
Apartments for Rent in San Carlos, CA (1,283 Rentals)


422 Portofino

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405 Portofino Dr, Unit 2

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113 Plymouth Ave, Unit ADU

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413 Portofino Dr, Unit 413 Portofino Drive

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331 El Camino Real, Unit SI FL2-ID2148

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441 El Camino Real, Unit SI FL2-ID2130

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441 El Camino Real, Unit SI FL2-ID910

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939 Laurel St, Unit SI FL2-ID1580

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939 Laurel St, Unit SI FL1-ID1608
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.

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261 El Camino Real, Unit SI FL2-ID366

Furnished Studio-San Francisco - San Carlos

775 Chestnut St

220 Winding Way

656 Cedar St

432 Portofino Dr

144 Glasgow Ln

800 Buckland Ave

208 Crestview Dr

3426 Brittan Ave
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.

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The Hayden

The Colton

The Millton

Bay Terrace

Artisan Crossing

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Hillsdale Garden

Belmont Square Apartments

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Highwater

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Indigo

The Wellesley Crescent Apartments
Neighborhood & Market Insights: How to Choose the Right Area to Rent
Master your search for the perfect apartment. Location is everything. Discover how to leverage community insights, public data, and personal visits to make a fully informed decision about where to rent.

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Laurel Crossing Apartment Homes

Franklin 299

Franklin Street Apartment Homes

Courtyard Apartments

969 E Street

The Heltsley

Marymount Manor

Monticello

Belmont Family Apartments

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

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201 Marshall

The Villas at Bair Island

Stone Creek Apartments

Marymount Tower

3633 Colegrove Apartments

2441 Carlmont Dr

1015 Continentals Ave

Perry Street Studios

Arlington Apartments
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.
San Carlos, CA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in San Carlos?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Carlos Studio Apartments | $3,574 | $1,995 | $5,729 |
| San Carlos 1 Bedroom Apartments | $3,793 | $2,195 | $6,930 |
| San Carlos 2 Bedroom Apartments | $5,057 | $2,716 | $8,575 |
| San Carlos 3 Bedroom Apartments | $6,033 | $3,947 | $8,156 |
| San Carlos 4 Bedroom Apartments | $8,200 | $8,200 | $8,200 |
How much does it cost to rent a home in San Carlos?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 Bedroom Homes | $4,680 | $3,475 | $5,750 |
| 3 Bedroom Homes | $6,028 | $4,290 | $7,800 |
| 4 Bedroom Homes | $6,898 | $5,595 | $8,800 |
| 5 Bedroom Homes | $19,900 | $10,000 | $10,000+ |
| 6 Bedroom Homes | $24,750 | $10,000 | $10,000+ |
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San Carlos, CA Local Guide

