
Cheap Apartments for Rent in San Carlos, CA from $900 (64 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in San Carlos.


Greenwood Apartments

17-25 Devonshire

Cedar Patio Apartments

Laurel Terrace

540 Elm Street

520 Elm St

80-128 Laurel Street Apartments

San Carlos Apartments LLC

EXCELLENT APARTMENT IN PRIME LOCATION
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.

160 Harrison Ave

Marymount Tower

Perry Street Studios

Monticello

3553 Curtiss St

538 Madison Ave, Unit 5

Stone Creek Apartments

417 Stambaugh St

Belmont Family Apartments

Courtyard Apartments
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.

Redwood Plaza Village , SENIOR BUILDING , 55+

The Heltsley

924 Hill St

3633 Colegrove Apartments

Marymount Manor

1015 Continentals Ave

4125 George Ave

The Millton

180 Harrison Ave

Bradford 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.

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

176 Duane St

Catania Apartments
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.

Carlmont Heights

1410 Hess Road

6th Ave

Brewster Place

The Riley at Belmont Hills

Lathrop House Apartments

Carlmont Hills Apartments

Village Court Apartments

Farm Hill Apartments

The Alameda 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.
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 | $3,484 | $1,995 | $4,211 |
| Cheap San Carlos 1 Bedroom Apartments | $3,863 | $2,195 | $5,785 |
| Cheap San Carlos 2 Bedroom Apartments | $4,983 | $2,716 | $8,340 |
| Cheap San Carlos 3 Bedroom Apartments | $6,023 | $3,121 | $8,126 |
Browse Top Apartments in San Carlos
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San Carlos, CA Local Guide

- San Carlos Neighborhoods
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Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in San Carlos, CA
Pricing Updated: 07/28/2026Current 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:
| Neighborhood | Median Price | Min Price | Available Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eaton | $3,585 | $3,295 | 2 |
| White Oaks | $4,395 | $2,495 | 4 |
| Arguello | $6,660 | $3,200 | 7 |
| Brittan Heights | $6,660 | $3,200 | 5 |
| McDougal | $6,660 | $3,200 | 7 |
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 Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| 176 Duane St | 0 Beds, 1 Baths | Studio,1BA | $2,100 |
| Belmont Family Apartments | 1 Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $2,278 |
| Courtyard Apartments | 1x1S | 1BR,1BA | $2,395 |
| Marymount Tower | One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $2,425 |
| Redwood Plaza Village , SENIOR BUILDING , 55+ | 1 bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $2,450 |
| Marymount Manor | One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $2,595 |
| Hillsdale Garden | Studio | Studio,1BA | $2,648 |
| Stone Creek Apartments | 1x1 | 1BR,1BA | $2,695 |
| The Heltsley | Westwood | 1BR,1BA | $2,895 |
| The Millton | A1 | 1BR,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 Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 413 Portofino Dr, Unit 413 Portofino Drive | 413 Portofino Dr | 2BR,2BA | $2.98 |
| Arlington Apartments | 2 Bedroom/2 Bathroom | 2BR,2BA | $3.33 |
| Ralston at Belmont | TMA 2+2 | 2BR,2BA | $4.00 |
| 616 Canyon Rd | 2 Beds, 1 Baths | 2BR,1BA | $3.07 |
| Belmont Square Apartments | 2x1 | 2BR,2BA | $3.27 |
| Courtyard Apartments | 1x1L | 1BR,1BA | $3.12 |
| Brewster Place | 2 BR, 1.5 BA | 2BR,1.5BA | $3.84 |
| The Heltsley | Westwood | 1BR,1BA | $3.86 |
| Marymount Manor | One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $3.55 |
| Marymount Tower | One Bedroom | 1BR,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.
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.
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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.
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 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

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.

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.

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.

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.