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Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Downtown San Mateo Neighborhood of San Mateo, CA from $1,300 (12 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the Downtown San Mateo area of San Mateo.
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$2,300Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Jan 25, 2026
Casa Baywood
212 S El Camino RealSan Mateo, CA 94401
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$2,599 - $3,505Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now
Ryan Tower
120 W 3rd AveSan Mateo, CA 94402
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$2,620 - $3,162Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now
De Sabla Apartments
10 De Sabla RdSan Mateo, CA 94402
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$2,715 - $3,3251 to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now
One Three Four Elm Apartments
142 Elm StSan Mateo, CA 94401
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Rent Specials
$2,716 - $3,4161 to 3 Bedroom Apartments Available Now
West 5th
85 W 5th AveSan Mateo, CA 94402
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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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.
Showing Results 1-12, Page 1 of 1
Downtown San Mateo, San Mateo, CA Local Guide
Cats being cats at CuriOdyssey in Coyote Point by Flickr User: aaron_anderer is licensed under CC BY 2.0
How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Downtown San Mateo?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown San Mateo Studio Apartments | $2,821 | $2,215 | $3,397 |
| Downtown San Mateo 1 Bedroom Apartments | $3,790 | $2,715 | $4,739 |
| Downtown San Mateo 2 Bedroom Apartments | $4,892 | $3,150 | $5,668 |
| Downtown San Mateo 3 Bedroom Apartments | $5,516 | $3,830 | $6,260 |
Browse Apartments in this Neighborhood
There are currently 12 rentals with your search options within a 2 mile radius of the Downtown San Mateo Neighborhood of San Mateo, CA.
See all Apartments in San MateoExplore San Mateo
Downtown San Mateo, San Mateo, CA Local Guide
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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 Fourth Circle priced from $2,215. Ryan Tower has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $2,599. Here are the most affordable Downtown San Mateo apartments for rent in San Francisco, CA:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fourth Circle | Studio | Studio,1BA | $2,215 |
| Ryan Tower | Studio | Studio,1BA | $2,599 |
| De Sabla Apartments | Skyline | Studio,1BA | $2,620 |
| One Three Four Elm Apartments | 1 Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $2,715 |
| West 5th | 1 Bedroom Large | 1BR,1BA | $2,887 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Downtown San Mateo, CA
As of December 28, 2025 the best value apartment in the Downtown San Mateo area is the $3.95 price per square foot 2x1 Model at Monterey Garden in the in the Central San Mateo neighborhood starting from $4,689. The second greatest value Downtown San Mateo apartment is the 2 bed 1 bath Model at 111 Elm St starting at $3,150 with a $3.50 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 Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monterey Garden | 2x1 | 2BR,1BA | $3.95 |
| 111 Elm St | 2 bed 1 bath | 2BR,1BA | $3.50 |
| Metropolitan | Plan 1GR | 1BR,1BA | $5.52 |
| One Three Four Elm Apartments | 1 Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $3.53 |
| West 5th | 1 Bedroom Large | 1BR,1BA | $4.00 |
| Park Laurel Apartments | Fully Renovated 1 Bed/1 Bath | 1BR,1BA | $4.93 |
| Fourth Circle | Studio | Studio ,1BA | $4.43 |
| Two50 Downtown | Studio 480 sq ft | Studio ,1BA | $6.14 |
| Ryan Tower | Studio | Studio ,1BA | $7.55 |
| De Sabla Apartments | Skyline | Studio ,1BA | $6.39 |
Don't Settle: How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money
Discover the insider tips from an attorney and real estate agent on how to negotiate your next apartment lease. Find out what's on the table and what's not, so you can save money and get the best terms possible.
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The Ultimate Long-Distance Moving Checklist: Tips from a Real Estate Pro
Moving is tough, especially long-distance. Learn how to minimize stress & expenses with proven strategies from a real estate pro, covering everything from logistics to finances.
Read ArticleCash or credit? Understanding the Importance of Credit Score in Real Estate and Renting
Discover how your credit score impacts your ability to lease or buy a home. Learn how credit scores are determined, how to check yours, and strategies to improve it for real estate success.
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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 LifestyleDowntown San Mateo, San Mateo, CA
Ranked #27
Among cities in California for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities.
Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score
4.0Pet Friendly
Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Downtown San Mateo Apartments
What is a cheap apartment in Downtown San Mateo?
A cheap apartment is any apartment up to the 30% percentile of cost for the area, which in Downtown San Mateo is under $4,689.
What is the price of a cheap apartment in Downtown San Mateo?
The cheapest apartment in Downtown San Mateo is One Three Four Elm Apartments which is listed at $2,715, while the average apartment in Downtown San Mateo costs $5,895.
What types of apartments are the cheapest in Downtown San Mateo?
Student, low-income, and by-the-bed apartments are typically the cheapest rentals in most cities, though they require qualifying criteria to rent. There are 1 regular apartments in Downtown San Mateo that we think qualify as ‘cheap apartments’ that do not have special requirements to apply to rent.
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
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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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.
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.
Articles, How-To's, and Tips
How to Make Your Apartment Holiday-Ready: Renter-Friendly Tips
Written by: Justin Habersaat
Getting your apartment ready for the holidays can be exciting but sometimes challenging in a smaller space. Here are some modern tips to keep things festive, safe, and inviting this season.
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.
Apartment Common Area Rules: What Renters Need to Know
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Back in the day when I rented one of my first apartments, the property didn’t even have laundry in the building. Now, rental properties are often competing against each other to provide the best amenities.
How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Everything is a negotiation in real estate!