
Cheap Homes for Rent in Downtown San Mateo Neighborhood of San Mateo, CA from $3,100 (11 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Homes available for rent right now in the Downtown San Mateo area of San Mateo.


111 Elm St

710 Laurel Ave

128 N El Camino Real

710 Laurel Ave
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.

710 Laurel Ave

65 W 5th Ave

337 S Fremont St

337 S Fremont St

75 W 5th Ave
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.

401 S Grant St
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 | $4,281 | $3,150 | $6,000 |
| Downtown San Mateo 3 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $5,000 | $5,000 | $5,000 |
| Downtown San Mateo 4 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $17,500 | $10,000 | $10,000+ |
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 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 |
| West 5th | 1 Bedroom Large | 1BR,1BA | $2,875 |
| Two50 Downtown | Studio 480 sq ft | Studio,1BA | $3,095 |
| 111 Elm St | 2 bed 1 bath | 2BR,1BA | $3,150 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Downtown San Mateo, CA
As of January 14, 2026 the best value apartment in the Downtown San Mateo area is the $2.47 price per square foot 21 El Cerrito Ave Model at 21 El Cerrito Ave, Unit 21 in the in the Central San Mateo neighborhood starting from $4,700. 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. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21 El Cerrito Ave, Unit 21 | 21 El Cerrito Ave | 2BR,2.5BA | $2.47 |
| 111 Elm St | 2 bed 1 bath | 2BR,1BA | $3.50 |
| Monterey Garden | 1x1 | 1BR,1BA | $4.66 |
| Metropolitan | Plan 1GR | 1BR,1BA | $5.40 |
| West 5th | 1 Bedroom Large | 1BR,1BA | $3.98 |
| 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 | $6.45 |
| Ryan Tower | Studio | Studio ,1BA | $6.55 |
Frequently Asked Questions about Downtown San Mateo
What type of rentals are currently available in Downtown San Mateo?
There are currently 179 Apartments for Rent in Downtown San Mateo, CA with pricing that ranges from $2,215 to $6,260. There are also 15 Single Family Homes for rent, Condos, and Townhome rentals currently available in Downtown San Mateo ranging from $3,150 to $17,500.
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 $3,150 to $17,500 with an average monthly rent of $8,927.
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.

Local Guide To the Best Student Friendly Neighborhoods to Rent Near Colleges in San Francisco
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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
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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

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.

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!