Cheap Apartments for Rent in San Mateo, CA from $1,300 (56 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in San Mateo.

3633 Colegrove Apartments

Fiesta Apartments

De Sabla Apartments

Ambassador Apartments

Madison Place

East Hillsdale Apartments

Tradewind Surf Apartments

Tradewind Surf Apartments

Apartment in San Carlos Creek

Villa Tuscany Apartment Homes

Beachcomber Bali

Alta off the Avenue

726 Bounty Dr

Arlington
San Mateo, CA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in San Mateo?
Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
---|---|---|---|
Cheap San Mateo Studio Apartments | $2,890 | $1,875 | $4,056 |
Cheap San Mateo 1 Bedroom Apartments | $3,466 | $1,900 | $8,861 |
Cheap San Mateo 2 Bedroom Apartments | $4,375 | $2,650 | $10,000+ |
Cheap San Mateo 3 Bedroom Apartments | $5,652 | $3,780 | $9,500 |
Cheap San Mateo 4 Bedroom Apartments | $7,060 | $7,060 | $7,060 |
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San Mateo, CA Local Guide

- San Mateo Neighborhoods
- Nearby Cities
- ZIP codes
- Local Counties
- School Districts
Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in San Mateo, CA
Pricing Updated: 09/22/2025Current apartment rentals in the San Mateo, 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 Mateo Apartments for rent:
Neighborhood | Median Price | Min Price | Available Units |
---|---|---|---|
North Central | $4,950 | $2,300 | 7 |
Baywood Park | $6,995 | $5,950 | 3 |
Baywood Aragon | $9,800 | $3,600 | 3 |
Cheapest Available San Mateo Apartments for Rent
 The cheapest available apartment rental in San Mateo, CA is a Studio unit found at 3633 Colegrove Apartments in the Sugarloaf neighborhood priced from $1,945. Apartment in San Carlos Creek in the McDougal neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $2,040. Here is today’s list of the most affordable San Mateo apartments for rent:
Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
---|---|---|---|
3633 Colegrove Apartments | Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,945 |
Apartment in San Carlos Creek | 0BR/1.0BA | Studio,1BA | $2,040 |
Villa Tuscany Apartment Homes | 1 Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $2,245 |
Hillsdale Garden | Studio | Studio,1BA | $2,270 |
Fourth Circle | Studio | Studio,1BA | $2,272 |
1950 Ivy St | 1 Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $2,275 |
Ivy Circle | 1 Bed 1 Bath | 1BR,1BA | $2,400 |
The Preston at Hillsdale | Studio | Studio,1BA | $2,425 |
Ambassador Apartments | 1x1 | 1BR,1BA | $2,425 |
Madison Place | 1 x 1 | 1BR,1BA | $2,450 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in San Mateo, CA
As of September 23, 2025 the best value apartment in the San Mateo area is the $2.67 price per square foot 2 Bedrooms + Family Room Model at 718 N Claremont St in the in the Central San Mateo neighborhood starting from $3,200. The second greatest value San Mateo apartment is the 2x1.5 Model at Monterey Garden starting at $3,999 with a $3.34 price per square foot in the Central San Mateo neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for San Mateo apartments based on price per square foot:
Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
---|---|---|---|
718 N Claremont St | 2 Bedrooms + Family Room | 2BR,1BA | $2.67 |
Monterey Garden | 2x1.5 | 2BR,1.5BA | $3.34 |
Old County Road Apartments | 2x2 Gold Washer and Dryer | 2BR,2BA | $3.34 |
The Riley at Belmont Hills | 2 + 2 | 2BR,2BA | $3.21 |
645 Rollins Rd, Unit 3 | 645 Rollins Rd | 2BR,1.5BA | $3.29 |
515 N El Camino Real | 2 Beds, 1 bath | 2BR,1BA | $3.00 |
Belmont Square Apartments | 2x1 | 2BR,1BA | $3.05 |
Bridgepointe | 11CB | 1BR,1BA | $3.38 |
1015 Continentals (Casa Belview) | 1BR/1.0BA | 1BR,1BA | $3.38 |
Villa Tuscany Apartment Homes | 1 Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $3.01 |
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San Mateo Overview
San Mateo is a warm, welcoming city with down-to-earth people from all walks of life. Easy access to big cities and beautiful vacation destinations makes San Mateo a perfect place to raise a family, start a career, or anything in between.
Why live in San Mateo, CA?
San Mateo is great for those who don't want to deal with the burdens of a big city, but who would also like access to the big cities when needed. 35 minutes south and you'll end up in San Jose, or head 30 minutes north to the beautiful city of San Francisco. That's not to say San Mateo doesn't have its own impressive amenities. Downtown you'll find over 200 restaurants to choose from for a night of great food and entertainment. On top of all that, the San Mateo school district is one of the best around, with parents raving about great teachers.
Pet Friendly LifestyleSan Mateo, CA
Ranked #73
Among cities in California for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities.
Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score
2.5Pet Friendly
Best Local Schools in San Mateo, CA
George Hall Elementary
Parkside Montessori
School data provided by Great Schools
Remember the 3 Rules of Real Estate:Location, Location, Location!
Explore San Mateo, CA Rentals by Map
See the most popular apartments and homes in San Mateo, CA
Getting Around San Mateo, CA
Walk Score®
86 / 100
Very Walkable
Most errands can be accomplished on foot
Bike Score®
73 / 100
Very Bikeable
Biking is convenient for most trips
Transit Score®
42 / 100
Some Transit
A few nearby public transportation options
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 Mateo Apartments
What is the Cheapest Studio apartment in San Mateo?
Currently the most affordable Cheap Studio Apartment in San Mateo is at 3633 Colegrove Apartments listed at $1,945.
How much is rent for a Cheap One Bedroom San Mateo Apartment?
The lowest price for a Cheap One Bedroom San Mateo Apartment is $2,245 at Villa Tuscany Apartment Homes.
What is the lowest price for a Cheap Two Bedroom San Mateo Apartment for rent?
Today's best deal for a Cheap Two Bedroom Apartment in San Mateo is starting from $2,795 at Belmont Square Apartments.
What is the most affordable San Mateo Three Bedroom Apartment?
The best deal on a cheap San Mateo Three Bedroom Apartment rental is at Chesapeake Point and starts from $4,249.
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.

A San Francisco Local Expert’s Guide to the Top Budget-Friendly Bay Area Neighborhoods to Rent
Written by: Shannon Hilson
If you’re anything like me, the thought of San Francisco is synonymous with concepts like creativity, character, and quirky local style.

How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Everything is a negotiation in real estate!

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.

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.