
Cheap Homes for Rent in Downtown San Mateo Neighborhood of San Mateo, CA from $2,900 (11 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Homes available for rent right now in the Downtown San Mateo area of San Mateo.


200 Elm St

710 Laurel Ave, Unit SI FL3-ID2069

65 W 5th Ave, Unit SI FL3-ID499

151 W 3rd Ave
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.

337 S Fremont St, Unit PL FL2-ID435

337 S Fremont St, Unit SI FL4-ID1123

338 S Fremont St, Unit SI FL3-ID1249

75 W 5th Ave, Unit SI FL3-ID1219

338 S Fremont St, Unit GO FL2-ID517
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.

126 Dartmouth Rd
Downtown San Mateo, San Mateo, CA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent a home in Downtown San Mateo?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown San Mateo 2 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $5,200 | $4,400 | $6,000 |
| Downtown San Mateo 3 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $5,800 | $5,800 | $5,800 |
Browse Homes for Rent in this Neighborhood
There are currently 11 rentals with your search options within a 2 mile radius of the Downtown San Mateo Neighborhood of San Mateo, CA.
Explore San Mateo
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 Park Laurel Apartments priced from $2,850. Two50 Downtown has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $2,945. Here are the most affordable Downtown San Mateo apartments for rent in San Francisco, CA:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park Laurel Apartments | Partial 1 Bed/1 Bath Laundry On Site | 1BR,1BA | $2,850 |
| Two50 Downtown | Studio 480 sq ft | Studio,1BA | $2,945 |
| Ryan Tower | 2 Bed - 1 Bath | 2BR,1BA | $3,960 |
| Metropolitan | Plan 1A | 1BR,1BA | $4,214 |
| West 5th | 3 Bedroom | 3BR,2BA | $4,880 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Downtown San Mateo, CA
As of May 03, 2026 the best value apartment in the Downtown San Mateo area is the $3.70 price per square foot 3 Bedroom Model at West 5th in the in the Central San Mateo neighborhood starting from $4,880. The second greatest value Downtown San Mateo apartment is the 2 Bed - 1 Bath Model at Ryan Tower starting at $3,960 with a $4.71 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. |
|---|---|---|---|
| West 5th | 3 Bedroom | 3BR,2BA | $3.70 |
| Ryan Tower | 2 Bed - 1 Bath | 2BR,1BA | $4.71 |
| Metropolitan | Plan 1AR | 1BR,1BA | $5.37 |
| Park Laurel Apartments | Partial 1 Bed/1 Bath Laundry On Site | 1BR,1BA | $4.07 |
| Two50 Downtown | Studio 540 sq ft | Studio ,1BA | $6.47 |
Frequently Asked Questions about Downtown San Mateo
What type of rentals are currently available in Downtown San Mateo?
There are currently 178 Apartments for Rent in Downtown San Mateo, CA with pricing that ranges from $2,350 to $7,037. There are also 12 Single Family Homes for rent, Condos, and Townhome rentals currently available in Downtown San Mateo ranging from $2,975 to $6,000.
What is the current price range for Rental Homes in Downtown San Mateo?
Today's rental pricing for Homes for Rent, Condos and Townhomes in Downtown San Mateo ranges from $2,975 to $6,000 with an average monthly rent of $4,658.
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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A Seasoned Property Manager's Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Deposit Back
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I’m going to talk with you as a seasoned property manager and friend. So, let’s start with your security deposit. I want you to think about this guide as insider information. You deserve your deposit back.

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This article draws from first-hand renter experiences and recurring financial challenges reported after moving in.

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.