Cheap Apartments for Rent in San Carlos, CA from $900 (21 Rentals)

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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

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.

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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
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Chateau D'Oro Apartments
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Chateau D'Oro Apartments

1001 Continentals WayBelmont, CA 94002
  • Utilities Included

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.

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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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Catania Apartments
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Catania Apartments

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

Carlmont Heights

2213 Hastings DrBelmont, CA 94002

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.

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: 10/31/2025

Current apartment rentals in the San Carlos, CA area range in price from $1,980 to $6,622 with an overall median price of $5,454. The three San Carlos neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are Eaton at $3,495, White Oaks at $2,251, 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:

NeighborhoodMedian PriceMin PriceAvailable Units
Eaton$3,495$3,4951
White Oaks$4,395$2,2518
Arguello$6,460$2,04026
Brittan Heights$6,460$2,0408
McDougal$6,460$1,98027

Cheapest Available San Carlos Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in San Carlos, CA is a Studio unit found at Bonnie Brae Terrace, A 62+ Community in the Western Hills neighborhood priced from $1,850. 3633 Colegrove Apartments in the Sugarloaf neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $1,945. Here is today’s list of the most affordable San Carlos apartments for rent:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Bonnie Brae Terrace, A 62+ CommunityStudioStudio,1BA$1,850
3633 Colegrove ApartmentsStudioStudio,1BA$1,945
Apartment in San Carlos Creek0BR/1.0BAStudio,1BA$2,040
MonticelloStudioStudio,1BA$2,095
Redwood Plaza Village , SENIOR BUILDING , 55+1 bedroom1BR,1BA$2,250

Best Value Apartments for Rent in San Carlos, CA

As of October 31, 2025 the best value apartment in the San Carlos area is the $3.19 price per square foot 2 Bed 2 Bath Model at Belmont Terrace in the in the Western Hills neighborhood starting from $3,737. The second greatest value San Carlos apartment is the TMA 2+2 Model at Ralston at Belmont starting at $3,591 with a $3.42 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 ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
Belmont Terrace2 Bed 2 Bath2BR,2BA$3.19
Ralston at BelmontTMA 2+22BR,2BA$3.42
Lantern CoveCedarwood2BR,2BA$3.33
Crestview ApartmentsPlan D1: With Washer and Dryer2BR,1BA$3.56
Belmont Square Apartments2x12BR,1BA$3.05
1015 Continentals (Casa Belview)1BR/1.0BA1BR,1BA$3.38
Marymount ManorOne Bedroom1BR,1BA$3.42
Marymount TowerOne Bedroom1BR,1BA$3.28
Courtyard Apartments1x1S1BR,1BA$3.53
MonticelloStudioStudio ,1BA$3.49

Apartment Common Area Rules: What Renters Need to Know

From the lounge to the laundry room, understand your rights and responsibilities in shared apartment spaces. Get tips on pet rules, noise, and security.

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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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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.

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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.

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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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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

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 $2,250, while the average apartment in San Carlos costs $5,454.

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.

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 $1,191 which is $4,263 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.

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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.

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How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Everything is a negotiation in real estate! 

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The Rental Move-In Inspection Checklist: A Guide for Renters

Written by: Trey Huguley

The move-in inspection checklist is a crucial tool for both tenants and landlords. This checklist, provided by the team at ApartmentHomeLiving.com, helps document the condition of an apartment at the time of move-in.

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Your Guide to Co-Signers: The Risks, Rewards, and Everything in Between

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

For many people, obstacles can arise during the rental application process for a variety of issues.