Start your San Mateo search
How many bedrooms do you need?
/
/
/
cheap apartments

San Mateo, CA 17 Cheap Apartments for Rent

1 of 17
1 of 25
1 of 36
1 of 24
1 of 32
1 of 33
1 of 11
1 of 17
1 of 23
1 of 44
1 of 1
1 of 1
1 of 1
1 of 1
1 of 19
1 of 7

Find More Rentals By

Find More Rentals in Nearby

Find More Rentals Near

Frequently Asked Questions

City Guide for San Mateo, CA

Having trouble with Craigslist San Mateo? Can't find that special apartment for rent on Apartment Finder or Zillow? Apartment List is here to help!

Salutations, one and all, and welcome to the online nerve center for your San Mateo, California apartment hunting escapades! Conveniently located just 15 miles from San Francisco, San Mateo is a scenic alternative to the hustle and bustle of the “City by the Bay.” So what do you say? Are you ready to join the 93,000-plus proud peeps who call San Mateo home? Of course you are! But before you pack your windbreaker and your 49ers jersey and hit the streets in search of your future home, take a few moments to learn what life is really like in arguably San Fran’s most aesthetic suburb … View San Mateo City Guide

What to keep in mind when looking for cheap apartments in San Mateo, CA

Finding cheap apartments in San Mateo takes some ingenuity and effort, as well as quick action. Before you head out on your search, bring along pay stubs, bank statements, letters of recommendations from landlords or employers, and identification. The more proactive you are about your search, the easier it will be to score a deal.

Look for cheap apartments in San Mateo by regularly scouring listings and looking during slower renting seasons, like winter. You can still find a deal if you move during the summer months when apartment hunting is more competitive.

You may be able to find cheap apartments in San Mateo in neighborhoods that are located away from attractions, restaurants, and entertainment. You may need to look farther out than you would prefer, but access to highways or public transportation can get you into the heart of San Mateo.

The building you choose can also make a difference in finding a cheap apartment in San Mateo. Older buildings that need some updating are more likely to have better deals. Walk-up apartments without elevators, on-street parking and few amenities like on-site fitness centers can also signal affordable rents in San Mateo.