Cheap Apartments for Rent in San Mateo County, CA from $600 (46 Rentals)

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

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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Hillcrest Gardens
1 Bedroom Apartments

Hillcrest Gardens

35 Hillcrest DrDaly City, CA 94014
Senior Living
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Middlefield Junction
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Middlefield Junction

2700 Middlefield RdRedwood City, CA 94063
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180 Harrison Ave
1 Bedroom Apartments

180 Harrison Ave

180 Harrison AveRedwood City, CA 94062
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Brickline Flats
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

Brickline Flats

303 Baldwin AveSan Mateo, CA 94401

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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824-828 El Camino Real
2 Bedroom Apartments

824-828 El Camino Real

824-828 El Camino RealSan Bruno, CA 94066
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Chateau D'Oro Apartments
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Chateau D'Oro Apartments

1001 Continentals WayBelmont, CA 94002
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529 Hampshire Ave
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

529 Hampshire Ave

529 Hampshire AveRedwood City, CA 94063
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116 Elm St
1 Bedroom Apartments

116 Elm St

116 Elm StSan Mateo, CA 94401
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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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670 Live Oak Ave
Studio Apartments

670 Live Oak Ave

670 Live Oak AveMenlo Park, CA 94025
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Brosnan Apartments
1 Bedroom Apartments

Brosnan Apartments

300 Brosnan CtSouth San Francisco, CA 94080
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Fernmar North
Studio Apartments

Fernmar North

208 Holly AveSouth San Francisco, CA 94080
  • Utilities Included

Smart Renter's Guide: Calculating Affordable Rent & Housing Costs

Wondering how to determine your rental budget? This comprehensive guide covers everything from the 30% rule to hidden fees and effective budgeting strategies.

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20 Marcie Cir
1 Bedroom Apartments

20 Marcie Cir

20 Marcie CirSouth San Francisco, CA 94080
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355 Southgate Ave
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

355 Southgate Ave

355 Southgate AveDaly City, CA 94015
Furnished
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1410 Jefferson Ave
1 Bedroom Apartments

1410 Jefferson Ave

1410 Jefferson AveRedwood City, CA 94062
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1133-1129 Rhinette Ave
1 Bedroom Apartments

1133-1129 Rhinette Ave

1133-1129 Rhinette AveBurlingame, CA 94010
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816 Highland Ave
1 Bedroom Apartments

816 Highland Ave

816 Highland AveSan Mateo, CA 94401

Navigating the Rental Market: Tips for First-Time Renters

Entering the rental market? Learn these simple tips and strategies to avoid common pitfalls and make confident choices. Rent with peace of mind.

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Eastmoor Apartments
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Eastmoor Apartments

101 Eastmoor AveDaly City, CA 94015
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35 Kent Ct
1 Bedroom Apartments

35 Kent Ct

35 Kent CtDaly City, CA 94015
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Oakview
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Oakview

3135 Campus DrSan Mateo, CA 94403
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Daly City Apartments
1 Bedroom Apartments

Daly City Apartments

1145-1157 Edgeworth AveDaly City, CA 94015
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Showing Results 1-46, Page 1 of 1

Cheapest Available San Mateo County Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in San Mateo County, CA is a Studio unit found at Walnut Studios in the McDougal neighborhood priced from $916. Brunswick Street Apartments in the Stonestown neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $1,550. Here is today’s list of the most affordable San Mateo County apartments for rent:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Walnut StudiosStudioStudio,1BA$916
Brunswick Street ApartmentsStudioStudio,1BA$1,550
Woodland ParkStudioStudio,1BA$1,650
Bonnie Brae TerraceStudioStudio,1BA$1,750
Redwood Plaza Village , SENIOR BUILDING , 55+1 bedroom1BR,1BA$1,950
The Lamplighter ApartmentsStudio, 1 bathStudio,1BA$2,000
Apartment in San Carlos Creek0BR/1.0BAStudio,1BA$2,040
Westlake ApartmentsA7-C1BR,1BA$2,115
Village at the Crossing 55+ Senior CommunityOne Bedroom1BR,1BA$2,135

Best Value Apartments for Rent in San Mateo County, CA

As of July 31, 2025 the best value apartment in the San Mateo County area is the $2.66 price per square foot 125 Chestnut Ave Model at 125 Chestnut Ave, Unit Unit- in the in the Pacific Heights neighborhood starting from $7,450. The second greatest value San Mateo County apartment is the 2 Bedrooms + Family Room Model at 718 N Claremont St starting at $3,200 with a $2.67 price per square foot in the Central San Mateo neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for San Mateo County apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
125 Chestnut Ave, Unit Unit-125 Chestnut Ave4BR,2.5BA$2.66
718 N Claremont St2 Bedrooms + Family Room2BR,1BA$2.67
Garden Oaks Apartments2 Bedroom2BR,1BA$3.13
Briarwood Manor2 bedroom ; 1 bath2BR,1BA$2.49
412 Richmond Dr2 bed 1 bath2BR,1BA$2.84
Belmont Square Apartments2x12BR,1BA$3.05
El Rancho Apartments2 bedroom2BR,1BA$3.15
Villa Tuscany Apartment Homes1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$3.01
806 Fulton StJustlet Properties1BR,1BA$2.86
Walnut StudiosStudioStudio ,1BA$2.54

Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap San Mateo County Apartments

What is a cheap apartment in San Mateo County?

A cheap apartment is any apartment up to the 30% percentile of cost for the area, which in San Mateo County is under $2,135.

What is the price of a cheap apartment in San Mateo County?

The cheapest apartment in San Mateo County is Redwood Plaza Village , SENIOR BUILDING , 55+ which is listed at $1,950, while the average apartment in San Mateo County costs $7,500.

What types of apartments are the cheapest in San Mateo County?

Student, low-income, and by-the-bed apartments are typically the cheapest rentals in most cities, though they require qualifying criteria to rent. There are 43 regular apartments in San Mateo County that we think qualify as ‘cheap apartments’ that do not have special requirements to apply to rent.

How do the prices of cheap apartments compare to the average apartment in San Mateo County?

Cheap apartments in San Mateo County have an average cost of $478 which is $7,022 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in San Mateo County.

Expert Rental Resources

Helpful Apartment Articles, How-To's and Tips

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.

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The Ultimate Long-Distance Moving Checklist: Tips from a Real Estate Pro

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Hard truth. Moving is never easy. I’ve done it all – from local moves to cross-country relocations From packing to unpacking the last box, I have found moving to be an exhausting, expensive and stressful experience every time.

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Cash or credit? Understanding the Importance of Credit Score in Real Estate and Renting

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Throughout the day, think about all the times that you have to pay for something. So many of us reach automatically for a credit card or even our phone for a quick payment.

decorative image for Roommate Matching: Finding the Right Fit and Avoiding Pitfalls article

Roommate Matching: Finding the Right Fit and Avoiding Pitfalls

Written by: Cheryl Bowman

A fantastic way to save money and enjoy a built-in community is to share an apartment. However, a bad roommate situation can turn your dream rental into a nightmare.

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

Written by: Marie Brown

You’ve scrolled through countless listings, walked through a blur of rentals, and finally found what feels like the one. The pictures? Fantastic. The neighborhood seems just right.