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Cheap Apartments for Rent in San Mateo, CA from $1,600 (77 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in San Mateo.
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Country Club Apartments
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Fourth Circle
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De Sabla Apartments
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155 North El Camino Real, Unit 21
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Park Central
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Ambassador Apartments
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Royal Pines
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Lakeview Garden
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Madison Place
San Francisco's Best Affordable Neighborhoods
Learn about San Francisco and the best places to live with original content written by our San Francisco, CA Local Expert Shannon Hilson
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South Delaware Apartments
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Furnished Studio - San Mateo
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Fiesta Apartments
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Creekside
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Apartment in San Carlos Creek
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Tradewind Surf Apartments
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1128 Broadway, Unit Apartment#2
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Alta off the Avenue
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Bellevue Apartments
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The Riley at Belmont Hills
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1224 El Camino Real, Unit 4
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The Madison Belmont
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eaves Foster City
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Beachcomber Bali
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Village Court Apartments
San Mateo, CA Local Guide
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How much does it cost to rent an apartment in San Mateo?
Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
---|---|---|---|
Cheap San Mateo Studio Apartments | $2,596 | $1,895 | $3,461 |
Cheap San Mateo 1 Bedroom Apartments | $3,195 | $2,300 | $7,416 |
Cheap San Mateo 2 Bedroom Apartments | $4,296 | $2,475 | $8,401 |
Cheap San Mateo 3 Bedroom Apartments | $5,378 | $3,140 | $10,000+ |
Browse Top Apartments in San Mateo
See all Apartments in San MateoExplore San Mateo
San Mateo, CA Local Guide
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- San Mateo Neighborhoods
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Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in San Mateo, CA
Pricing Updated: 02/26/2025Current apartment rentals in the San Mateo, CA area range in price from to with an overall median price of . Here is today’s list neighborhoods with the lowest median pricing for San Mateo Apartments for rent:
Neighborhood | Median Price | Min Price | Available Units |
---|---|---|---|
Baywood Aragon | $3,525 | $2,300 | 2073 |
North Central | $3,649 | $2,000 | 3603 |
Cheapest Available San Mateo Apartments for Rent
 The cheapest available apartment rental in San Mateo, CA is a Studio unit found at Apartment in San Carlos Creek in the McDougal neighborhood priced from $1,950. Country Club Apartments in the Central San Mateo neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $2,050. Here is today’s list of the most affordable San Mateo apartments for rent:
Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
---|---|---|---|
Apartment in San Carlos Creek | 0BR/1.0BA | Studio,1BA | $1,950 |
Country Club Apartments | Studio | Studio,1BA | $2,050 |
Bonnie Brae Terrace | Studio | Studio,1BA | $2,073 |
The Riley at Belmont Hills | Studio | Studio,1BA | $2,313 |
De Sabla Apartments | Edgewood | 1BR,1BA | $2,320 |
Ambassador Apartments | 1x1 | 1BR,1BA | $2,325 |
Royal Pines | 1 Bed 1 Bath | 1BR,1BA | $2,350 |
Andalusia at Chestnut | 1x1 | 1BR,1BA | $2,395 |
Arlington | 302 | Studio,1BA | $2,395 |
The Preston at Hillsdale | Studio | Studio,1BA | $2,395 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in San Mateo, CA
As of February 26, 2025 the best value apartment in the San Mateo area is the $3.07 price per square foot 2 Bed 2 Bath Model at Belmont Terrace in the in the Western Hills neighborhood starting from $3,589. The second greatest value San Mateo apartment is the Hot Springs Model at Hillside Gardens starting at $3,250 with a $2.95 price per square foot in the Western Hills neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for San Mateo apartments based on price per square foot:
Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
---|---|---|---|
Belmont Terrace | 2 Bed 2 Bath | 2BR,2BA | $3.07 |
Hillside Gardens | Hot Springs | 2BR,1.5BA | $2.95 |
West 5th | 2 Bedroom D | 2BR,2BA | $3.10 |
Ralston at Belmont | TMA 2+2 | 2BR,2BA | $3.17 |
969 E St | 2x1 | 2BR,1BA | $2.85 |
Belmont Square Apartments | 2x2 w/d | 2BR,2BA | $3.00 |
Village Court Apartments | 2 Bedroom 1 Bath | 2BR,1BA | $2.48 |
Old County Road Apartments | 1 Bed 1 Bath | 1BR,1BA | $2.99 |
1015 Continentals (Casa Belview) | 1BR/1.0BA | 1BR,1BA | $3.19 |
Royal Pines | 1 Bed 1 Bath | 1BR,1BA | $3.13 |
Quick Rent Budget Calculator
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San Mateo Overview
San Mateo is a warm, welcoming city with down-to-earth people from all walks of life. Easy access to big cities and beautiful vacation destinations makes San Mateo a perfect place to raise a family, start a career, or anything in between.
