Cheap Apartments for Rent in Palo Alto, CA from $1,100 (128 Rentals)

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

What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much

Learn the official definition (spending 30% or more of your gross income on housing) and how to calculate your exact rent-to-income ratio. This guide offers expert tips on factoring in total housing costs (including utilities and fees) and budgeting accurately to avoid unnecessary financial strain.

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The Acacia
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

The Acacia

231 Grant AvePalo Alto, CA 94306
  • Utilities Included
  • Smoke Free
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488 James Rd
Studio Apartments

488 James Rd

488 James RdPalo Alto, CA 94306
  • Utilities Included
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The Chalet at Curtner
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

The Chalet at Curtner

380 Curtner AvePalo Alto, CA 94306
  • Utilities Included
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431 Dinahs Ct
1 Bedroom Apartments

431 Dinahs Ct

431 Dinahs CtPalo Alto, CA 94306

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

Thinking about getting a co-signer for your rental application? We break down what a co-signer is, the potential benefits, and the serious risks for both parties. Find out if it's the right choice for you.

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542 Forest Ave
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

542 Forest Ave

542 Forest AvePalo Alto, CA 94301
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Parksquare Apartments
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Parksquare Apartments

4290 Wilkie WayPalo Alto, CA 94306
  • Utilities Included
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Hawthorne Gardens
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

Hawthorne Gardens

221-237 Hawthorne AvePalo Alto, CA 94301
  • Utilities Included
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242 Curtner Ave
1 Bedroom Apartments

242 Curtner Ave

242 Curtner AvePalo Alto, CA 94306
  • Utilities Included
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Arastradero West
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Arastradero West

724 Arastradero RdPalo Alto, CA 94306

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.

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577 Vista Ave
1 Bedroom Apartments

577 Vista Ave

577 Vista AvePalo Alto, CA 94306
  • Utilities Included
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Villa Toscana
1 Bedroom Apartments

Villa Toscana

272-290 Everett AvePalo Alto, CA 94301
  • Smoke Free
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Oak Creek Apartments
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Oak Creek Apartments

1600 Sand Hill RdPalo Alto, CA 94304
Corporate Housing
  • Utilities Included
property at 816 Cowper St

$2,900

1 Bedroom, 1 Bath Condo for Rent

Available Now

816 Cowper St

Palo AltoCA94301
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Ramona
1 Bedroom Apartments

Ramona

3440 Ramona StPalo Alto, CA 94306
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420 James Rd
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

420 James Rd

420 James RdPalo Alto, CA 94306

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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Park Terrace
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Park Terrace

3860 Park BlvdPalo Alto, CA 94306
  • Utilities Included
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Royal Arms Apartments
2 Bedroom Apartments

Royal Arms Apartments

360-376 College AvePalo Alto, CA 94306
  • Utilities Included
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Woodland Park
Rent Specials
$1,675 - $4,075
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$1,675 - $4,075

Total Monthly Price
$1,675 - $4,075
Studio to 4 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

Woodland Park

45 Newell RdEast Palo Alto, CA 94303
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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.

Palo Alto, CA Local Guide

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Local Guide Expert

Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in Palo Alto, CA

Pricing Updated: 04/28/2026

Current apartment rentals in the Palo Alto, 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 Palo Alto Apartments for rent:

NeighborhoodMedian PriceMin PriceAvailable Units
Duveneck St Francis$6,890$1,80051
Midtown Palo Alto$7,500$3,0954

Cheapest Available Palo Alto Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in Palo Alto, CA is a Studio unit found at Woodland Park in the Duveneck neighborhood priced from $1,675. The Camille North Apartments in the Old Los Altos neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $2,145. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Palo Alto apartments for rent:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Woodland ParkStudioStudio,1BA$1,675
The Camille North ApartmentsStudioStudio,1BA$2,145
The Laurel at Mountain View (55+)StudioStudio,1BA$2,150
The Chalet at CurtnerCabinStudio,1BA$2,295
Surrey HouseUnit 101BR,1BA$2,395
Verandas Apartments1x11BR,1BA$2,425
Del Medio Garden Apartments2747 - 1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$2,500
The Camille Apartments1 Beds, 1 Baths1BR,1BA$2,595
Stanford Garden ApartmentsWonderful 1 Bedroom Close to Everything!1BR,1BA$2,595

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Palo Alto, CA

As of April 29, 2026 the best value apartment in the Palo Alto area is the $2.96 price per square foot Unit 325 Model at Park Plaza in the in the Duveneck neighborhood starting from $4,400. The second greatest value Palo Alto apartment is the 2BR/2BA Model at Merrilee Terrace Apartments starting at $3,595 with a $3.27 price per square foot in the Ventura neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Palo Alto apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
Park PlazaUnit 3253BR,2BA$2.96
Merrilee Terrace Apartments2BR/2BA2BR,2BA$3.27
Hawthorne Apartments2BR/1BA2BR,1BA$2.70
Stanford VillaPonderosa2BR,2BA$3.67
Woodview ApartmentsTownhouse2BR,1.5BA$3.21
Woodland Park2x22BR,2BA$3.05
Aviana Apartments2 Bedroom 1 Bathroom2BR,1BA$3.67
Garden Oaks Apartments1 bedroom1BR,1BA$3.64
Del Medio ManorOne Bedroom 740sqft1BR,1BA$3.75
Stanford Garden ApartmentsWonderful 1 Bedroom Close to Everything!1BR,1BA$3.71

10 Hidden Costs of Renting You Should Budget for Before Signing a Lease

Avoid financial stress when renting. Learn about the 10 most common hidden costs—from pet fees to utilities—you must budget for before you sign a lease.

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Beyond Campus: Finding Your Perfect San Jose Apartment in the Perfect Student Friendly Neighborhood

Going to college in San Jose? Our local expert gives you the inside scoop on the best neighborhoods to live near Near SJSU, SCU, SJCC, and EVC

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Don't Settle: How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money

Discover the insider tips from an attorney and real estate agent on how to negotiate your next apartment lease. Find out what's on the table and what's not, so you can save money and get the best terms possible.

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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.

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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.

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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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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.

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.

Palo Alto, CA
Population: 66,666

Ranked #554

in US Census Population by City

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

Explore Palo Alto, CA Rentals by Map

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Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Palo Alto Apartments

What is the Cheapest Studio apartment in Palo Alto?

Currently the most affordable Cheap Studio Apartment in Palo Alto is at Woodland Park listed at $1,675.

How much is rent for a Cheap One Bedroom Palo Alto Apartment?

The lowest price for a Cheap One Bedroom Palo Alto Apartment is $2,298 at Woodland Park.

What is the lowest price for a Cheap Two Bedroom Palo Alto Apartment for rent?

Today's best deal for a Cheap Two Bedroom Apartment in Palo Alto is starting from $2,840 at Woodland Park.

What is the most affordable Palo Alto Three Bedroom Apartment?

The best deal on a cheap Palo Alto Three Bedroom Apartment rental is at Woodland Park and starts from $4,075.

Expert Rental Resources

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.

Articles, How-To's, and Tips

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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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Expert Solutions for Creating the Perfect Work-From-Home Apartment Layouts

Written by: Lauren Harrington

This article is based on first-hand experience managing apartment communities and helping renters adapt to their spaces after moving in.

decorative image for What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much article

What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much

Written by: Lauren Harrington

This article draws from first-hand renter experiences and recurring financial challenges reported after moving in.

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Maximizing Your Refund: Essential Tax Tips for Renters

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Other than tax professionals, I can’t think of anyone who looks forward to tax season. For everybody else, April is a stressful month to collect information and meet deadlines.