Cheap Apartments for Rent in San Mateo, CA from $1,600 (77 Rentals)

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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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116 Elm St
1 Bedroom Apartments

116 Elm St

116 Elm StSan Mateo, CA 94401
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816 Highland Ave
1 Bedroom Apartments

816 Highland Ave

816 Highland AveSan Mateo, CA 94401
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Oakview
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Oakview

3135 Campus DrSan Mateo, CA 94403
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Kiku Crossing
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Kiku Crossing

480 E 4th AveSan Mateo, CA 94401
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227 Elm St
1 Bedroom Apartments

227 Elm St

227 Elm StSan Mateo, CA 94401
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130-132 Dartmouth Rd
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

130-132 Dartmouth Rd

130-132 Dartmouth RdSan Mateo, CA 94402
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Gateway Apartments
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Gateway Apartments

438 N El Camino RealSan Mateo, CA 94401
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111 Elm St
1 Bedroom Apartments

111 Elm St

111 Elm StSan Mateo, CA 94401
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1113 Haddon Dr
1 Bedroom Apartments

1113 Haddon Dr

1113 Haddon DrSan Mateo, CA 94402
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1109 Haddon Dr
1 Bedroom Apartments

1109 Haddon Dr

1109 Haddon DrSan Mateo, CA 94402
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Terrace Hills
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Terrace Hills

619 N San Mateo DrSan Mateo, CA 94401
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Park Royal Apartments
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Park Royal Apartments

651 N El Camino RealSan Mateo, CA 94401
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San Mateo, CA Local Guide

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Written By:
Staff Writer
Local Guide Expert

Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in San Mateo, CA

Pricing Updated: 02/26/2025

Current 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:

NeighborhoodMedian PriceMin PriceAvailable Units
Baywood Aragon$3,525$2,3002073
North Central$3,649$2,0003603

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 ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Apartment in San Carlos Creek0BR/1.0BAStudio,1BA$1,950
Country Club ApartmentsStudioStudio,1BA$2,050
Bonnie Brae TerraceStudioStudio,1BA$2,073
The Riley at Belmont HillsStudioStudio,1BA$2,313
De Sabla ApartmentsEdgewood1BR,1BA$2,320
Ambassador Apartments1x11BR,1BA$2,325
Royal Pines1 Bed 1 Bath1BR,1BA$2,350
Andalusia at Chestnut1x11BR,1BA$2,395
Arlington302Studio,1BA$2,395
The Preston at HillsdaleStudioStudio,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 ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
Belmont Terrace2 Bed 2 Bath2BR,2BA$3.07
Hillside GardensHot Springs2BR,1.5BA$2.95
West 5th2 Bedroom D2BR,2BA$3.10
Ralston at BelmontTMA 2+22BR,2BA$3.17
969 E St2x12BR,1BA$2.85
Belmont Square Apartments2x2 w/d2BR,2BA$3.00
Village Court Apartments2 Bedroom 1 Bath2BR,1BA$2.48
Old County Road Apartments1 Bed 1 Bath1BR,1BA$2.99
1015 Continentals (Casa Belview)1BR/1.0BA1BR,1BA$3.19
Royal Pines1 Bed 1 Bath1BR,1BA$3.13

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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 Lifestyle
San Mateo, CA

Ranked #86

Among cities in California for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities

Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score

2.5
Pet Friendly

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Remember the 3 Rules of Real Estate:
Location, Location, Location!

Explore San Mateo, CA Rentals by Map

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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

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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