Why live in San Mateo, CA?
San Mateo is great for those who don't want to deal with the burdens of a big city, but who would also like access to the big cities when needed. 35 minutes south and you'll end up in San Jose, or head 30 minutes north to the beautiful city of San Francisco. That's not to say San Mateo doesn't have its own impressive amenities. Downtown you'll find over 200 restaurants to choose from for a night of great food and entertainment. On top of all that, the San Mateo school district is one of the best around, with parents raving about great teachers.
Pet Friendly LifestyleSan Mateo, CA
Ranked #86
Among cities in California for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities
Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score
2.5Pet Friendly
Best Local Schools in San Mateo, CA
George Hall Elementary
Parkside Montessori
School data provided by Great Schools
Remember the 3 Rules of Real Estate:Location, Location, Location!
Explore San Mateo, CA Rentals by Map
See the most popular apartments and homes in San Mateo, CA
Getting Around San Mateo, CA
Walk Score®
85 / 100
Very Walkable
Most errands can be accomplished on foot
Bike Score®
73 / 100
Very Bikeable
Biking is convenient for most trips
Transit Score®
42 / 100
Some Transit
A few nearby public transportation options
What Are Walk Score®, Transit Score®, and Bike Score® Ratings?
- Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address.
- Transit Score® measures access to public transit.
- Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap San Mateo Apartments
What is the Cheapest Studio apartment in San Mateo?
Currently the most affordable Cheap Studio Apartment in San Mateo is at Apartment in San Carlos Creek listed at $1,950.
How much is rent for a Cheap One Bedroom San Mateo Apartment?
The lowest price for a Cheap One Bedroom San Mateo Apartment is $2,320 at De Sabla Apartments.
What is the lowest price for a Cheap Two Bedroom San Mateo Apartment for rent?
Today's best deal for a Cheap Two Bedroom Apartment in San Mateo is starting from $2,475 at Village Court Apartments.
What is the most affordable San Mateo Three Bedroom Apartment?
The best deal on a cheap San Mateo Three Bedroom Apartment rental is at Bay Terrace and starts from $3,223.
Expert Rental Resources
Helpful Apartment Articles, How-To's and Tips
The rental experts at ApartmentHomeLiving.com provide you with top advice, tools, and tips for understanding the leasing process and finding the perfect rental. Here are a few helpful rental and leasing articles from our experts to guide you on your search.
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A San Francisco Local Expert’s Guide to the Top Budget-Friendly Bay Area Neighborhoods to Rent
Written by: Shannon Hilson
If you’re anything like me, the thought of San Francisco is synonymous with concepts like creativity, character, and quirky local style.
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Understanding Amenity Fees: Know Where You Might Be Able to Save Money
Written by: Amber Kanuckel
With the rising costs of housing, a lot of renters are asking this question: Is it possible to opt out of various amenities that your rental property offers so that you can avoid paying the fees.
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What to Know About Fees and Fines When Renting
Written by: Trey Huguley
When it comes to renting a new apartment or home there can be a number of fees that you will want to keep in mind going into the process.
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How Your Move-In Inspection Can Protect Your Security Deposit
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
If you’re anything like most people, housing costs represent a huge chunk of your monthly budget. On top of that, moving can be both a stressful and expensive affair.