
Cheap Apartments for Rent in San Carlos, CA from $900 (25 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in San Carlos.


Walnut Studios

Greenwood Apartments

1458 Hudson St

Bonnie Brae Terrace, A 62+ Community

4012 Farm Hill Blvd
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.

3633 Colegrove Apartments

922 Academy Ave

Redwood Plaza Village , SENIOR BUILDING , 55+

Perry Street Studios

Monticello

417 Stambaugh St
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.

614 Park Rd

180 Harrison Ave

Bradford Apartments

Chateau D'Oro Apartments

3655 Colegrove Apartments

36th Avenue Apartments
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.

Redwood Manor Apartments

1410 Jefferson Ave

zLaurel Place Apartments

Poplar Apartments

Catania Apartments

1410 Hess Road
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.

Carlmont Heights
San Carlos, CA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in San Carlos?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cheap San Carlos Studio Apartments | $2,681 | $1,850 | $3,248 |
| Cheap San Carlos 1 Bedroom Apartments | $3,644 | $1,800 | $6,570 |
| Cheap San Carlos 2 Bedroom Apartments | $4,667 | $2,878 | $7,605 |
| Cheap San Carlos 3 Bedroom Apartments | $5,934 | $4,117 | $7,132 |
Browse Top Apartments in San Carlos
See all Apartments in San CarlosExplore San Carlos
San Carlos, CA Local Guide

- San Carlos Neighborhoods
- Nearby Cities
- ZIP codes
- Local Counties
- School Districts
Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in San Carlos, CA
Pricing Updated: 01/25/2026Current apartment rentals in the San Carlos, CA area range in price from $1,998 to $6,350 with an overall median price of $5,289. The three San Carlos neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are Eaton at $3,495, White Oaks at $2,595, and Arguello at $2,040. Here is today’s list of the top 5 neighborhoods with the lowest median pricing for San Carlos Apartments for rent:
| Neighborhood | Median Price | Min Price | Available Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eaton | $3,495 | $3,495 | 1 |
| White Oaks | $4,395 | $2,595 | 11 |
| Arguello | $6,185 | $2,040 | 22 |
| Brittan Heights | $6,185 | $2,040 | 10 |
| McDougal | $6,185 | $1,998 | 23 |
Cheapest Available San Carlos Apartments for Rent
 The cheapest available apartment rental in San Carlos, CA is a 1 Bed unit found at Redwood Plaza Village , SENIOR BUILDING , 55+ in the Roosevelt neighborhood priced from $2,000. Monticello in the Roosevelt neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $2,095. Here is today’s list of the most affordable San Carlos apartments for rent:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redwood Plaza Village , SENIOR BUILDING , 55+ | 1 bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $2,000 |
| Monticello | Studio | Studio,1BA | $2,095 |
| 417 Stambaugh St | One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $2,125 |
| 1410 Hess Road | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bathroom | 1BR,1BA | $2,195 |
| Stone Creek Apartments | Studio | Studio,1BA | $2,295 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in San Carlos, CA
As of January 25, 2026 the best value apartment in the San Carlos area is the $3.47 price per square foot Cedarwood Model at Lantern Cove in the in the Central neighborhood starting from $3,620. The second greatest value San Carlos apartment is the 2x1 Model at Belmont Square Apartments starting at $2,795 with a $3.05 price per square foot in the Western Hills neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for San Carlos apartments based on price per square foot:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lantern Cove | Cedarwood | 2BR,2BA | $3.47 |
| Belmont Square Apartments | 2x1 | 2BR,1BA | $3.05 |
| Old County Road Apartments | 1 Bed 1 Bath | 1BR,1BA | $3.32 |
| 10 Birch Street | 1 Bed 1 Bath | 1BR,1BA | $3.03 |
| Ralston at Belmont | R TMA 1+1 | 1BR,1BA | $3.39 |
| 417 Stambaugh St | One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $2.79 |
| Marymount Tower | One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $3.28 |
| Marymount Manor | One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $3.42 |
| Redwood Plaza Village , SENIOR BUILDING , 55+ | 1 bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $3.33 |
| Monticello | Studio | Studio ,1BA | $3.49 |
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.
Read ArticleThe 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.
Read ArticleCash 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.
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.
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.
Remember the 3 Rules of Real Estate:Location, Location, Location!
Explore San Carlos, CA Rentals by Map
See the most popular apartments and homes in San Carlos, CA
Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap San Carlos Apartments
What is a cheap apartment in San Carlos?
A cheap apartment is any apartment up to the 30% percentile of cost for the area, which in San Carlos is under $2,395.
What is the price of a cheap apartment in San Carlos?
The cheapest apartment in San Carlos is Redwood Plaza Village , SENIOR BUILDING , 55+ which is listed at $2,000, while the average apartment in San Carlos costs $5,289.
What types of apartments are the cheapest in San Carlos?
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 5 regular apartments in San Carlos 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 San Carlos?
Cheap apartments in San Carlos have an average cost of $1,621 which is $3,668 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in San Carlos.
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

18 Must-Ask Rental Tour Questions That Reveal the Truth about a Property
Written by: Lauren Harrington
Renting your next home can feel thrilling and overwhelming at the same time.

A Renters Guide for Tips on Writing Your Notice for Not Renewing Your Apartment
Written by: Bob Mallory
Packing up everything you own to move is so stressful for many that ending your apartment lease can feel like a small or unimportant task. Ending your lease involves more than simply turning over your keys on the last day.

Renting with Roommates: Realistic Expectations for Shared Lease
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Given the high costs for housing, I have found that many people are looking for a roommate to share expenses. These arrangements can increase opportunities for more desirable and larger spaces.

Apartment Common Area Rules: What Renters Need to Know
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Back in the day when I rented one of my first apartments, the property didn’t even have laundry in the building. Now, rental properties are often competing against each other to provide the best amenities.