
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.


Total Monthly Price
Woodland Park

Anton Menlo

El Camino Real

Tradewind Surf Apartments

623 Buckeye St, Unit 1

Total Monthly Price
Vasara

Tradewind Surf Apartments

Westlake Apartments
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.

Hillcrest Gardens

Walnut Studios

Middlefield Junction

180 Harrison Ave

The Franciscan Park

Brickline Flats

824-828 El Camino Real

Greenwood Apartments

Bradford 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.

Chateau D'Oro Apartments

529 Hampshire Ave

116 Elm St

3655 Colegrove Apartments

1225 Laguna Avenue Apartments

670 Live Oak Ave

Brosnan Apartments

Bonnie Brae Terrace, A 62+ Community

Fernmar North
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.

Peninsula View Apartments~Remodeled 1 BR/BA

36th Avenue Apartments

Hillside Courtyard

Redwood Manor Apartments

20 Marcie Cir

Pacific Oaks Senior Apartments

Wilshire Arms Apartments

Magnolia Plaza Senior Apartments

Montara
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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.

355 Southgate Ave

1410 Jefferson Ave

zLaurel Place Apartments

1133-1129 Rhinette Ave

Brunswick Street

35 Kent Ct

Eastmoor Apartments

816 Highland Ave

The Edgeworth 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.
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 | $3,024 | $1,700 | $8,193 |
| San Mateo County 1 Bedroom Apartments | $3,678 | $1,799 | $9,114 |
| San Mateo County 2 Bedroom Apartments | $4,771 | $1,787 | $10,000+ |
| San Mateo County 3 Bedroom Apartments | $6,565 | $3,381 | $10,000+ |
| San Mateo County 4 Bedroom Apartments | $9,111 | $5,610 | $10,000+ |
Browse Apartments in San Mateo County
See all Apartments in San MateoExplore San Mateo County
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 $1,675. Anton Menlo in the Friendly Acres neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 2 Beds apartment currently listed from $1,787. 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 | $1,675 |
| Anton Menlo | Residence 8 | 2BR,2BA | $1,787 |
| Country Club | Studio | Studio,1BA | $2,095 |
| Juniper | S2-P | Studio,1BA | $2,141 |
| Westlake Apartments | S2-C | Studio,1BA | $2,160 |
| Monticello | Studio | Studio,1BA | $2,200 |
| Villages at Pacifica | Studio | Studio,1BA | $2,200 |
| Marymount Tower | One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $2,295 |
| Village at the Crossing 55+ Senior Community | One Bedroom A1 | 1BR,1BA | $2,295 |
| Woodland Arms | Unit 202 | Studio,1BA | $2,345 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in San Mateo County, CA
As of May 17, 2026 the best value apartment in the San Mateo County area is the $3.18 price per square foot B7 Model at 885 Woodside in the in the West Atherton neighborhood starting from $4,410. The second greatest value San Mateo County apartment is the 2 Beds, 2 baths Model at The Lamplighter Apartments starting at $3,650 with a $2.81 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. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 885 Woodside | B7 | 2BR,2BA | $3.18 |
| The Lamplighter Apartments | 2 Beds, 2 baths | 2BR,2BA | $2.81 |
| Ambassador Apartments | 3x2 | 3BR,2BA | $2.86 |
| 1215 Skyline Dr, Unit 1215 Skyline Dr, Daly City, CA 94015 | 1215 Skyline Dr | 3BR,2BA | $3.06 |
| Woodland Park | 2x2 | 2BR,2BA | $3.05 |
| Belmont Square Apartments | 2x1 | 2BR,1BA | $3.05 |
| Courtyard Apartments | 1x1L | 1BR,1BA | $3.12 |
| The Riley at Belmont Hills | 1 + 1 | 1BR,1BA | $3.29 |
| Marymount Manor | One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $3.28 |
| 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 $2,345.
What is the price of a cheap apartment in San Mateo County?
The cheapest apartment in San Mateo County is Woodland Park which is listed at $2,253, while the average apartment in San Mateo County costs $7,875.
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 22 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 $195 which is $7,680 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

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.

Expert Solutions for Creating the Perfect Work-From-Home Apartment Layouts
Written by: Lauren Harrington
This article is based on first-hand experience managing apartment communities and helping renters adapt to their spaces after moving in.

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Written by: Lauren Harrington
This article draws from first-hand renter experiences and recurring financial challenges reported after moving in.

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.