Cheap Apartments for Rent in the North Central Neighborhood of San Mateo, CA from $1,300 (31 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.

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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Brickline Flats
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

Brickline Flats

303 Baldwin AveSan Mateo, CA 94401
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116 Elm St
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

116 Elm St

116 Elm StSan Mateo, CA 94401
  • Utilities Included
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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

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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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
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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

The Art of the Rental Viewing: What to look for during a property tour

Touring a rental? This guide helps you know exactly what to look for, from safety features to hidden flaws, so you can confidently sign your lease or keep searching.

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Highland Apartments
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

Highland Apartments

115 Highland AveBurlingame, CA 94010
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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 $2,414. 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$2,414
Two Clark Drive Apartments1 Bedroom/1 Bathroom1BR,1BA$2,750
888 San Mateo ApartmentsJR-1 (A) AVAIL 08/10/2026Studio,1BA$2,850
Two50 DowntownStudio 480 sq ftStudio,1BA$2,945
Ambassador Apartments3x23BR,2BA$3,795
MetropolitanPlan 1AR1BR,1BA$4,499

Best Value Apartments for Rent in North Central, CA

As of April 21, 2026 the best value apartment in the North Central area is the $3.31 price per square foot 3x2 Model at Ambassador Apartments in the in the Central San Mateo neighborhood starting from $3,795. The second greatest value North Central apartment is the Plan 1AR Model at Metropolitan starting at $4,499 with a $5.37 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.
Ambassador Apartments3x23BR,2BA$3.31
MetropolitanPlan 1AR1BR,1BA$5.37
Two Clark Drive Apartments1 Bedroom/1 Bathroom1BR,1BA$3.44
888 San Mateo ApartmentsJR-1 (A) AVAIL 08/10/2026Studio ,1BA$4.66
Colonial Garden ApartmentsPlan 11BR,1BA$4.67
Two50 DowntownStudio 480 sq ftStudio ,1BA$6.14
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 $2,496 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 $4,845 at Two50 Downtown.

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

decorative image for What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much article

What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much

Written by: Lauren Harrington

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

decorative image for Maximizing Your Refund: Essential Tax Tips for Renters article

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.

decorative image for 18 Must-Ask Rental Tour Questions That Reveal the Truth about a Property article

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.

decorative image for A Renters Guide for Tips on Writing Your Notice for Not Renewing Your Apartment article

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.