
Cheap Apartments for Rent in San Carlos, CA from $900 (77 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in San Carlos.


3334 Brittan Ave

Total Monthly Price
113 Plymouth Ave, Unit ADU

Furnished Studio-San Francisco - San Carlos

422 Portofino

Walnut Studios

Greenwood Apartments

17-25 Devonshire

Cedar Patio Apartments

Laurel Terrace
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.

540 Elm Street

520 Elm St

80-128 Laurel Street Apartments

EXCELLENT APARTMENT IN PRIME LOCATION

425 Oak Ave

Marymount Tower

Perry Street Studios

Belmont Family Apartments

Monticello

Stone Creek Apartments
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.

417 Stambaugh St

Total Monthly Price
1164 Clinton St, Unit Apartment #2

538 Madison Ave, Unit 5

Courtyard Apartments

538 Madison Ave, Unit 4

Redwood Plaza Village , SENIOR BUILDING , 55+

The Heltsley

3633 Colegrove Apartments

The Millton

Marymount Manor
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.

1015 Continentals Ave

Bay Terrace

Artisan Crossing

Belmont Square Apartments

Total Monthly Price
920 Hill St, Unit 920 Hill st.

Total Monthly Price
Highwater

Franklin 299

Total Monthly Price
201 Marshall

The Riley at Belmont Hills

922 Hill 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.

180 Harrison Ave

Bradford Apartments

Chateau D'Oro Apartments

3655 Colegrove Apartments

Bonnie Brae Terrace, A 62+ Community

36th Avenue Apartments

Redwood Manor Apartments

1410 Jefferson Ave

zLaurel Place Apartments

Poplar Apartments
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.
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 | $3,371 | $1,995 | $4,147 |
| Cheap San Carlos 1 Bedroom Apartments | $3,786 | $2,090 | $6,820 |
| Cheap San Carlos 2 Bedroom Apartments | $4,638 | $2,491 | $8,045 |
| Cheap San Carlos 3 Bedroom Apartments | $5,744 | $2,860 | $7,854 |
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: 06/13/2026Current apartment rentals in the San Carlos, CA area range in price from $2,495 to $6,729 with an overall median price of $5,885. The three San Carlos neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are White Oaks at $2,495, Eaton at $3,495, and Brittan Heights at $2,595. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| White Oaks | $4,395 | $2,495 | 4 |
| Eaton | $5,325 | $3,495 | 3 |
| Brittan Heights | $6,564 | $2,595 | 11 |
| Arguello | $6,571 | $2,595 | 13 |
| McDougal | $6,571 | $2,595 | 12 |
Cheapest Available San Carlos Apartments for Rent
 The cheapest available apartment rental in San Carlos, CA is a 1 Bed unit found at Belmont Family Apartments in the Central neighborhood priced from $2,090. Stone Creek Apartments in the Roosevelt neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $2,195. Here is today’s list of the most affordable San Carlos apartments for rent:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Belmont Family Apartments | 1 Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $2,090 |
| Stone Creek Apartments | 1x1C | 1BR,1BA | $2,195 |
| Monticello | Studio | Studio,1BA | $2,200 |
| Marymount Tower | One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $2,295 |
| 129 Redwood Ave | 1x1 | 1BR,1BA | $2,295 |
| Courtyard Apartments | 1x1S | 1BR,1BA | $2,395 |
| Redwood Plaza Village , SENIOR BUILDING , 55+ | 1 bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $2,450 |
| Old County Road Apartments | 1 Bed 1 Bath | 1BR,1BA | $2,575 |
| San Carlos Apartments LLC | 1 Bed 1 Bath | 1BR,1BA | $2,595 |
| 3633 Colegrove Apartments | 1B/1B | 1BR,1BA | $2,595 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in San Carlos, CA
As of June 13, 2026 the best value apartment in the San Carlos area is the $3.55 price per square foot 405 Portofino Dr Model at 405 Portofino Dr, Unit 2 in the in the Brittan Heights neighborhood starting from $5,325. The second greatest value San Carlos apartment is the 413 Portofino Dr Model at 413 Portofino Dr, Unit 413 Portofino Drive starting at $3,875 with a $2.98 price per square foot in the Brittan Heights 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. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 405 Portofino Dr, Unit 2 | 405 Portofino Dr | 3BR,2BA | $3.55 |
| 413 Portofino Dr, Unit 413 Portofino Drive | 413 Portofino Dr | 2BR,2BA | $2.98 |
| El Dorado Apartments | 2BR/2.0BA | 2BR,2BA | $3.54 |
| The Wellesley Crescent Apartments | 3x2 | 3BR,2BA | $3.66 |
| Crestview Apartments | Plan B: 1 Bed 1 Bath | 1BR,1BA | $3.16 |
| Belmont Square Apartments | 2x1 | 2BR,2BA | $3.27 |
| Old County Road Apartments | 1 Bed 1 Bath | 1BR,1BA | $3.08 |
| Courtyard Apartments | 1x1L | 1BR,1BA | $3.12 |
| Marymount Tower | One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $3.14 |
| 129 Redwood Ave | 1x1 | 1BR,1BA | $3.19 |
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 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.
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 the Cheapest Studio apartment in San Carlos?
Currently the most affordable Cheap Studio Apartment in San Carlos is at Monticello listed at $2,200.
How much is rent for a Cheap One Bedroom San Carlos Apartment?
The lowest price for a Cheap One Bedroom San Carlos Apartment is $2,090 at Belmont Family Apartments.
What is the lowest price for a Cheap Two Bedroom San Carlos Apartment for rent?
Today's best deal for a Cheap Two Bedroom Apartment in San Carlos is starting from $2,491 at Belmont Family Apartments.
What is the most affordable San Carlos Three Bedroom Apartment?
The best deal on a cheap San Carlos Three Bedroom Apartment rental is at Belmont Family Apartments and starts from $2,860.
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

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.

Pet-Friendly Renting: Everything You Need to Know Before You Move
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
For so many of us, pets are the best companions and a big part of our lives. For this reason, a pet-friendly house or apartment is often a very important - and nonnegotiable - part of a move.

Creative Ways Developers Reimagine Retail Spaces as Residential Units
Written by: Robin Stewart
Adaptive reuse is when a commercial property is converted and repurposed. The real estate industry has embraced a growing number of these projects.

Neighborhood and Market Insights: How to Choose the Right Area to Rent
Written by: Robin Stewart
Apartment-hunting can be a gargantuan task. Renters have a wish list of items—some luxuries, some necessities—but finding what you seek in the right place is perhaps the most important part of the journey.