Cheap Apartments for Rent in San Carlos, CA from $900 (69 Rentals)

How Many Bedrooms?Done
Select your price rangeDone
to
Note: Properties with the Total Monthly Price badge include all required fees. Hover over the badge for details.
Lifestyle Matching SearchDone
Learn more about Lifestyle Search
By AmenitiesDone
By Community TypeDone
Features and AvailabilityDone
Done

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

close
View Me
Walnut Studios
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Walnut Studios

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

Greenwood Apartments

1150 Greenwood AveSan Carlos, CA 94070
close
View Me
Devonshire
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Devonshire

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

Cedar Patio Apartments

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

Laurel Terrace

399 Laurel StSan Carlos, CA 94070
  • Utilities Included
property at 32 Cambridge St

$2,400

Studio, 1 Bath Home for Rent

Available Now

32 Cambridge St

San CarlosCA94070
close
View Me
540 Elm Street
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

540 Elm Street

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

520 Elm St

520 Elm StSan Carlos, CA 94070
  • 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.

Read Article

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.

Read Article

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.

Read Article
close
View Me
180 Harrison Ave
1 Bedroom Apartments

180 Harrison Ave

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

Bradford Apartments

780 Bradford StRedwood City, CA 94063

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.

Read Article
close
View Me
Chateau D'Oro Apartments
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Chateau D'Oro Apartments

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

1410 Jefferson Ave

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

Poplar Apartments

440 Poplar AveRedwood City, CA 94061
close
View Me
Catania Apartments
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Catania Apartments

2431 Carlmont DrBelmont, CA 94002
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
Carlmont Heights
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Carlmont Heights

2213 Hastings DrBelmont, CA 94002

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.

Read Article
Showing Results 1-50, Page 1 of 2

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: 04/28/2026

Current apartment rentals in the San Carlos, CA area range in price from $2,165 to $6,800 with an overall median price of $5,277. The three San Carlos neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are Eaton at $3,495, White Oaks at $2,495, and Arguello at $2,165. 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$3,495$3,4951
White Oaks$4,395$2,49510
Arguello$6,165$2,1659
Brittan Heights$6,165$2,5954
McDougal$6,165$2,1659

Cheapest Available San Carlos Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in San Carlos, CA is a 1 Bed unit found at Hill Garden Apartments in the Central neighborhood priced from $2,165. Monticello in the Roosevelt neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $2,200. Here is today’s list of the most affordable San Carlos apartments for rent:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Hill Garden Apartments1 Bedroom 1 Bath1BR,1BA$2,165
MonticelloStudioStudio,1BA$2,200
Courtyard Apartments1x1S1BR,1BA$2,395
Hillsdale GardenStudioStudio,1BA$2,414
Redwood Plaza Village , SENIOR BUILDING , 55+1 bedroom1BR,1BA$2,450
Marymount ManorOne Bedroom1BR,1BA$2,495
San Carlos Apartments LLC1 Bed 1 Bath1BR,1BA$2,595
3633 Colegrove Apartments1B/1B1BR,1BA$2,595
The MilltonS3Studio,1BA$2,632

Best Value Apartments for Rent in San Carlos, CA

As of April 29, 2026 the best value apartment in the San Carlos area is the $3.66 price per square foot 3x2 Model at The Wellesley Crescent Apartments in the in the Marina Park neighborhood starting from $4,395. The second greatest value San Carlos apartment is the Cedarwood Model at Lantern Cove starting at $3,680 with a $3.53 price per square foot in the Central 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.
The Wellesley Crescent Apartments3x23BR,2BA$3.66
Lantern CoveCedarwood2BR,2BA$3.53
Stone Creek Apartments2x22BR,2BA$3.58
Belmont Square Apartments2x12BR,1BA$3.05
Courtyard Apartments1x1L1BR,1BA$3.12
Brewster Place2 BR, 1.5 BA2BR,1.5BA$3.84
127 Franklin St, Unit A127 Franklin St1BR,1BA$3.78
Marymount ManorOne Bedroom1BR,1BA$3.42
3633 Colegrove Apartments1B/1B1BR,1BA$3.86
MonticelloStudioStudio ,1BA$3.67

10 Hidden Costs of Renting You Should Budget for Before Signing a Lease

Avoid financial stress when renting. Learn about the 10 most common hidden costs—from pet fees to utilities—you must budget for before you sign a lease.

Read Article
Decorative image

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 Article
Decorative image

The 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 Article
Decorative image

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.

Read Article
Decorative image

Quick 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.

decorative image of people with a giant lease agreement

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

Decorative image of map

See the most popular apartments and homes in San Carlos, CA

View Map
San Carlos, CA Apartments Map
View Map
San Carlos, CA Rental Homes Map

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 $2,632.

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

The cheapest apartment in San Carlos is Hill Garden Apartments which is listed at $2,165, while the average apartment in San Carlos costs $5,277.

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.

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

decorative image for Expert Solutions for Creating the Perfect Work-From-Home Apartment Layouts article

Expert Solutions for Creating the Perfect Work-From-Home Apartment Layouts

Written by: Lauren Harrington

This article is based on first-hand experience managing apartment communities and helping renters adapt to their spaces after moving in.

decorative image for What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much article

What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much

Written by: Lauren Harrington

This article draws from first-hand renter experiences and recurring financial challenges reported after moving in.

decorative image for Maximizing Your Refund: Essential Tax Tips for Renters article

Maximizing Your Refund: Essential Tax Tips for Renters

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Other than tax professionals, I can’t think of anyone who looks forward to tax season. For everybody else, April is a stressful month to collect information and meet deadlines.

decorative image for 18 Must-Ask Rental Tour Questions That Reveal the Truth about a Property article

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.