
Cheap Apartments for Rent in Palo Alto, CA from $1,185 (149 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in Palo Alto.


Wilton Court

Woodland Arms

Union Plaza Apartments

Stanford Villa

345 Forest St

345 Forest Ave

3187 Loma Verde Pl

Total Monthly Price
918 Webster St, Unit SI FL1-ID2154

Parker Palo Alto
Living and Working in San Jose: A Local Expert’s Guide to the Best Neighborhoods to Rent Near San Jose’s Top Employers
Find the ideal San Jose neighborhood to rent based on your job and preferred commute. Discover the best local spots and housing options near tech giants.

820 Kipling St

1061 Alma St

Alta Torre

Peninsula Park Apartments

Greentree Apartments

The Acacia

488 James Rd

The Chalet at Curtner

523-529 Matadero Ave

Webster Oak Apartments
Rent According to Income: A Look at Income-Restricted Rentals
Find income-restricted rentals and housing subsidies. Explore government programs designed to help low-income families secure stable, affordable housing.

431 Dinahs Ct

542 Forest Ave

357-359 Hawthorne Ave

Boardwalk Park Place Apartments

Wilkie Court Apartments

Parksquare Apartments

Stanford Avenue Apartments

Hawthorne Gardens

The Midfield Apartments

242 Curtner Ave
Renters Insurance 101: What It Is, What It Covers, and Why You Need It
From theft to fire to water damage, the unexpected can happen to any renter. Discover why renters insurance is one of the smartest and most affordable investments you can make as a tenant.

Arastradero West

577 Vista Ave

Middlefield Apartments

543-555 Forest Ave

Chestnut Avenue Apartments

Villa Toscana

Oak Creek Apartments

1051-1077 Middlefield Rd

Layne Court Apartments

Ramona
How I Find the Perfect Rental for My Clients: A Real Estate Pro's Guide
Finding the right apartment starts with three things: location, cost, and amenities. Get the insider perspective from a real estate professional on how to nail all three.

411 College Ave

420 James Rd

Byron St Apartments

Alma Street Apartments

171 Bryant Street

Royal Arms Apartments

532 Forest Ave

241 Curtner

Terman

Webster Court
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.
Palo Alto, CA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Palo Alto?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cheap Palo Alto Studio Apartments | $3,196 | $1,873 | $4,846 |
| Cheap Palo Alto 1 Bedroom Apartments | $4,345 | $1,185 | $8,568 |
| Cheap Palo Alto 2 Bedroom Apartments | $5,794 | $2,795 | $10,000+ |
| Cheap Palo Alto 3 Bedroom Apartments | $7,710 | $4,995 | $10,000+ |
| Cheap Palo Alto 4 Bedroom Apartments | $9,425 | $5,000 | $10,000+ |
Browse Top Apartments in Palo Alto
See all Apartments in Palo AltoExplore Palo Alto
Palo Alto, CA Local Guide

