Apartments for Rent in Palo Alto, CA (1,583 Rentals)

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The Ultimate Long-Distance Moving Checklist: Tips from a Real Estate Pro

Moving is tough, especially long-distance. Learn how to minimize stress & expenses with proven strategies from a real estate pro, covering everything from logistics to finances.

Cash or credit? Understanding the Importance of Credit Score in Real Estate and Renting

Discover how your credit score impacts your ability to lease or buy a home. Learn how credit scores are determined, how to check yours, and strategies to improve it for real estate success.

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.

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.

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.

Palo Alto, CA Local Guide

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Written By:
Staff Writer
Local Guide Expert

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Palo Alto Overview

Palo Alto translates to “Tall Tree” and certainly lives up to its name. Between San Francisco and San Jose it’s 70,000 residents enjoy beautiful weather, a thriving culture and easy links to the entire Bay Area. Known as the birthplace of Silicon Valley a Palo Alto apartment comes with not only an amazing history, but a bright future.

What is the history of Palo Alto?

Though the city itself was founded in 1894 the history of the Palo Alto area goes back all the way to 1769. Home to the Stanford University campus it is a city that treasures its history, recently proclaiming a large area of downtown a local Heritage District.

How is the weather in Palo Alto?

Nestled in the bay area Palo Alto has a wonderful climate with cool winters and warm, dry summers complementing each other nicely without deviating too far from the average year round high of 70 degrees.Don’t forget your umbrella in the winter months but, most importantly, don’t forget to watch the sunset as the fog rolls in for some amazing views.

How do I get around town?

Apartments in Palo Alto have exceptional travel options. With one of the busiest single runway airports in the country and 2 major international airports within 25 miles there’s nowhere better for the eager traveler.

What is the Palo Alto commute like?

Traversed by major highways it is also well served by several bus and rail services but if you want to travel like a local you can’t beat hopping on a bike.

What are the local media outlets?

Palo Alto is at the center of silicon valley and the cultural melting pot that is the Bay Area so there are no shortage of options with all the media of San Francisco and San Jose in easy reach. Nonetheless Palo Alto is well served locally by three regular newspapers, a radio station and several local cable channels.

Why live in Palo Alto, CA?

Palo Alto is a thriving nexus of the finest minds in the country, the most advanced technology and a stunning array of cultural, historical and culinary traditions. There’s nowhere more cutting edge and exciting for the apartment hunter looking for a place that represents the beating heart of the future. That’s before you even consider the amazing natural beauty of the area and the unbelievable weather.

What Palo Alto landmarks should I see?

If you’re looking for landmarks then look no further than the adjacent Stanford University. The world renowned educational institute covers over 8,000 acres between Palo Alto and San Jose. The downtown historical district is also rich with famous buildings and the beautiful Arastradero Preserve is the perfect place to spend one of the plentiful sunny afternoons.

What is there to do around Palo Alto?

Palo Alto wonderfully combines the peace of suburban living with the convenience of big city life. Locally a 15 block pedestrian district bustles with restaurants, cafes and boutiques while just a short drive or train ride away the thriving entertainment scene of San Francisco awaits.

Any annual festivals or Palo Alto events to know?

With the festivals from both nearby San Francisco and San Jose spilling across Palo Alto there’s never not something going on. From quirky parades to world renowned research conventions the event hunter never has to go far to find something of interest.

Where are the nearby vacation spots?

No matter what you are looking for during your leisure time, Palo Alto offers it close by. A day trip to San Francisco will let you visit the famous Alcatraz and take in the rest of the amazing city. Or if you’re looking for something closer to nature, the beauty of the Californian redwood forests await in almost every direction.

Where is the best place to move in Palo Alto?

Palo Alto has neighborhoods as varied as you would expect from a Bay city. Barron Park gives the relaxed apartment hunter a peaceful neighborhood to cycle under the trees while the energetic go-getter jogs around the walkways of downtown.

Pet Friendly Lifestyle
Palo Alto, CA

Ranked #58

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!

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Getting Around Palo Alto, CA

Walk Score®

76 / 100

Very Walkable

Most errands can be accomplished on foot

Bike Score®

94 / 100

Biker's Paradise

Daily errands can be accomplished on a bike

Transit Score®

41 / 100

Some Transit

A few nearby public transportation options

Frequently Asked Questions about Palo Alto

How much are Studio apartments in Palo Alto?

There are currently 697 Studio Apartments in Palo Alto with rent ranges from $1,433 to $3,988 with an average price of $2,746.

What is the current price range for One Bedroom Palo Alto Apartments for rent?

Today's rental pricing for One Bedroom Apartments in Palo Alto ranges from $1,185 to $8,221 with an average monthly rent of $3,813.

What does renting a Two Bedroom Apartment in Palo Alto cost?

The monthly rent prices of Two Bedroom Apartments currently available in Palo Alto range from $2,695 to $14,010. Today's average rental price for Two Bedrooms here is $5,188.

How expensive are Palo Alto Three Bedroom Apartments?

There are currently 185 Three Bedroom Apartments listings available in Palo Alto on ApartmentHomeLiving.com. The pricing ranges from $4,441 to $10,000 - averaging $5,947 for the location.

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.

decorative image for A Local Expert's Guide to the Top 10 Best Affordable Neighborhoods for Renters in San Jose   article

A Local Expert's Guide to the Top 10 Best Affordable Neighborhoods for Renters in San Jose

Written by: Shannon Hilson

If you’ve spent much time in San Jose, you’ve likely heard it referred to as “the capital of Silicon Valley” a time or two, and with good reason. San Jose has it all when it comes to the modern California lifestyle and then some.

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How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Everything is a negotiation in real estate! 

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The Rental Move-In Inspection Checklist: A Guide for Renters

Written by: Trey Huguley

The move-in inspection checklist is a crucial tool for both tenants and landlords. This checklist, provided by the team at ApartmentHomeLiving.com, helps document the condition of an apartment at the time of move-in.

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Your Guide to Co-Signers: The Risks, Rewards, and Everything in Between

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

For many people, obstacles can arise during the rental application process for a variety of issues.