
Cheap Apartments for Rent in San Mateo County, CA from $600 (45 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in San Mateo County.


185 Miriam St

1063 Gilman Dr

Total Monthly Price
Woodland Park

El Camino Real

Bonnie Brae Terrace, A 62+ Community

Tradewind Surf Apartments

Total Monthly Price
Westlake Apartments

Tradewind Surf Apartments
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.

Marymount Tower

Hillcrest Gardens

Walnut Studios

Middlefield Junction

180 Harrison Ave

The Franciscan Park

Brickline Flats

824-828 El Camino Real

Greenwood Apartments
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.

Bradford Apartments

Brunswick Street Apartments

Chateau D'Oro Apartments

529 Hampshire Ave

116 Elm St

3655 Colegrove Apartments

1225 Laguna Avenue Apartments

670 Live Oak Ave

Brosnan Apartments
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.

Fernmar North

Peninsula View Apartments~Remodeled 1 BR/BA

36th Avenue Apartments

Hillside Courtyard

Redwood Manor Apartments

Wilshire Arms Apartments

Pacific Oaks Senior Apartments

20 Marcie Cir

Magnolia Plaza Senior Apartments
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.

Montara

355 Southgate Ave

1410 Jefferson Ave

zLaurel Place Apartments

1133-1129 Rhinette Ave

816 Highland Ave

35 Kent Ct

Eastmoor Apartments

The Edgeworth Apartments
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.
San Mateo County, CA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in San Mateo County?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Mateo County Studio Apartments | $2,941 | $1,750 | $4,751 |
| San Mateo County 1 Bedroom Apartments | $3,541 | $1,260 | $7,850 |
| San Mateo County 2 Bedroom Apartments | $4,647 | $2,650 | $10,000+ |
| San Mateo County 3 Bedroom Apartments | $6,172 | $3,295 | $10,000+ |
| San Mateo County 4 Bedroom Apartments | $9,476 | $4,225 | $10,000+ |
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Cheapest Available San Mateo County Apartments for Rent
 The cheapest available apartment rental in San Mateo County, CA is a Studio unit found at Woodland Park in the Duveneck neighborhood priced from $1,650. Westlake Apartments in the Stonestown neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $1,966. Here is today’s list of the most affordable San Mateo County apartments for rent:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Woodland Park | Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,650 |
| Westlake Apartments | S1-C | Studio,1BA | $1,966 |
| Country Club | Studio | Studio,1BA | $2,095 |
| 417 Stambaugh St | One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $2,125 |
| Village at the Crossing 55+ Senior Community | One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $2,135 |
| Stanford Garden Apartments | Large Studio Close to Everything - Private Patio | Studio,1BA | $2,195 |
| Monticello | Studio | Studio,1BA | $2,200 |
| Woodland Arms | Unit 202 | Studio,1BA | $2,245 |
| Juniper | S2-P | Studio,1BA | $2,266 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in San Mateo County, CA
As of April 01, 2026 the best value apartment in the San Mateo County 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 County apartment is the 2 Beds, 2 baths Model at The Lamplighter Apartments starting at $3,950 with a $3.04 price per square foot in the Mills Estates neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for San Mateo County 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 |
| The Lamplighter Apartments | 2 Beds, 2 baths | 2BR,2BA | $3.04 |
| Devonshire Apartments | 2 Bed 1 Bath | 2BR,1BA | $2.50 |
| Arlington Apartments | 2 Bedroom/2 Bathroom | 2BR,2BA | $3.17 |
| Woodland Park | 2x2 | 2BR,2BA | $3.05 |
| Belmont Square Apartments | 2x1 | 2BR,1BA | $3.05 |
| 10 Birch Street | 1 Bed 1 Bath | 1BR,1BA | $3.03 |
| Courtyard Apartments | 1x1L | 1BR,1BA | $3.12 |
| 417 Stambaugh St | One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $2.79 |
| Marymount Tower | One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $3.14 |
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 $2,266.
What is the price of a cheap apartment in San Mateo County?
The cheapest apartment in San Mateo County is 417 Stambaugh St which is listed at $2,125, while the average apartment in San Mateo County costs $6,852.
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 31 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 $210 which is $6,642 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in San Mateo County.
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

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.