Cheap Apartments for Rent in Hillsborough, CA from $1,300 (47 Rentals)

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Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in Hillsborough.

Roommate Matching: Finding the Right Fit and Avoiding Pitfalls

When searching for a roommate, follow this list of essential steps and set clear expectations to create a solid foundation for a harmonious living situation.

The Art of the Rental Viewing: What to look for during a property tour

Touring a rental? This guide helps you know exactly what to look for, from safety features to hidden flaws, so you can confidently sign your lease or keep searching.

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Brickline Flats
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

Brickline Flats

303 Baldwin AveSan Mateo, CA 94401
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116 Elm St
1 Bedroom Apartments

116 Elm St

116 Elm StSan Mateo, CA 94401
  • Utilities Included
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1133-1129 Rhinette Ave
1 Bedroom Apartments

1133-1129 Rhinette Ave

1133-1129 Rhinette AveBurlingame, CA 94010
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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
  • Utilities Included

Smart Renter's Guide: Calculating Affordable Rent & Housing Costs

Wondering how to determine your rental budget? This comprehensive guide covers everything from the 30% rule to hidden fees and effective budgeting strategies.

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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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Highland Apartments
Studio Apartments

Highland Apartments

115 Highland AveBurlingame, CA 94010
  • Utilities Included
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1726 Sequoia Ave
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

1726 Sequoia Ave

1726 Sequoia AveBurlingame, CA 94010
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130-132 Dartmouth Rd
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

130-132 Dartmouth Rd

130-132 Dartmouth RdSan Mateo, CA 94402
  • Utilities Included
  • Smoke Free
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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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Park Central
1 Bedroom Apartments

Park Central

724 Laurel AveSan Mateo, CA 94401

Navigating the Rental Market: Tips for First-Time Renters

Entering the rental market? Learn these simple tips and strategies to avoid common pitfalls and make confident choices. Rent with peace of mind.

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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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128 Lorton Ave
2 Bedroom Apartments

128 Lorton Ave

128 Lorton AveBurlingame, CA 94010
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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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433 Turner Terrace
1 Bedroom Apartments

433 Turner Terrace

433 Turner TerSan Mateo, CA 94401
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960 Palm
1 Bedroom Apartments

960 Palm

960 Palm AveSan Mateo, CA 94401
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Florigrove Apartments
1 Bedroom Apartments

Florigrove Apartments

1419-1421 Oak Grove AveBurlingame, CA 94010
  • Utilities Included

Hillsborough, CA Local Guide

Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in Hillsborough, CA

Pricing Updated: 06/09/2025

Current apartment rentals in the Hillsborough, 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 Hillsborough Apartments for rent:

NeighborhoodMedian PriceMin PriceAvailable Units
Brewer Subdivision$4,870$2,32551

Cheapest Available Hillsborough Apartments for Rent and Nearby

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in Hillsborough, CA is a Studio unit found at The Lamplighter Apartments in the Millbrae Meadows neighborhood priced from $2,000. Alta off the Avenue in the Central San Mateo neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $2,195. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Hillsborough apartments for rent:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
The Lamplighter ApartmentsStudio, 1 bathStudio,1BA$2,000
Alta off the Avenue0BR/1.0BAStudio,1BA$2,195
Villa Tuscany Apartment Homes1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$2,245
1950 Ivy St1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$2,275
Ambassador Apartments1x11BR,1BA$2,325
De Sabla ApartmentsSkylineStudio,1BA$2,400
Colonial Garden ApartmentsPlan 11BR,1BA$2,474
Ryan TowerStudioStudio,1BA$2,525
Station 16 ApartmentsResidence S2 AffordableStudio,1BA$2,633
Royal Pines2 Bed 1 Bath2BR,1BA$2,695

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Hillsborough, CA and Nearby

As of June 09, 2025 the best value apartment in the Hillsborough area is the $3.26 price per square foot Single Family House Model at 2801 Hillside Dr in the in the San Mateo Park neighborhood starting from $7,500. The second greatest value Hillsborough apartment is the 2 Bedrooms + Family Room Model at 718 N Claremont St starting at $3,200 with a $2.67 price per square foot in the Central San Mateo neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Hillsborough apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
2801 Hillside DrSingle Family House4BR,3BA$3.26
718 N Claremont St2 Bedrooms + Family Room2BR,1BA$2.67
Hillside GardensHot Springs2BR,1.5BA$2.95
645 Rollins Rd, Unit 3645 Rollins Rd2BR,1.5BA$3.26
1501 E 3rd Ave, Unit 31501 E 3rd Ave2BR,1BA$2.85
111 Elm St2 bed 1 bath2BR,1BA$3.44
Royal Pines2 Bed 1 Bath2BR,1BA$3.17
The Lamplighter Apartments1 Bed, 1 bath1BR,1BA$3.24
One Three Four Elm Apartments1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$3.53
Villa Tuscany Apartment Homes1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$3.01

Quick Rent Budget Calculator

How much rent can you afford?

The common "Rule of Thumb" is that rent should be no more than 30% of your income. How much is that? Enter your monthly income and click "Calculate My Budget" to find out.

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Pet Friendly Lifestyle
Hillsborough, CA

Ranked #265

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 Hillsborough, CA Rentals by Map

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Getting Around Hillsborough, CA

Walk Score®

11 / 100

Car-Dependent

Almost all errands require a car

Bike Score®

15 / 100

Somewhat Bikeable

Minimal bike infrastructure

Transit Score®

4 / 100

Minimal Transit

It may be possible to get on a bus

Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Hillsborough Apartments

What is a cheap apartment in Hillsborough?

A cheap apartment is any apartment up to the 30% percentile of cost for the area, which in Hillsborough is under $2,695.

What is the price of a cheap apartment in Hillsborough?

The cheapest apartment in Hillsborough is Villa Tuscany Apartment Homes which is listed at $2,245, while the average apartment in Hillsborough costs $4,870.

What types of apartments are the cheapest in Hillsborough?

Student, low-income, and by-the-bed apartments are typically the cheapest rentals in most cities, though they require qualifying criteria to rent. There are 3 regular apartments in Hillsborough that we think qualify as ‘cheap apartments’ that do not have special requirements to apply to rent.

How do the prices of cheap apartments compare to the average apartment in Hillsborough?

Cheap apartments in Hillsborough have an average cost of $393 which is $4,477 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in Hillsborough.

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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The Art of the Rental Viewing: What to look for during a property tour

Written by: Marie Brown

You’ve scrolled through countless listings, walked through a blur of rentals, and finally found what feels like the one. The pictures? Fantastic. The neighborhood seems just right.

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Know Your Budget: Calculating What You Can Realistically Afford When Renting

Written by: Lauren Harrington

Renting an apartment or house isn’t just about looking through online ads, choosing a few apartments or homes you want to tour, filling out an application, and putting down a deposit. Those things are all necessary and important.

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The Freedom of Short-Term Leases: Exploring the Advantages for Renters

Written by: Bobbi Jackson

If you’re looking to relocate right now, a popular solution that may best fit your current rental needs is a short-term lease.

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Navigating the Rental Market: Tips for First-Time Renters

Written by: Sandy Baker

Making the decision to rent is exciting and terrifying at the same time. For many people, there are a lot of unknowns.