Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Central San Mateo Neighborhood of San Mateo, CA from $1,745 (47 Rentals)

How Many Bedrooms?Done
Select your price rangeDone
to
Note: Properties with the Total Monthly Price badge include all required fees. Hover over the badge for details.
Lifestyle Matching SearchDone
Learn more about Lifestyle Search
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.

San Francisco's Best Affordable Neighborhoods

Learn about San Francisco and the best places to live with original content written by our San Francisco, CA Local Expert Shannon Hilson

Read Article

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.

Read Article
property at 111 10th Ave

$4,580

Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$4,580
Total Monthly Price
$4,580

2 Bedroom, 2 Bath Townhome for Rent

Available Aug 31

111 10th Ave

San MateoCA94401

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.

Read Article
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
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
Terrace Hills
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Terrace Hills

619 N San Mateo DrSan Mateo, CA 94401
  • Utilities Included

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.

Read Article
close
View Me
433 Turner Terrace
1 Bedroom Apartments

433 Turner Terrace

433 Turner TerSan Mateo, CA 94401
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
960 Palm
1 Bedroom Apartments

960 Palm

960 Palm AveSan Mateo, CA 94401
close
View Me
100 Dartmouth Rd
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

100 Dartmouth Rd

100 Dartmouth RdSan Mateo, CA 94402
close
View Me
515 N El Camino Real
2 Bedroom Apartments

515 N El Camino Real

515 N El Camino RealSan Mateo, CA 94401
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
46 Madison Ave.
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

46 Madison Ave.

46 Madison AveSan Mateo, CA 94402
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
111 Elm St
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

111 Elm St

111 Elm StSan Mateo, CA 94401
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
Park Royal
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Park Royal

651 N El Camino RealSan Mateo, CA 94401
close
View Me
Brickline Flats
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

Brickline Flats

303 Baldwin AveSan Mateo, CA 94401

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.

Read Article
close
View Me
Monterey Garden
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Monterey Garden

150 W 3rd AveSan Mateo, CA 94402
Showing Results 1-47, Page 1 of 1

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. Two Clark Drive Apartments has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $2,750. 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
Two Clark Drive Apartments1 Bedroom/1 Bathroom1BR,1BA$2,750
888 San Mateo Apartments1xD (AVAIL 10/03/2026)1BR,1BA$3,450
Ambassador Apartments2x22BR,2BA$3,495
Station Park GreenMapleStudio,1BA$3,567
Two50 DowntownStudio 550 sq ftStudio,1BA$3,895
RYAN TOWER1x11BR,1BA$3,905
Park Laurel ApartmentsFully Updated 2Bed/1Bath2BR,1BA$4,200
Monterey Garden2x1.52BR,1BA$4,499

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Central San Mateo, CA

As of August 26, 2026 the best value apartment in the Central San Mateo area is the $4.92 price per square foot Plan 3AR Model at Metropolitan in the in the Central San Mateo neighborhood starting from $7,012. The second greatest value Central San Mateo apartment is the 2x1.5 Model at Monterey Garden starting at $4,499 with a $3.76 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.
MetropolitanPlan 3AR3BR,2BA$4.92
Monterey Garden2x1.52BR,1.5BA$3.76
Ambassador Apartments2x22BR,2BA$3.57
Park Laurel ApartmentsFully Updated 2Bed/1Bath2BR,1BA$4.67
400 Studio Cir, Unit 4400 Studio Cir2BR,1BA$4.00
Two Clark Drive Apartments1 Bedroom/1 Bathroom1BR,1BA$3.44
888 San Mateo Apartments1xD (AVAIL 10/03/2026)1BR,1BA$4.44
Station Park GreenMapleStudio ,1BA$5.64
RYAN TOWER1x11BR,1BA$6.30
Country ClubStudioStudio ,1BA$5.99

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 $2,750 at Two Clark Drive 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 $3,495 at Ambassador Apartments.

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 Where to Live Near San Francisco: A Guide to the Best Surrounding Cities for Renters article

Where to Live Near San Francisco: A Guide to the Best Surrounding Cities for Renters

Written by: Shannon Hilson

San Francisco is absolutely the type of city that pulls a person in right away, and it’s not hard to see why.

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

Bay Living Like a Local: The Insider's 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.

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 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.

Articles, How-To's, and Tips

decorative image for Rent According to Income: A Look at Income-Restricted Rentals article

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.

decorative image for Practical Tips for Renters: How to Identify a Great Rental and Avoid Red Flags article

Practical Tips for Renters: How to Identify a Great Rental and Avoid Red Flags

Written by: Robin Stewart

Renters want to find a great apartment, the right place for them, one that checks all the boxes of location, rental cost, amenities, safety, and more.

decorative image for First Apartment Regrets: Real Renters Share What They'd Do Differently article

First Apartment Regrets: Real Renters Share What They'd Do Differently

Written by: Robin Stewart

Hindsight is 20/20. Live and Learn. With age comes wisdom. We’re familiar with all those expressions, and all of them apply to lessons first-time renters learn.

decorative image for Renters Insurance 101: What It Is, What It Covers, and Why You Need It article

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.