
Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Bays Neighborhood of San Mateo, CA from $1,900 (41 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the Bays area of San Mateo.


Total Monthly Price
CitySouth

Madison Place

Chesapeake Point

Lakeshore Landing

zLaurel Place Apartments

27 E 41st Pl

20 E 41st Pl
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.

532 E Hillsdale Ct

1855 El Parque Ct

1849 El Parque Ct

Lago Apartments

49 E 40th Ave

1836 El Parque Ct

1815 El Parque Ct

1850 El Parque Ct
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.

1830 El Parque Ct

3120 Los Prados St

1824 El Parque Ct

1807 El Parque Ct

1804 El Parque Ct

504 E Hillsdale Ct

1840 El Parque Ct

1841 El Parque Ct
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.

508 E Hillsdale Ct

1823 El Parque Ct

The Preston at Hillsdale

19 East 41st Place

82 E. 39th Avenue

72 E 39th Avenue

Lago Apartments

32 East Fortieth
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Del Lago Apartments

35 E 41st Pl

Harbor Cove

Beach Cove

Lantern Cove

300 Oxford Way

421 Wessex Way

Crestview Apartments
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Entering the rental market? Learn these simple tips and strategies to avoid common pitfalls and make confident choices. Rent with peace of mind.

Sofi Belmont Glen
Bays, San Mateo, CA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Bays?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bays Studio Apartments | $2,932 | $2,399 | $3,465 |
| Bays 1 Bedroom Apartments | $3,047 | $2,575 | $3,570 |
| Bays 2 Bedroom Apartments | $3,702 | $3,055 | $4,490 |
| Bays 3 Bedroom Apartments | $4,221 | $4,174 | $4,279 |
Browse Apartments in this Neighborhood
There are currently 41 rentals with your search options within a 1 mile radius of the Bays Neighborhood of San Mateo, CA.
See all Apartments in San MateoExplore San Mateo
Bays, San Mateo, CA Local Guide
- Nearby San Mateo neighborhoods
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Cheapest Available Bays Apartments for Rent
 The cheapest available apartment rental in the Bays area of San Francisco, CA is a Studio unit found at The Preston at Hillsdale priced from $2,370. Madison Place has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $2,575. Here are the most affordable Bays apartments for rent in San Francisco, CA:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Preston at Hillsdale | Studio | Studio,1BA | $2,370 |
| Madison Place | 1 x 1 | 1BR,1BA | $2,575 |
| Lakeshore Landing | Shoreline | 1BR,1BA | $2,849 |
| Harbor Cove | 1x1-625 | 1BR,1BA | $2,885 |
| Laurel Crossing Apartment Homes | Poppy Premier | 1BR,1BA | $3,038 |
| Bay Terrace | The Teresa | 2BR,1BA | $3,055 |
| Chesapeake Point | Plan 1A | 1BR,1BA | $3,317 |
| Lantern Cove | Cedarwood | 2BR,2BA | $3,700 |
| CitySouth | Foster (B2D) | 2BR,2BA | $3,924 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Bays, CA
As of February 15, 2026 the best value apartment in the Bays area is the $3.55 price per square foot Cedarwood Model at Lantern Cove in the in the Central neighborhood starting from $3,700. The second greatest value Bays apartment is the Foster (B2D) Model at CitySouth starting at $3,924 with a $3.81 price per square foot in the Birds neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Bays apartments based on price per square foot:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lantern Cove | Cedarwood | 2BR,2BA | $3.55 |
| CitySouth | Foster (B2D) | 2BR,2BA | $3.81 |
| Bay Terrace | The Teresa | 2BR,1BA | $4.07 |
| Laurel Crossing Apartment Homes | Poppy Premier | 1BR,1BA | $4.25 |
| Madison Place | 1x1rw | 1BR,1BA | $3.93 |
| Chesapeake Point | Plan 1A | 1BR,1BA | $5.10 |
| East Hillsdale Apartments | ONE BEDROOM | 1BR,1BA | $3.92 |
| Harbor Cove | 1x1-625 | 1BR,1BA | $4.62 |
| Lakeshore Landing | Shoreline | 1BR,1BA | $5.00 |
| The Preston at Hillsdale | Studio | Studio ,1BA | $4.31 |
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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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.
Read ArticleQuick 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.
Pet Friendly LifestyleBays, San Mateo, CA
Ranked #26
Among cities in California for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities.
Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score
4.0Pet Friendly
Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Bays Apartments
How much is rent for a Cheap One Bedroom Bays Apartment?
The lowest price for a Cheap One Bedroom Bays Apartment is $2,575 at Madison Place.
What is the lowest price for a Cheap Two Bedroom Bays Apartment for rent?
Today's best deal for a Cheap Two Bedroom Apartment in Bays is starting from $3,055 at Bay Terrace.
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.
Helpful Local Expert Guides

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.

Local Guide To the Best Student Friendly Neighborhoods to Rent Near Colleges in San Francisco
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Naturally, going away to college or university is super exciting in and of itself. It’s the prelude to the rest of your life, not to mention an unforgettable experience all its own.

Where to Live, Where to Work: Your Guide to Top Neighborhoods to Rent Near San Francisco's 5 Best Employers
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Deciding to move to San Francisco for work is a huge deal. San Fran is exciting and just weird enough to let you know you’re in for an amazing adventure, right from day one.

Bay Living Like a Local: The Insiders Guide to Life and Renting in San Francisco, CA
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San Francisco is so much more than just postcard-perfect views of cable cars and the Golden Gate Bridge.
Articles, How-To's, and Tips

Maximizing Your Refund: Essential Tax Tips for Renters
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Other than tax professionals, I can’t think of anyone who looks forward to tax season. For everybody else, April is a stressful month to collect information and meet deadlines.

18 Must-Ask Rental Tour Questions That Reveal the Truth about a Property
Written by: Lauren Harrington
Renting your next home can feel thrilling and overwhelming at the same time.

A Renters Guide for Tips on Writing Your Notice for Not Renewing Your Apartment
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Packing up everything you own to move is so stressful for many that ending your apartment lease can feel like a small or unimportant task. Ending your lease involves more than simply turning over your keys on the last day.

Renting with Roommates: Realistic Expectations for Shared Lease
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Given the high costs for housing, I have found that many people are looking for a roommate to share expenses. These arrangements can increase opportunities for more desirable and larger spaces.