
Other1.4%
Education (25+)
12.4%
31%
49.2%
No HS diploma7.4%
HS diploma12.4%
Some college31%
Bachelor's+49.2%
Housing tenure
72%
28%
Owner72%
Renter28%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2021 vs 2026

How ZIP 92078 in San Marcos, CA has changed in 5 years

Rent
$2,419 → $3,352
up 38.6%
Income
$97,908 → $120,268
up 22.8%
Population
53,247 → 53,605
up 0.7%
Renter share
29.8% → 28%
-1.8 pts
Bachelor's+
47.9% → 49.2%
+1.3 pts
Median age
37.5 → 38.8
+1.3 yrs

Across the past five years, the going rent in ZIP 92078 in San Marcos, CA has shifted from $2,419 to $3,352, up 38.6% since 2021. Household income in the area moved from $97,908 to $120,268 across the same window, up 22.8% versus 2021. Because rent grew faster than wages over the same span, the affordability picture has tightened relative to 2021. The renter share has eased from 29.8% to 28%, with owner-occupied housing accounting for the remainder. Reading these numbers side by side helps frame whether current listings in ZIP 92078 in San Marcos, CA look reasonable against where the market sat half a decade ago.

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Local insights

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About renting in ZIP 92078

Last updated: July 20, 2026

ZIP code 92078 covers San Marcos, CA. The median rent here is $3,352/mo as of July 2026. A 1-bedroom rents for a median of $2,770/mo. A 2-bedroom rents for a median of $3,380/mo.

At 33% of local median household income ($120,268/yr), ZIP 92078 ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 7.2% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How much is rent in ZIP code 92078?

As of July 20, 2026, the median monthly rent in ZIP 92078 (San Marcos, CA) is $3,352. This is based on aggregated data from public sources and community submissions.

How does ZIP 92078 rent compare to the US average?

ZIP 92078's median rent of $3,352/mo is $1,387 (71%) above the US national median of $1,965/mo.

How does ZIP 92078 compare to other ZIPs in California?

ZIP 92078 is one of the pricier ZIP codes in California, ranking #231 out of 907 ZIPs tracked at $3,352/mo.

How much income do you need to rent in ZIP 92078?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $134,000/year (~$64/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $3,352/mo in ZIP 92078. The local median household income is $120,268/yr, meaning the typical household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in ZIP 92078?

Rent in ZIP 92078 has increased 7.2% over the past year as of July 20, 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

Is ZIP 92078 an affordable place to rent?

ZIP 92078 is considered moderate for renters. At $3,352/mo, rent takes approximately 33% of the local median household income ($120,268/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. ZIP 92078 slightly exceeds that threshold, so budgeting carefully matters here.

What percentage of ZIP 92078 residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 28% of ZIP 92078 households are renters, while 72% are owner-occupied. ZIP 92078 leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does ZIP 92078 compare to the rest of San Marcos?

ZIP 92078 is pricier than San Marcos as a whole. At $3,352/mo, it's $94 above the San Marcos citywide median of $3,258/mo.

When was rent data for ZIP 92078 last updated?

Rent data for ZIP 92078 reflects July 20, 2026. RentDataNow refreshes all data monthly using public and private datasets.
Income Affordability
33%
MODERATE

At $3,352/mo, rent takes ~33% of ZIP 92078's median household income ($120,268/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

ZIP 92078 33%Benchmark 30%
State income tax1–13.3%
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Schools nearby

Public schools near ZIP 92078 (San Marcos, CA)

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