Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Downtown San Mateo Neighborhood of San Mateo, CA from $1,300 (47 Rentals)

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

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.

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Kiku Crossing
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Kiku Crossing

480 E 4th AveSan 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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Park Central
1 Bedroom Apartments

Park Central

724 Laurel AveSan Mateo, CA 94401
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Versailles
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Versailles

10 Crystal Springs RdSan Mateo, CA 94402
Senior Living
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100 Dartmouth Rd
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

100 Dartmouth Rd

100 Dartmouth RdSan Mateo, CA 94402
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Monterey Garden
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Monterey Garden

150 W 3rd AveSan Mateo, CA 94402
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El Colorado
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

El Colorado

35-45 W 4th AveSan Mateo, CA 94402

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.

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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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222 S Fremont St
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

222 S Fremont St

222 S Fremont StSan Mateo, CA 94401
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71 9th Ave
2 Bedroom Apartments

71 9th Ave

71 9th AveSan Mateo, CA 94401
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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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630 S El Camino Real
2 Bedroom Apartments

630 S El Camino Real

630 S El Camino RealSan Mateo, CA 94402
  • Utilities Included
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The Stratford
1 Bedroom Apartments

The Stratford

601 Laurel AveSan Mateo, CA 94401
Senior Living
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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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606 S Idaho St
2 Bedroom Apartments

606 S Idaho St

606 S Idaho StSan Mateo, CA 94402

Smart Renter's Guide: Calculating Affordable Rent & Housing Costs

Wondering how to determine your rental budget? This comprehensive guide covers everything from the 30% rule to hidden fees and effective budgeting strategies.

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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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Lesley Towers
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Lesley Towers

700 Laurel AveSan Mateo, CA 94401
Senior Living
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103-109 Dartmouth Rd
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

103-109 Dartmouth Rd

103-109 Dartmouth RdSan Mateo, CA 94402
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550 1st Ave
1 Bedroom Apartments

550 1st Ave

550 1st AveSan Mateo, CA 94401

Navigating the Rental Market: Tips for First-Time Renters

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

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737 2nd Ave
3 to 4 Bedroom Apartments

737 2nd Ave

737 2nd AveSan Mateo, CA 94401
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141 Arroyo Ct
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

141 Arroyo Ct

141 Arroyo CtSan Mateo, CA 94402
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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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805 2nd Ave
2 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

805 2nd Ave

805 2nd 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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602 Cypress Ave
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

602 Cypress Ave

602 Cypress AveSan Mateo, CA 94401

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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811 Laurel Ave
1 Bedroom Apartments

811 Laurel Ave

811 Laurel AveSan Mateo, CA 94401
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106-120 Tilton Ave
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

106-120 Tilton Ave

106-120 Tilton AveSan Mateo, CA 94401
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1104 7th Ave
Studio Apartments

1104 7th Ave

1104 7th AveSan Mateo, CA 94402

Downtown San Mateo, San Mateo, CA Local Guide

Cheapest Available Downtown San Mateo Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in the Downtown San Mateo area of San Francisco, CA is a Studio unit found at De Sabla Apartments priced from $2,400. One Three Four Elm Apartments has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $2,715. Here are the most affordable Downtown San Mateo apartments for rent in San Francisco, CA:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
De Sabla ApartmentsSkylineStudio,1BA$2,400
One Three Four Elm Apartments1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$2,715
Park Laurel ApartmentsFully Renovated Studio W/ Washer/DryerStudio,1BA$2,750
Two50 DowntownStudio 480 sq ftStudio,1BA$2,995
111 Elm St2 bed 1 bath2BR,1BA$3,100
West 5th2 Bedroom A2BR,1BA$3,432

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Downtown San Mateo, CA

As of June 20, 2025 the best value apartment in the Downtown San Mateo area is the $3.95 price per square foot 2 Bedroom C Model at West 5th in the in the Central San Mateo neighborhood starting from $3,815. The second greatest value Downtown San Mateo apartment is the 2 bed 1 bath Model at 111 Elm St starting at $3,100 with a $3.44 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 C2BR,2BA$3.95
111 Elm St2 bed 1 bath2BR,1BA$3.44
One Three Four Elm Apartments1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$3.53
Park Laurel ApartmentsFully Renovated Studio W/ Washer/DryerStudio ,1BA$4.58
Two50 DowntownStudio 480 sq ftStudio ,1BA$6.24
De Sabla ApartmentsSkylineStudio ,1BA$5.85

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.

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Pet Friendly Lifestyle
Downtown San Mateo, San Mateo, CA

Ranked #22

Among neighborhoods in San Mateo, CA for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities

Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score

4.0
Pet Friendly

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Getting Around the Downtown San Mateo Neighborhood in San Mateo, CA

Walk Score®

98 / 100

Walker’s Paradise

Daily errands do not require a car

Bike Score®

79 / 100

Very Bikeable

Biking is convenient for most trips

Transit Score®

47 / 100

Some Transit

A few nearby public transportation options

Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Downtown San Mateo Apartments

What is the Cheapest Studio apartment in Downtown San Mateo?

Currently the most affordable Cheap Studio Apartment in Downtown San Mateo is at De Sabla Apartments listed at $2,400.

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

The lowest price for a Cheap One Bedroom Downtown San Mateo Apartment is $2,715 at One Three Four Elm 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 $3,100 at 111 Elm St.

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.

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Roommate Matching: Finding the Right Fit and Avoiding Pitfalls

Written by: Cheryl Bowman

A fantastic way to save money and enjoy a built-in community is to share an apartment. However, a bad roommate situation can turn your dream rental into a nightmare.

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The Art of the Rental Viewing: What to look for during a property tour

Written by: Marie Brown

You’ve scrolled through countless listings, walked through a blur of rentals, and finally found what feels like the one. The pictures? Fantastic. The neighborhood seems just right.

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Know Your Budget: Calculating What You Can Realistically Afford When Renting

Written by: Lauren Harrington

Renting an apartment or house isn’t just about looking through online ads, choosing a few apartments or homes you want to tour, filling out an application, and putting down a deposit. Those things are all necessary and important.