- Palo Alto Neighborhoods
- Nearby Cities
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Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in Palo Alto, CA
Pricing Updated: 09/12/2026Current apartment rentals in the Palo Alto, CA area range in price from $2,000 to $7,500 with an overall median price of $3,849. Here is today’s list neighborhoods with the lowest median pricing for Palo Alto Apartments for rent:
| Neighborhood | Median Price | Min Price | Available Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duveneck St Francis | $3,780 | $2,000 | 47 |
| Midtown Palo Alto | $4,252 | $3,200 | 8 |
Cheapest Available Palo Alto Apartments for Rent
 The cheapest available apartment rental in Palo Alto, CA is a 1 Bed unit found at REALM APARTMENTS in the West Atherton neighborhood priced from $1,950. Woodland Park in the Duveneck neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $1,985. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Palo Alto apartments for rent:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| REALM APARTMENTS | Plan 1A | 1BR,1BA | $1,950 |
| Woodland Park | Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,985 |
| The Villa Monte Apartments | Studio | Studio,1BA | $2,195 |
| Caltega | 1-Bedroom, 1-Bathroom | 1BR,1BA | $2,295 |
| The Laurel at Mountain View (55+) | 1 Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $2,300 |
| Surrey House | Unit 10 | 1BR,1BA | $2,395 |
| Union Plaza Apartments | No Availability | 1BR,1BA | $2,450 |
| Park Rich Apartments | Studio | Studio,1BA | $2,495 |
| The Camille North Apartments | 1 Beds, 1 Baths | 1BR,1BA | $2,895 |
| Fayette Townhouse Apartments | 1 BR with YARD | 1BR,1BA | $2,895 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Palo Alto, CA
As of September 12, 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 $3,995 with a $3.33 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 Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park Plaza | Unit 325 | 3BR,2BA | $2.96 |
| Merrilee Terrace Apartments | 2BR/2BA | 2BR,2BA | $3.33 |
| Aviana Apartments | 2 Bedroom 2 Bathroom | 2BR,2BA | $3.74 |
| Union Plaza Apartments | No Availability | 1BR,1BA | $2.33 |
| Verandas Apartments | 2x1 W/D | 2BR,1BA | $3.35 |
| Woodview Apartments | Townhouse | 2BR,1.5BA | $3.21 |
| Midtown Apartments | Two Bedroom 1.5 Bathroom | 2BR,1.5BA | $4.24 |
| Maplewood Apartments | Plan B1 | 2BR,2BA | $4.04 |
| Caltega | 1-Bedroom, 1-Bathroom | 1BR,1BA | $3.82 |
| Surrey House | Unit 10 | 1BR,1BA | $3.99 |
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
Read ArticleDon'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.
Read ArticleNavigating 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.
Read ArticleReal Estate and Rental Term Glossary | ApartmentHomeLiving.com Renter University
From the letter A all the way to the letter Z, the Real Estate and Rental Term Glossary from the content team at ApartmentHomeLiving.com provides our visitors and shoppers with a little clarity and helpful guidance in navigating the real estate world through definitions and explainers for the top subjects and terms that someone may come across during the leasing, buying, or selling process.
Read ArticleQuick 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.
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, CAPopulation: 66,666
Ranked #554
in US Census Population by City
Best Local Schools in Palo Alto, CA
Juana Briones Elementary
School data provided by Great Schools
Remember the 3 Rules of Real Estate:Location, Location, Location!
Explore Palo Alto, CA Rentals by Map
See the most popular apartments and homes in Palo Alto, CA
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 $1,985.
How much is rent for a Cheap One Bedroom Palo Alto Apartment?
The lowest price for a Cheap One Bedroom Palo Alto Apartment is $1,950 at REALM APARTMENTS.
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 $2,995 at Somerset Place Apartments.
What is the most affordable Palo Alto Three Bedroom Apartment?
The best deal on a cheap Palo Alto Three Bedroom Apartment rental is at Park Plaza and starts from $4,400.
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.
Helpful Local Expert Guides

Living and Working in San Jose: A Local Expert's Guide to the Best Neighborhoods to Rent Near San Joses Top Employers
Written by: Shannon Hilson
San Jose is absolutely one of those places where your zip code and your job eventually wind up in a very serious relationship.

Beyond Campus: Finding Your Perfect San Jose Student Apartment and Neighborhood
Written by: Shannon Hilson
Sunny San Jose is so much more than just an incredible place to go to school, get an education, and prepare for the next chapter of your life.

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.
Articles, How-To's, and Tips

Rent According to Income: A Look at Income-Restricted Rentals
Written by: Robin Stewart
The idea of affordable housing can be subjective. Every individual is in a different place financially and vocationally. What one may easily afford could be a struggle for someone else.

Exploring Rental Options: Apartments, Townhomes, and Lofts - Oh My!
Written by: Robin Stewart
Where do you see yourself? When you think of home, sweet home, are you in a 3/2 apartment? Dreaming of a tall townhome? Maybe an industrial loft heavy on cool vibes is on your visioning board.

Practical Tips for Renters: How to Identify a Great Rental and Avoid Red Flags
Written by: Robin Stewart
Renters want to find a great apartment, the right place for them, one that checks all the boxes of location, rental cost, amenities, safety, and more.

First Apartment Regrets: Real Renters Share What They'd Do Differently
Written by: Robin Stewart
Hindsight is 20/20. Live and Learn. With age comes wisdom. We’re familiar with all those expressions, and all of them apply to lessons first-time renters learn.