Cheap Apartments for Rent in San Mateo, CA from $1,300 (56 Rentals)

How Many Bedrooms?Done
Select your price rangeDone
Lifestyle Matching SearchDone
By AmenitiesDone
By Community TypeDone
Features and AvailabilityDone
Done

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

close
View Me
Brickline Flats
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

Brickline Flats

303 Baldwin AveSan Mateo, CA 94401
close
View Me
116 Elm St
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

116 Elm St

116 Elm StSan Mateo, CA 94401
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
816 Highland Ave
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

816 Highland Ave

816 Highland AveSan Mateo, CA 94401
close
View Me
Oakview
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Oakview

3135 Campus DrSan Mateo, CA 94403
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
Kiku Crossing
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Kiku Crossing

480 E 4th AveSan Mateo, CA 94401
close
View Me
227 Elm St
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

227 Elm St

227 Elm StSan Mateo, CA 94401
close
View Me
130-132 Dartmouth Rd
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

130-132 Dartmouth Rd

130-132 Dartmouth RdSan Mateo, CA 94402
  • Utilities Included
  • Smoke Free
close
View Me
Gateway Apartments
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Gateway Apartments

438 N El Camino RealSan Mateo, CA 94401
close
View Me
Park Central
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Park Central

724 Laurel AveSan Mateo, CA 94401
close
View Me
1113 Haddon Dr
1 Bedroom Apartments

1113 Haddon Dr

1113 Haddon DrSan Mateo, CA 94402
  • Smoke Free
close
View Me
1109 Haddon Dr
1 Bedroom Apartments

1109 Haddon Dr

1109 Haddon DrSan Mateo, CA 94402
  • Smoke Free
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
1133-1129 Rhinette Ave
1 Bedroom Apartments

1133-1129 Rhinette Ave

1133-1129 Rhinette AveBurlingame, CA 94010
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
Catania Apartments
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Catania Apartments

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

Highland Apartments

115 Highland AveBurlingame, CA 94010
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
Carlmont Heights
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Carlmont Heights

2213 Hastings DrBelmont, CA 94002
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
Sand Castle Apartments
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Sand Castle Apartments

1125 Balclutha DrFoster City, CA 94404
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
Laurel Terrace
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Laurel Terrace

399 Laurel StSan Carlos, CA 94070
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
6th Ave
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

6th Ave

1665 6th AveBelmont, CA 94002

San Mateo, CA Local Guide

Photo of Staff Writer  - Local Guide Expert
Written By:
Staff Writer
Local Guide Expert

Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in San Mateo, CA

Pricing Updated: 09/22/2025

Current 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:

NeighborhoodMedian PriceMin PriceAvailable Units
North Central$4,950$2,3007
Baywood Park$6,995$5,9503
Baywood Aragon$9,800$3,6003

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 ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
3633 Colegrove ApartmentsStudioStudio,1BA$1,945
Apartment in San Carlos Creek0BR/1.0BAStudio,1BA$2,040
Villa Tuscany Apartment Homes1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$2,245
Hillsdale GardenStudioStudio,1BA$2,270
Fourth CircleStudioStudio,1BA$2,272
1950 Ivy St1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$2,275
Ivy Circle1 Bed 1 Bath1BR,1BA$2,400
The Preston at HillsdaleStudioStudio,1BA$2,425
Ambassador Apartments1x11BR,1BA$2,425
Madison Place1 x 11BR,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 ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
718 N Claremont St2 Bedrooms + Family Room2BR,1BA$2.67
Monterey Garden2x1.52BR,1.5BA$3.34
Old County Road Apartments2x2 Gold Washer and Dryer2BR,2BA$3.34
The Riley at Belmont Hills2 + 22BR,2BA$3.21
645 Rollins Rd, Unit 3645 Rollins Rd2BR,1.5BA$3.29
515 N El Camino Real2 Beds, 1 bath2BR,1BA$3.00
Belmont Square Apartments2x12BR,1BA$3.05
Bridgepointe11CB1BR,1BA$3.38
1015 Continentals (Casa Belview)1BR/1.0BA1BR,1BA$3.38
Villa Tuscany Apartment Homes1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$3.01

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 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 Lifestyle
San Mateo, CA

Ranked #73

Among cities in California for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities.

Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score

2.5
Pet Friendly

decorative image of woman handing cat to small boy

Remember the 3 Rules of Real Estate:
Location, Location, Location!

Explore San Mateo, CA Rentals by Map

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

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

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.

decorative image for A San Francisco Local Expert’s Guide to the Top Budget-Friendly Bay Area Neighborhoods to Rent article

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.

decorative image for How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money article

How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Everything is a negotiation in real estate! 

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

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.

decorative image for Your Guide to Co-Signers: The Risks, Rewards, and Everything in Between article

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.