Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Downtown San Mateo Neighborhood of San Mateo, CA from $1,700 (62 Rentals)

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Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the Downtown 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

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41 N Claremont St
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

41 N Claremont St

41 N Claremont StSan Mateo, CA 94401
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130-132 Dartmouth Rd
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

130-132 Dartmouth Rd

130-132 Dartmouth RdSan Mateo, CA 94402
  • Utilities Included
  • Smoke Free
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Versailles
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Versailles

10 Crystal Springs RdSan Mateo, CA 94402
Senior Living
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2 W 3rd Ave
2 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

2 W 3rd Ave

2 W 3rd AveSan Mateo, CA 94401
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The Stratford
1 Bedroom Apartments

The Stratford

601 Laurel AveSan Mateo, CA 94401
Senior Living
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603 E 5th Ave
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

603 E 5th Ave

603 E 5th AveSan Mateo, CA 94402
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907 9th Ave
2 Bedroom Apartments

907 9th Ave

907 9th AveSan Mateo, CA 94402
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71 9th Ave
2 Bedroom Apartments

71 9th Ave

71 9th AveSan Mateo, CA 94401
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606 S Idaho St
2 Bedroom Apartments

606 S Idaho St

606 S Idaho StSan Mateo, CA 94402

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.

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726 E 5th Ave
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

726 E 5th Ave

726 E 5th AveSan Mateo, CA 94402
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701 E 9th Ave
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

701 E 9th Ave

701 E 9th AveSan Mateo, CA 94402
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222 S Fremont St
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

222 S Fremont St

222 S Fremont StSan Mateo, CA 94401
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42 Hayward Ave
Studio Apartments

42 Hayward Ave

42 Hayward AveSan Mateo, CA 94401
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Fremont Terrace
Studio Apartments

Fremont Terrace

200 S Fremont StSan Mateo, CA 94401
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El Colorado
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

El Colorado

35-45 W 4th AveSan Mateo, CA 94402
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54 9th Ave
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

54 9th Ave

54 9th AveSan Mateo, CA 94401
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718 10th Ave
2 Bedroom Apartments

718 10th Ave

718 10th AveSan Mateo, CA 94402
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103-109 Dartmouth Rd
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

103-109 Dartmouth Rd

103-109 Dartmouth RdSan Mateo, CA 94402

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.

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77 N Ellsworth Ave
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

77 N Ellsworth Ave

77 N Ellsworth AveSan Mateo, CA 94401
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512 S Grant St
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

512 S Grant St

512 S Grant StSan Mateo, CA 94402
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717 S Eldorado St
1 Bedroom Apartments

717 S Eldorado St

717 S Eldorado StSan Mateo, CA 94402
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106-120 Tilton Ave
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

106-120 Tilton Ave

106-120 Tilton AveSan Mateo, CA 94401

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.

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1104 7th Ave
Studio Apartments

1104 7th Ave

1104 7th AveSan Mateo, CA 94402
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811 Laurel Ave
1 Bedroom Apartments

811 Laurel Ave

811 Laurel AveSan Mateo, CA 94401
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11 S Delaware St
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

11 S Delaware St

11 S Delaware StSan Mateo, CA 94401
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312 Catalpa St
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

312 Catalpa St

312 Catalpa StSan Mateo, CA 94401
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602 Cypress Ave
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

602 Cypress Ave

602 Cypress AveSan Mateo, CA 94401
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805 2nd Ave
2 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

805 2nd Ave

805 2nd AveSan Mateo, CA 94401
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Kiku Crossing
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Kiku Crossing

480 E 4th AveSan Mateo, CA 94401
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Park Central
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Park Central

724 Laurel AveSan Mateo, CA 94401
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111 Elm St
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

111 Elm St

111 Elm StSan Mateo, CA 94401
  • Utilities Included
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100 Dartmouth Rd
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

100 Dartmouth Rd

100 Dartmouth RdSan Mateo, CA 94402

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.

Cheapest Available Downtown San Mateo Apartments for Rent

 
Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Two50 DowntownStudio 550 sq ftStudio,1BA$3,895
West 5th2 Bedroom D2BR,2BA$4,327

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Downtown San Mateo, CA

As of July 27, 2026 the best value apartment in the Downtown San Mateo area is the $3.97 price per square foot 2 Bedroom D Model at West 5th in the in the Central San Mateo neighborhood starting from $4,327. The second greatest value Downtown San Mateo apartment is the Studio 540 sq ft Model at Two50 Downtown starting at $3,895 with a $7.21 price per square foot in the Central San Mateo neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Downtown San Mateo apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
West 5th2 Bedroom D2BR,2BA$3.97
Two50 DowntownStudio 540 sq ftStudio ,1BA$7.21

Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Downtown San Mateo Apartments

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

Today's best deal for a Cheap Two Bedroom Apartment in Downtown San Mateo is starting from $4,327 at West 5th.

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.

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