- San Carlos Neighborhoods
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A Seasoned Property Manager's Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Deposit Back
Learn the property manager's true secrets to a zero-deduction move-out. Use this step-by-step guide on documentation, cleaning, and lease-reading to reclaim your security deposit.
Read Article18 Must-Ask Rental Tour Questions That Reveal the Truth about a Property
Tour smarter and choose with confidence. Get the essential 18 questions that reveal the truth about a rental property's maintenance, utilities, and safety.
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.
San Carlos Overview
Conveniently located at the midway point between San Jose and San Francisco, San Carlos is a charming, welcoming slice of California life. Situated in San Mateo County, this 'City of Good Living' offers a small town ambiance highlighted by quaint shops, eclectic eateries and an active degree of local cultural hotspots.
What is the history of San Carlos?
The gold rush of the mid-1800s brought many to the region, and the addition of the Peninsula Railroad Corridor in 1863 spurned further population growth, thanks to increased ease of reaching San Francisco via rail. Still, San Carlos largely remained a fairly rural area, complete with dairy farms, until the turn of the century. A schools was completed in 1918, and the city was officially incorprated a few short years later. From 1940-1960 the city experienced a large swath of industry, ranging from cosmentics to a large electronics plant, and the city remains a bit of a distribution point for a number of manufacturers.
How is the weather in San Carlos?
Those calling apartments in San Carlos home can expect generally mild and pleasant weather throughout the year, with snow a true rarity and temperatures ranging from the low 80s in the summer to the mid-50s in the winter months. December-February offer the best chance for rainfall, and May-November tend to be quite dry indeed.
How do I get around town?
Most residents of San Carlos apartments depend on a personal car or truck for day-to-day travel needs, although the SamTrans system offers bus service throughout the city. Additionally, there's a Caltrain Station near downtown, and the San Carlos Airport continues offering flights most days as well. Ride sharing options including Lyft are popular in the city, and bicycling remains in vogue.
What is the San Carlos commute like?
Traffic in the city proper tends to flow quite easily, and Interstate 280 remains a popular roadway to the west, running north and south to San Fran and beyond. The famed Highway 101 cuts across the eastern end of San Carlos, and Route 82 acts as a default 'Main Street' for many residents of San Carlos rentals.
What are the local media outlets?
The 'San Mateo Daily Journal' is a popular print outlet in the city, as is the 'San Francisco Chronicle'. Radio tends to be a breezy mix of contemporary hits, classic rock jams, and NPR-style talk formats, with San Carlos apartments reaching a large assortment of broadcasting options with ease thanks to nearby affiliates of major networks such as FOX and CBS.
Why live in San Carlos, CA?
When it comes to charm and a thoroughly west coast ambiance that you can feel in your bones, it doesn't get much better than an apartment for rent in San Carlos. From nearby water views to the gentle rolling streets of downtown, this charming and idyllic Cali destination offers impressive schools, numerous museums, and a neighborly feel that is equal parts welcoming and reassuring.
What San Carlos landmarks should I see?
The Lathrop House offers a view into a time gone past, and the Hiller Aviation Museum collects and impressive array of classic and modern aircraft. The Florence Pantano Historical Landmark makes an excellent photo op spot, and Twin Pines Park is known for its scenic beauty across the state.
What is there to do around San Carlos?
Enjoy some nightlife among the numerous pubs and eateries near the famed Eucalyptus Avenue, or sample some local vintages at the Domenico Winery, both just a short hop from many San Carlos apartments for rent. Edgewood Park and Natural Preserve is a fantastic spot to walk the dog or enjoy some bird watching, with the San Mateo County History Museum always a popular destination on a rainy afternoon.
Any annual festivals or San Carlos events to know?
Hometown Days is a large festive gathering each May, bringing large crowds and plenty of fun to Burton Park, while the autumn months are dominated by the San Carlos Art and Wine Fair.
Where are the nearby vacation spots?
Hit the Highay 101 for a drive down the coast to San Diego and beyond, or enjoy some of that famous California beach life, both easy options for those looking to take a vacation from home in their new San Carlos rental. San Francisco's bridges and famous warf district are also within reach, or spend a weekend in the bright lights of Hollywood, located a short drive away.
Where is the best place to move in San Carlos?
Whether you are on the hunt for a fashionable and funky one-bedroom loft complete with easy access to the interstate onramp, or desire a roomy 3-bedroom option that is ideal for family living, odds are good the perfect San Carlos apartment is ready to meet your needs. Start your search today and start enjoying all that life on the west coast has to offer!
Remember the 3 Rules of Real Estate:Location, Location, Location!
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Frequently Asked Questions about San Carlos
What is the current pricing and availability for apartments for rent in San Carlos, CA?
As of today, August 14, 2026, there are currently 1,283 available San Carlos apartments priced from $1,995 to $8,575, with an average monthly rent of $4,479.
What San Carlos neighborhoods have the most available apartments?
There are 5 neighborhoods in the San Carlos area with available listings as of today. The three neighborhoods with the most options are Japantown with 7,916 listings, East Oakland with 5,013 listings, and Richmond/Western Addition with 4,860 listings.
How much are Studio apartments in San Carlos?
There are currently 580 Studio Apartments in San Carlos with rent ranges from $1,995 to $5,729 with an average price of $3,574.
What is the current price range for One Bedroom San Carlos Apartments for rent?
Today's rental pricing for One Bedroom Apartments in San Carlos ranges from $2,195 to $6,930 with an average monthly rent of $3,793.
What does renting a Two Bedroom Apartment in San Carlos cost?
The monthly rent prices of Two Bedroom Apartments currently available in San Carlos range from $2,716 to $8,575. Today's average rental price for Two Bedrooms here is $5,057.
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

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.

Renters Insurance 101: What It Is, What It Covers, and Why You Need It
Written by: Robin Stewart
Insurance seems to be a part of life. In some states, having insurance is the law, as is the case for automobile insurance. Renters are no exception.

Apartment Occupancy Rates: Renter Attraction vs Renter Retention
Written by: Robin Stewart
There’s a tenet in marketing about client or customer attraction and retention. Studies and data have consistently shown it costs less to keep a current customer than to attract a new one.

How I Find the Perfect Rental for My Clients: A Real Estate Pro's Guide
Written by: Robin Stewart
Evaluating rental properties for clients draws many parallels to house-hunting. Whether an apartment, loft, townhouse, or other rental, finding the right place means finding “home” for your client.