Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Central San Mateo Neighborhood of San Mateo, CA from $1,300 (17 Rentals)

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

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

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.

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
Kiku Crossing
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Kiku Crossing

480 E 4th AveSan Mateo, CA 94401

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.

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

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.

close
View Me
243 N. Ellsworth
1 to 4 Bedroom Apartments

243 N. Ellsworth

243 N Ellsworth AveSan Mateo, CA 94401
close
View Me
Park Royal Apartments
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Park Royal Apartments

651 N El Camino RealSan Mateo, CA 94401
  • Utilities Included

Cheapest Available Central San Mateo Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in the Central San Mateo area of San Francisco, CA is a Studio unit found at Country Club priced from $2,095. Ryan Tower has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $2,499. Here are the most affordable Central San Mateo apartments for rent in San Francisco, CA:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Country ClubStudioStudio,1BA$2,095
Ryan TowerStudioStudio,1BA$2,499
Colonial Garden ApartmentsPlan 11BR,1BA$2,608
Terrace HillsONE BEDROOM, 1st FLOOR1BR,1BA$2,625
Park Laurel ApartmentsFully Renovated Studio W/ Washer/DryerStudio,1BA$2,750

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Central San Mateo, CA

As of February 26, 2026 the best value apartment in the Central San Mateo area is the $2.47 price per square foot 21 El Cerrito Ave Model at 21 El Cerrito Ave, Unit 21 in the in the Central San Mateo neighborhood starting from $4,700. The second greatest value Central San Mateo apartment is the 3x2 Model at Ambassador Apartments starting at $3,795 with a $3.31 price per square foot in the Central San Mateo neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Central San Mateo apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
21 El Cerrito Ave, Unit 2121 El Cerrito Ave2BR,2.5BA$2.47
Ambassador Apartments3x23BR,2BA$3.31
603 Woodside Way, Unit 3603 Woodside Way2BR,1BA$3.80
West 5th2 Bedroom A2BR,1BA$3.42
111 Elm St2 bed 1 bath2BR,1BA$3.50
Monterey Garden1x11BR,1BA$4.46
888 San Mateo Apartments1x1 Huntington AVAIL 04/11/20261BR,1BA$3.99
One Three Four Elm Apartments1 Bedroom 1 Bath1BR,1BA$3.50
Two Clark Drive Apartments1 Bedroom/1 Bathroom1BR,1BA$3.44
243 N. Ellsworth1 bed 1 Bath1BR,1BA$3.71

Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Central San Mateo Apartments

What is the Cheapest Studio apartment in Central San Mateo?

Currently the most affordable Cheap Studio Apartment in Central San Mateo is at Country Club listed at $2,095.

How much is rent for a Cheap One Bedroom Central San Mateo Apartment?

The lowest price for a Cheap One Bedroom Central San Mateo Apartment is $2,608 at Colonial Garden Apartments.

What is the lowest price for a Cheap Two Bedroom Central San Mateo Apartment for rent?

Today's best deal for a Cheap Two Bedroom Apartment in Central San Mateo is starting from $2,857 at Colonial Garden Apartments.

What is the most affordable Central San Mateo Three Bedroom Apartment?

The best deal on a cheap Central San Mateo Three Bedroom Apartment rental is at Ambassador Apartments and starts from $3,795.

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

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 Local Guide To the Best Student Friendly Neighborhoods to Rent Near Colleges in San Francisco article

Local Guide To the Best Student Friendly Neighborhoods to Rent Near Colleges in San Francisco

Written by: Shannon Hilson

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.

decorative image for Where to Live, Where to Work: Your Guide to Top Neighborhoods to Rent Near San Francisco's 5 Best Employers article

Where to Live, Where to Work: Your Guide to Top Neighborhoods to Rent Near San Francisco's 5 Best Employers

Written by: Shannon Hilson

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.

decorative image for Bay Living Like a Local: The Insiders Guide to Life and Renting in San Francisco, CA article

Bay Living Like a Local: The Insiders Guide to Life and Renting in San Francisco, CA

Written by: Shannon Hilson

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

decorative image for Maximizing Your Refund: Essential Tax Tips for Renters article

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.

decorative image for 18 Must-Ask Rental Tour Questions That Reveal the Truth about a Property article

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.

decorative image for A Renters Guide for Tips on Writing Your Notice for Not Renewing Your Apartment article

A Renters Guide for Tips on Writing Your Notice for Not Renewing Your Apartment

Written by: Bob Mallory

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.

decorative image for Renting with Roommates: Realistic Expectations for Shared Lease article

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.