Cheap Apartments for Rent in San Carlos, CA from $900 (64 Rentals)

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Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in San Carlos.

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Walnut Studios
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Walnut Studios

817 Walnut StSan Carlos, CA 94070
  • Utilities Included
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Greenwood Apartments
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

Greenwood Apartments

1150 Greenwood AveSan Carlos, CA 94070
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17-25 Devonshire
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

17-25 Devonshire

17-25 Devonshire BlvdSan Carlos, CA 94070
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Cedar Patio Apartments
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Cedar Patio Apartments

547 Cedar StSan Carlos, CA 94070
  • Utilities Included
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Laurel Terrace
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Laurel Terrace

399 Laurel StSan Carlos, CA 94070
  • Utilities Included
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540 Elm Street
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

540 Elm Street

540 Elm StSan Carlos, CA 94070
  • Utilities Included
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520 Elm St
1 Bedroom Apartments

520 Elm St

520 Elm StSan Carlos, CA 94070
  • Utilities Included

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.

property at 3553 Curtiss St

$2,100

Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$2,100

Total Monthly Price
$2,100

1 Bedroom, 1 Bath Home for Rent

Available Aug 1

3553 Curtiss St

San MateoCA94403

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.

property at 924 Hill St

$2,496

Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$2,496

Total Monthly Price
$2,496

1 Bedroom, 1 Bath Townhome for Rent

Available Now

924 Hill St

BelmontCA94002
property at 4125 George Ave

$2,850

Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$2,850

Total Monthly Price
$2,850

1 Bedroom, 1 Bath Condo for Rent

Available Now

4125 George Ave

San MateoCA94403
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180 Harrison Ave
1 Bedroom Apartments

180 Harrison Ave

180 Harrison AveRedwood City, CA 94062
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Bradford Apartments
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

Bradford Apartments

780 Bradford StRedwood City, CA 94063

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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Chateau D'Oro Apartments
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Chateau D'Oro Apartments

1001 Continentals WayBelmont, CA 94002
  • Utilities Included
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1410 Jefferson Ave
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

1410 Jefferson Ave

1410 Jefferson AveRedwood City, CA 94062
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Poplar Apartments
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

Poplar Apartments

440 Poplar AveRedwood City, CA 94061
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176 Duane St
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

176 Duane St

176 Duane StRedwood City, CA 94062
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Catania Apartments
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Catania Apartments

2431 Carlmont DrBelmont, CA 94002
  • Utilities Included

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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Carlmont Heights
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Carlmont Heights

2213 Hastings DrBelmont, CA 94002
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1410 Hess Road
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

1410 Hess Road

1410 Hess RdRedwood City, CA 94061
  • Utilities Included
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6th Ave
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

6th Ave

1665 6th AveBelmont, CA 94002
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Brewster Place
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Brewster Place

600 Brewster AveRedwood City, CA 94063
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Farm Hill Apartments
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Farm Hill Apartments

3530-3540 Farm Hill BlvdRedwood City, CA 94061

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.

San Carlos, CA Local Guide

Photo of Justin Habersaat - Editing Staff
Written By:
Justin Habersaat
Editing Staff

Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in San Carlos, CA

Pricing Updated: 07/28/2026

Current apartment rentals in the San Carlos, CA area range in price from $2,495 to $7,420 with an overall median price of $5,592. The three San Carlos neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are Eaton at $3,295, White Oaks at $2,495, and Arguello at $3,200. Here is today’s list of the top 5 neighborhoods with the lowest median pricing for San Carlos Apartments for rent:

NeighborhoodMedian PriceMin PriceAvailable Units
Eaton$3,585$3,2952
White Oaks$4,395$2,4954
Arguello$6,660$3,2007
Brittan Heights$6,660$3,2005
McDougal$6,660$3,2007

Cheapest Available San Carlos Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in San Carlos, CA is a Studio unit found at 176 Duane St in the Roosevelt neighborhood priced from $2,100. Belmont Family Apartments in the Belmont neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $2,278. Here is today’s list of the most affordable San Carlos apartments for rent:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
176 Duane St0 Beds, 1 BathsStudio,1BA$2,100
Belmont Family Apartments1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$2,278
Courtyard Apartments1x1S1BR,1BA$2,395
Marymount TowerOne Bedroom1BR,1BA$2,425
Redwood Plaza Village , SENIOR BUILDING , 55+1 bedroom1BR,1BA$2,450
Marymount ManorOne Bedroom1BR,1BA$2,595
Hillsdale GardenStudioStudio,1BA$2,648
Stone Creek Apartments1x11BR,1BA$2,695
The HeltsleyWestwood1BR,1BA$2,895
The MilltonA11BR,1BA$2,895

Best Value Apartments for Rent in San Carlos, CA

As of July 28, 2026 the best value apartment in the San Carlos area is the $2.98 price per square foot 413 Portofino Dr Model at 413 Portofino Dr, Unit 413 Portofino Drive in the in the San Carlos neighborhood starting from $3,875. The second greatest value San Carlos apartment is the 2 Bedroom/2 Bathroom Model at Arlington Apartments starting at $4,000 with a $3.33 price per square foot in the Marina Park neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for San Carlos apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
413 Portofino Dr, Unit 413 Portofino Drive413 Portofino Dr2BR,2BA$2.98
Arlington Apartments2 Bedroom/2 Bathroom2BR,2BA$3.33
Ralston at BelmontTMA 2+22BR,2BA$4.00
616 Canyon Rd2 Beds, 1 Baths2BR,1BA$3.07
Belmont Square Apartments2x12BR,2BA$3.27
Courtyard Apartments1x1L1BR,1BA$3.12
Brewster Place2 BR, 1.5 BA2BR,1.5BA$3.84
The HeltsleyWestwood1BR,1BA$3.86
Marymount ManorOne Bedroom1BR,1BA$3.55
Marymount TowerOne Bedroom1BR,1BA$3.32

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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Real 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.

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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!

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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 $2,895.

What is the price of a cheap apartment in San Carlos?

The cheapest apartment in San Carlos is Belmont Family Apartments which is listed at $2,278, while the average apartment in San Carlos costs $5,592.

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 1 regular apartments in San Carlos that we think qualify as ‘cheap apartments’ that do not have special requirements to apply to rent.

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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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.