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

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.

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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

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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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

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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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

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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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

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.

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 1 Bed unit found at One Three Four Elm Apartments priced from $2,715. Ryan Tower has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $2,825. Here are the most affordable Downtown San Mateo apartments for rent in San Francisco, CA:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
One Three Four Elm Apartments1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$2,715
Ryan TowerStudioStudio,1BA$2,825
Two50 DowntownStudio 480 sq ftStudio,1BA$2,945
Park Laurel ApartmentsFully Renovated 1 Bed/1 Bath1BR,1BA$3,350
De Sabla ApartmentsFioli2BR,1BA$3,775
MetropolitanPlan 1AR1BR,1BA$4,316

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Downtown San Mateo, CA

As of April 08, 2026 the best value apartment in the Downtown San Mateo area is the $5.51 price per square foot Plan 1GR Model at Metropolitan in the in the Central San Mateo neighborhood starting from $4,521. The second greatest value Downtown San Mateo apartment is the Fioli Model at De Sabla Apartments starting at $3,775 with a $4.66 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.
MetropolitanPlan 1GR1BR,1BA$5.51
De Sabla ApartmentsFioli2BR,1BA$4.66
One Three Four Elm Apartments1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$3.53
Park Laurel ApartmentsFully Renovated 1 Bed/1 Bath1BR,1BA$4.79
Two50 DowntownStudio 480 sq ftStudio ,1BA$6.14
Ryan TowerStudioStudio ,1BA$7.22

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 Ryan Tower listed at $2,825.

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 $3,775 at De Sabla 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

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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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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.

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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.

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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

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.