Cheap Apartments for Rent in San Mateo County, CA from $600 (48 Rentals)

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

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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Hillcrest Gardens
1 Bedroom Apartments

Hillcrest Gardens

35 Hillcrest DrDaly City, CA 94014
Senior Living
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Walnut Studios
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Walnut Studios

817 Walnut StSan Carlos, CA 94070
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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

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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Brickline Flats
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

Brickline Flats

303 Baldwin AveSan Mateo, CA 94401
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824-828 El Camino Real
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

824-828 El Camino Real

824-828 El Camino RealSan Bruno, CA 94066
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Greenwood Apartments
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

Greenwood Apartments

1150 Greenwood AveSan Carlos, CA 94070
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Bradford Apartments
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

Bradford Apartments

780 Bradford StRedwood City, CA 94063
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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
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

116 Elm St

116 Elm StSan Mateo, CA 94401
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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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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 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Fernmar North

208 Holly AveSouth San Francisco, CA 94080
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Hillside Courtyard
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Hillside Courtyard

415-417 A StDaly City, CA 94014

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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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
Studio to 2 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 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

816 Highland Ave

816 Highland AveSan Mateo, CA 94401
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Eastmoor Apartments
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Eastmoor Apartments

101 Eastmoor AveDaly City, CA 94015
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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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35 Kent Ct
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

35 Kent Ct

35 Kent CtDaly City, CA 94015
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The Edgeworth Apartments
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

The Edgeworth Apartments

1145-1157 Edgeworth AveDaly City, CA 94015
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Showing Results 1-48, 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 Woodland Park in the Duveneck neighborhood priced from $1,700. Bonnie Brae Terrace, A 62+ Community in the Western Hills neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $1,850. Here is today’s list of the most affordable San Mateo County apartments for rent:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Woodland ParkStudioStudio,1BA$1,700
Bonnie Brae Terrace, A 62+ CommunityStudioStudio,1BA$1,850
3633 Colegrove ApartmentsStudioStudio,1BA$1,945
Redwood Plaza Village , SENIOR BUILDING , 55+1 bedroom1BR,1BA$2,000
Westlake ApartmentsA1-C1BR,1BA$2,005
Apartment in San Carlos Creek-Side Views Available for Lease!0BR/1.0BAStudio,1BA$2,040
2010 Trousdale DrGarden StudioStudio,1BA$2,070
MonticelloStudioStudio,1BA$2,095

Best Value Apartments for Rent in San Mateo County, CA

As of December 06, 2025 the best value apartment in the San Mateo County area is the $1.19 price per square foot 1155 Bieber Ave Model at 1155 Bieber Ave, Unit Master Suite in the in the Lindenwood neighborhood starting from $1,900. The second greatest value San Mateo County apartment is the 2238 Allegheny Way Model at 2238 Allegheny Way, Unit 2238 starting at $4,350 with a $2.90 price per square foot in the Western Hills 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.
1155 Bieber Ave, Unit Master Suite1155 Bieber Ave1BR,1BA$1.19
2238 Allegheny Way, Unit 22382238 Allegheny Way2BR,2BA$2.90
Crown Towers Apartments3012BR,2BA$2.88
718 N Claremont St2 Bedrooms + Family Room2BR,1BA$2.67
Grand & Linden Family Apartments2x2 Grand2BR,2BA$3.02
515 N El Camino Real2 Beds, 1 bath2BR,1BA$3.00
412 Richmond Dr2 bed 1 bath2BR,1BA$2.84
915 Grand Ave915 Grand Ave1BR,1BA$2.95
417 Stambaugh StOne Bedroom1BR,1BA$2.79
Villa Tuscany Apartment Homes1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$3.01

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 $2,095.

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 $2,000, while the average apartment in San Mateo County costs $9,023.

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 46 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 $208 which is $8,815 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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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.

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Apartment Common Area Rules: What Renters Need to Know

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Back in the day when I rented one of my first apartments, the property didn’t even have laundry in the building. Now, rental properties are often competing against each other to provide the best amenities.

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How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Everything is a negotiation in real estate! 

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The Rental Move-In Inspection Checklist: A Guide for Renters

Written by: Trey Huguley

The move-in inspection checklist is a crucial tool for both tenants and landlords. This checklist, provided by the team at ApartmentHomeLiving.com, helps document the condition of an apartment at the time of move-in.