Cheap Apartments for Rent in the North Central Neighborhood of San Mateo, CA from $1,700 (27 Rentals)

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Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the North Central area of San Mateo.

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.

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116 Elm St
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

116 Elm St

116 Elm StSan Mateo, CA 94401
  • Utilities Included

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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816 Highland Ave
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

816 Highland Ave

816 Highland AveSan Mateo, CA 94401
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227 Elm St
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

227 Elm St

227 Elm StSan Mateo, CA 94401
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Gateway Apartments
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Gateway Apartments

438 N El Camino RealSan Mateo, CA 94401
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Park Royal Apartments
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Park Royal Apartments

651 N El Camino RealSan Mateo, CA 94401
  • Utilities Included
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Terrace Hills
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Terrace Hills

619 N San Mateo DrSan Mateo, CA 94401
  • Utilities Included
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433 Turner Terrace
1 Bedroom Apartments

433 Turner Terrace

433 Turner TerSan Mateo, CA 94401
  • Utilities Included

Cash 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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515 N El Camino Real
2 Bedroom Apartments

515 N El Camino Real

515 N El Camino RealSan Mateo, CA 94401
  • Utilities Included
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111 Elm St
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

111 Elm St

111 Elm StSan Mateo, CA 94401
  • Utilities Included
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Brickline Flats
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

Brickline Flats

303 Baldwin AveSan Mateo, CA 94401

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.

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Highland Apartments
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

Highland Apartments

115 Highland AveBurlingame, CA 94010
  • Utilities Included
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128 Lorton Ave
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

128 Lorton Ave

128 Lorton AveBurlingame, CA 94010
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1005 Burlingame
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

1005 Burlingame

1005 BurlingameBurlingame, CA 94010

Cheapest Available North Central Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in the North Central area of San Mateo, CA is a Studio unit found at Country Club priced from $2,095. Colonial Garden Apartments has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $2,488. Here are the most affordable North Central apartments for rent in San Mateo, CA:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Country ClubStudioStudio,1BA$2,095
Colonial Garden ApartmentsPlan 11BR,1BA$2,488
Ambassador Apartments1x11BR,1BA$2,575
Two Clark Drive Apartments1 Bedroom/1 Bathroom1BR,1BA$2,750
De Sabla ApartmentsMilagra1BR,1BA$3,175
Two50 DowntownStudio 540 sq ftStudio,1BA$3,445
888 San Mateo Apartments1xD (AVAIL 08/11/2026)1BR,1BA$3,450
MetropolitanPlan 1AR1BR,1BA$4,479

Best Value Apartments for Rent in North Central, CA

As of June 06, 2026 the best value apartment in the North Central area is the $5.34 price per square foot Plan 1AR Model at Metropolitan in the in the Central San Mateo neighborhood starting from $4,479. The second greatest value North Central apartment is the 1 Bedroom/1 Bathroom Model at Two Clark Drive Apartments starting at $2,750 with a $3.44 price per square foot in the Central San Mateo neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for North Central apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
MetropolitanPlan 1AR1BR,1BA$5.34
Two Clark Drive Apartments1 Bedroom/1 Bathroom1BR,1BA$3.44
888 San Mateo Apartments1xD (AVAIL 08/11/2026)1BR,1BA$4.44
Ambassador Apartments1x11BR,1BA$4.06
De Sabla ApartmentsMilagra1BR,1BA$5.47
Two50 DowntownStudio 540 sq ftStudio ,1BA$6.38
Colonial Garden ApartmentsPlan 11BR,1BA$4.65
Country ClubStudioStudio ,1BA$5.99

Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap North Central Apartments

What is the Cheapest Studio apartment in North Central?

Currently the most affordable Cheap Studio Apartment in North Central is at Country Club listed at $2,095.

How much is rent for a Cheap One Bedroom North Central Apartment?

The lowest price for a Cheap One Bedroom North Central Apartment is $2,488 at Colonial Garden Apartments.

What is the lowest price for a Cheap Two Bedroom North Central Apartment for rent?

Today's best deal for a Cheap Two Bedroom Apartment in North Central is starting from $3,895 at 888 San Mateo Apartments.

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.

Articles, How-To's, and Tips

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Pet-Friendly Renting: Everything You Need to Know Before You Move

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

For so many of us, pets are the best companions and a big part of our lives. For this reason, a pet-friendly house or apartment is often a very important - and nonnegotiable - part of a move.

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Creative Ways Developers Reimagine Retail Spaces as Residential Units

Written by: Robin Stewart

Adaptive reuse is when a commercial property is converted and repurposed. The real estate industry has embraced a growing number of these projects.

decorative image for Neighborhood and Market Insights: How to Choose the Right Area to Rent   article

Neighborhood and Market Insights: How to Choose the Right Area to Rent

Written by: Robin Stewart

Apartment-hunting can be a gargantuan task. Renters have a wish list of items—some luxuries, some necessities—but finding what you seek in the right place is perhaps the most important part of the journey.

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A Seasoned Property Manager's Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Deposit Back

Written by: Lauren Harrington

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.