Cheap Apartments for Rent in San Carlos, CA from $900 (20 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in San Carlos.
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.

583 Seahorse Ln

Bonnie Brae Terrace

3633 Colegrove Apartments

Redwood Plaza Village , SENIOR BUILDING , 55+

Perry Street Studios

The Heltsley
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.
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 |
---|---|---|---|
Cheap San Carlos Studio Apartments | $3,056 | $916 | $3,691 |
Cheap San Carlos 1 Bedroom Apartments | $3,526 | $1,350 | $7,203 |
Cheap San Carlos 2 Bedroom Apartments | $4,563 | $2,485 | $9,031 |
Cheap San Carlos 3 Bedroom Apartments | $5,759 | $3,709 | $10,000+ |
Cheap San Carlos 4 Bedroom Apartments | $10,575 | $7,150 | $10,000+ |
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San Carlos, CA Local Guide

- San Carlos Neighborhoods
- Nearby Cities
- ZIP codes
- Local Counties
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Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in San Carlos, CA
Pricing Updated: 06/24/2025Current apartment rentals in the San Carlos, CA area range in price from to with an overall median price of . Here is today’s list neighborhoods with the lowest median pricing for San Carlos Apartments for rent:
Neighborhood | Median Price | Min Price | Available Units |
---|---|---|---|
White Oaks | $4,395 | $916 | 5 |
Arguello | $14,000 | $916 | 20 |
Brittan Heights | $14,000 | $916 | 7 |
McDougal | $14,000 | $916 | 20 |
Cheapest Available San Carlos Apartments for Rent
 The cheapest available apartment rental in San Carlos, CA is a Studio unit found at Walnut Studios in the McDougal neighborhood priced from $916. 751 Vista Dr in the Palomar Park neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $1,400. Here is today’s list of the most affordable San Carlos apartments for rent:
Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
---|---|---|---|
Walnut Studios | Studio | Studio,1BA | $916 |
751 Vista Dr | 1 Bed 1 Bath | 1BR,1BA | $1,400 |
Bonnie Brae Terrace | Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,750 |
Redwood Plaza Village , SENIOR BUILDING , 55+ | 1 bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $1,950 |
Devonshire Apartments | 1 Bed 1 Bath | 1BR,1BA | $2,175 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in San Carlos, CA
As of June 24, 2025 the best value apartment in the San Carlos area is the $2.89 price per square foot 2BR/2.0BA Model at 15 Mulberry Ct in the in the Central neighborhood starting from $3,395. The second greatest value San Carlos apartment is the Gordon Model at Geraldine starting at $3,200 with a $3.15 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 Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
---|---|---|---|
15 Mulberry Ct | 2BR/2.0BA | 2BR,2BA | $2.89 |
Geraldine | Gordon | 2BR,2BA | $3.15 |
Stone Creek Apartments | 2x2 | 2BR,2BA | $3.26 |
Belmont Square Apartments | 2x1 | 2BR,1BA | $3.05 |
751 Vista Dr | 1 Bed 1 Bath | 1BR,1BA | $1.79 |
Village Court Apartments | 2 Bedroom 1 Bath | 2BR,1BA | $3.31 |
Courtyard Apartments | 1x1S | 1BR,1BA | $3.28 |
Devonshire Apartments | 1 Bed 1 Bath | 1BR,1BA | $3.11 |
Redwood Plaza Village , SENIOR BUILDING , 55+ | 1 bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $3.25 |
Walnut Studios | Studio | Studio ,1BA | $2.54 |
Quick Rent Budget Calculator
How much rent can you afford?
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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!
Explore San Carlos, CA Rentals by Map
See the most popular apartments and homes in San Carlos, CA
Getting Around San Carlos, CA
Walk Score®
82 / 100
Very Walkable
Most errands can be accomplished on foot
Bike Score®
69 / 100
Bikeable
Some bike infrastructure
Transit Score®
1 / 100
Minimal Transit
It may be possible to get on a bus
What Are Walk Score®, Transit Score®, and Bike Score® Ratings?
- Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address.
- Transit Score® measures access to public transit.
- Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
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 $2,437.
What is the price of a cheap apartment in San Carlos?
The cheapest apartment in San Carlos is 751 Vista Dr which is listed at $1,400, while the average apartment in San Carlos costs $11,598.
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 4 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 $643 which is $10,955 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in San Carlos.
Expert Rental Resources
Helpful Apartment Articles, How-To's and Tips
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.

Roommate Matching: Finding the Right Fit and Avoiding Pitfalls
Written by: Cheryl Bowman
A fantastic way to save money and enjoy a built-in community is to share an apartment. However, a bad roommate situation can turn your dream rental into a nightmare.

The Art of the Rental Viewing: What to look for during a property tour
Written by: Marie Brown
You’ve scrolled through countless listings, walked through a blur of rentals, and finally found what feels like the one. The pictures? Fantastic. The neighborhood seems just right.

Know Your Budget: Calculating What You Can Realistically Afford When Renting
Written by: Lauren Harrington
Renting an apartment or house isn’t just about looking through online ads, choosing a few apartments or homes you want to tour, filling out an application, and putting down a deposit. Those things are all necessary and important.

The Freedom of Short-Term Leases: Exploring the Advantages for Renters
Written by: Bobbi Jackson
If you’re looking to relocate right now, a popular solution that may best fit your current rental needs is a short-term lease.