1432 Bel Aire Rd
San MateoCA94402
Cheap Homes for Rent in San Mateo, CA from $1,200 (11 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Homes available for rent right now in San Mateo.
932 Peninsula Ave
San MateoCA94401
2430 Eaton Ave
San CarlosCA94070
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$2,399Studio Apartments Available Now
Furnished Studio-San Francisco - Belmont
120 Sem LnBelmont, CA 94002
32 Cambridge St
San CarlosCA94070
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.
1133 Paloma Ave
BurlingameCA94010
405 California Dr
BurlingameCA94010
802 N Delaware St
San MateoCA94401
2220 Lake Rd
BelmontCA94002
100 Millbrae Ave
MillbraeCA94030
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.
614 Redwood Ave
Redwood CityCA94061
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San Mateo, CA Local Guide
How much does it cost to rent a home in San Mateo?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Mateo 2 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $4,402 | $3,300 | $5,700 |
| San Mateo 3 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $5,727 | $4,200 | $10,000+ |
| San Mateo 4 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $7,975 | $6,450 | $9,500 |
| San Mateo 6 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $20,000 | $10,000 | $10,000+ |
Browse Top Homes for Rent in San Mateo
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San Mateo, CA Local Guide
- San Mateo Neighborhoods
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Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in San Mateo, CA
Pricing Updated: 04/03/2026Current 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:
| Neighborhood | Median Price | Min Price | Available Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baywood Aragon | $4,670 | $2,300 | 18 |
| Baywood Park | $4,805 | $1,850 | 23 |
| North Central | $19,875 | $2,095 | 20 |
Cheapest Available San Mateo Apartments for Rent
The cheapest available apartment rental in San Mateo, CA is a Studio unit found at Country Club in the Central San Mateo neighborhood priced from $2,095. Alta off the Avenue in the Bayfront neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $2,550. Here is today’s list of the most affordable San Mateo apartments for rent:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Country Club | Studio | Studio,1BA | $2,095 |
| Alta off the Avenue | Studio B | Studio,1BA | $2,550 |
| Madison Place | 1 x 1 | 1BR,1BA | $2,575 |
| Crown Towers Apartments | 209 | 1BR,1BA | $2,595 |
| 3633 Colegrove Apartments | 1B/1B | 1BR,1BA | $2,595 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in San Mateo, CA
As of April 03, 2026 the best value apartment in the 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 San Mateo apartment is the 2 Bed 1 Bath Model at Devonshire Apartments starting at $3,000 with a $2.50 price per square foot in the McDougal neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for 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 |
| Devonshire Apartments | 2 Bed 1 Bath | 2BR,1BA | $2.50 |
| Ambassador Apartments | 3x2 | 3BR,2BA | $3.31 |
| Crestview Apartments | Plan D2: 2 Bed 1 Bath | 2BR,1BA | $3.42 |
| Ralston at Belmont | TMA 2+2 | 2BR,2BA | $3.44 |
| 645 Rollins Rd, Unit Unit 2 | 645 Rollins Rd | 2BR,1.5BA | $3.48 |
| Lakeview Garden | 3 Bed 1.5 Bath | 3BR,1.5BA | $3.43 |
| Belmont Square Apartments | 2x1 | 2BR,1BA | $3.05 |
| Two Clark Drive Apartments | 1 Bedroom/1 Bathroom | 1BR,1BA | $3.44 |
| Crown Towers Apartments | 209 | 1BR,1BA | $3.48 |
10 Hidden Costs of Renting You Should Budget for Before Signing a Lease
Avoid financial stress when renting. Learn about the 10 most common hidden costs—from pet fees to utilities—you must budget for before you sign a lease.
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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.
Read ArticleThe 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.
Read ArticleLocal 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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San Mateo, CAPopulation: 105,025
Ranked #295
in US Census Population by City
Best Local Schools in San Mateo, CA
George Hall Elementary
San Mateo-Foster City School District
Public School - Grades K-5 (0)
8 out of 10
School data provided by Great Schools
Remember the 3 Rules of Real Estate:Location, Location, Location!
Explore San Mateo, CA Rentals by Map
See the most popular apartments and homes in San Mateo, CA
Frequently Asked Questions about San Mateo
What type of rentals are currently available in San Mateo?
There are currently 1690 Apartments for Rent in San Mateo, CA with pricing that ranges from $1,850 to $19,875. There are also 88 Single Family Homes for rent, Condos, and Townhome rentals currently available in San Mateo ranging from $1,250 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 $1,250 to $68,000 with an average monthly rent of $15,954.
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 $3,295 to $6,939, while Three Bedroom Homes, Condos, and Townhomes for rent range from $4,200 to $10,500. Four Bedroom Single-Family rentals are also available starting from $6,450 and Four Bedroom Apartments start at $5,830.
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
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.
Bay Living Like a Local: The Insiders Guide to Life and Renting in San Francisco, CA
Written by: Shannon Hilson
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
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.
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.
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.