Cheap Homes for Rent in San Mateo, CA from $1,900 (20 Rentals)

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Search the lowest-cost Homes available for rent right now in San Mateo.

property at 43 Grand Blvd

$2,200

Studio, 1 Bath Home for Rent

Available Now

43 Grand Blvd

San MateoCA94401

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.

property at 25 Vía Delizia

$2,400

1 Bedroom, 1 Bath Condo for Rent

Available Now

25 Vía Delizia

HillsboroughCA94010

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.

Where to Live, Where to Work: Your Guide to Top Neighborhoods to Rent Near San Francisco's 5 Best Employers

Maximize your work-life balance in San Francisco. Discover the ideal neighborhoods for renting, from SoMa to Nob Hill, for employees of the city's 5 leading companies.

property at 3257 Glendora Dr

$3,100

2 Bedroom, 2 Bath Condo for Rent

Available Now

3257 Glendora Dr

San MateoCA94403

San Mateo, CA Local Guide

Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in San Mateo, CA

Pricing Updated: 12/20/2025

Current apartment rentals in the San Mateo, CA area range in price from to with an overall median price of . Here is today’s list neighborhoods with the lowest median pricing for San Mateo Apartments for rent:

NeighborhoodMedian PriceMin PriceAvailable Units
Baywood Aragon$4,347$2,45019
Baywood Park$4,950$1,85057
North Central$5,895$2,21538

Cheapest Available San Mateo Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in San Mateo, CA is a Studio unit found at 3633 Colegrove Apartments in the Sugarloaf neighborhood priced from $1,945. Apartment in San Carlos Creek-Side Views Available for Lease! in the McDougal neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $2,040. Here is today’s list of the most affordable San Mateo apartments for rent:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
3633 Colegrove ApartmentsStudioStudio,1BA$1,945
Apartment in San Carlos Creek-Side Views Available for Lease!0BR/1.0BAStudio,1BA$2,040
OakviewSTUDIOStudio,1BA$2,205
Fourth CircleStudioStudio,1BA$2,215
Villa Tuscany Apartment Homes1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$2,245

Best Value Apartments for Rent in San Mateo, CA

As of December 20, 2025 the best value apartment in the San Mateo area is the $2.88 price per square foot 301 Model at Crown Towers Apartments in the in the Western Hills neighborhood starting from $4,325. The second greatest value San Mateo apartment is the 2238 Allegheny Way Model at 2238 Allegheny Way, Unit 2238 starting at $4,350 with a $2.90 price per square foot in the Western Hills neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for San Mateo apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
Crown Towers Apartments3012BR,2BA$2.88
2238 Allegheny Way, Unit 22382238 Allegheny Way2BR,2BA$2.90
718 N Claremont St2 Bedrooms + Family Room2BR,1BA$2.67
Carlmont Apartments - Entire Building Remodeled - 1 Month Free, No Pet Fee2BR/2.0BA2BR,2BA$3.23
Crestview ApartmentsPlan D2: 2 Bed 1 Bath2BR,1BA$3.24
2727 EdisonBrentwood2BR,2BA$3.28
515 N El Camino Real2 Beds, 1 bath2BR,1BA$3.00
Belmont Square Apartments2x12BR,1BA$3.05
Royal Pines1 Bed 1 Bath1BR,1BA$3.27
Villa Tuscany Apartment Homes1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$3.01

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.

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

A Local Experts guide to the Best Student Friendly Neighborhoods Near Colleges in the Bay area for affordable living. Find your perfect San Francisco Student apartment, condo, or rental home today at ApartmentHomeliving.com

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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
San Mateo, CA

Ranked #81

Among cities in California for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities.

Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score

2.5
Pet Friendly

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Remember the 3 Rules of Real Estate:
Location, Location, Location!

Explore San Mateo, CA Rentals by Map

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Frequently Asked Questions about San Mateo

What type of rentals are currently available in San Mateo?

There are currently 1689 Apartments for Rent in San Mateo, CA with pricing that ranges from $1,850 to $11,970. There are also 104 Single Family Homes for rent, Condos, and Townhome rentals currently available in San Mateo ranging from $1,900 to $68,000.

What is the current price range for Rental Homes in San Mateo?

Today's rental pricing for Homes for Rent, Condos and Townhomes in San Mateo ranges from $1,900 to $68,000 with an average monthly rent of $16,453.

How much are larger Three and Four Bedroom Rentals in San Mateo?

For those who are looking for larger living arrangements, Three Bedroom Apartments in San Mateo range from $3,795 to $11,970, while Three Bedroom Homes, Condos, and Townhomes for rent range from $4,275 to $9,800. Four Bedroom Single-Family rentals are also available starting from $5,495 and Four Bedroom Apartments start at $6,920.

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

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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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.

Articles, How-To's, and Tips

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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.

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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.

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How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Everything is a negotiation in real estate! 

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The Rental Move-In Inspection Checklist: A Guide for Renters

Written by: Trey Huguley

The move-in inspection checklist is a crucial tool for both tenants and landlords. This checklist, provided by the team at ApartmentHomeLiving.com, helps document the condition of an apartment at the time of move-in.