Homes & Apartments for Rent in San Mateo, CA

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What to Know About

Life in San Mateo & Beyond

San Mateo shares many of the great qualities that make California a desirable place to live.

California is the most populous state in the United States and is home to some of the world's most iconic cities, such as Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco. It's known for its thriving economy and diverse landscapes, including beaches, deserts, and mountains. Immerse yourself in the state's history and traditions by visiting museums like the California Science Center and the Getty Center or attending worldwide renowned universities like Stanford University and the University of California, Berkeley.

There are also many outdoor recreation opportunities in the state, such as skiing in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, surfing along the Pacific Coast, and hiking in Yosemite National Park. There's something for everyone. Sports fans can enjoy cheering on the San Francisco 49ers (NFL), Los Angeles Kings (NHL), Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB), San Francisco Giants (MLB), Los Angeles Lakers (NBA), or Golden State Warriors (NBA). Also, check out famous attractions like the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, Disneyland, Hollywood, the historic city of San Francisco, and the mecca of Los Angeles.

With its warm and inviting climate, thriving economy, and high quality of life, Embrace the Golden State and discover why California is a great place to live.

Rental Market Trends

San Mateo, CA

As of May 2026, San Mateo's rental market is competitive, with strong renter demand causing quick leasing times for well-priced units. San Mateo's average rent is 17.6% ($478) higher than the California average of $2,711 and 78.3% ($1,400) higher than the U.S. average of $1,789.

Average Rent
$3,189
Monthly ChangeMonth Over Month Change
Decreased1.4% ($44)
Yearly ChangeYear Over Year Change
Increased2% ($62)
Avg. Days on MarketAverage Days on Market
35
Unit Type Average Rent Monthly ChangeMonth Over Month Change Yearly ChangeYear Over Year Change
1 Bed $2,644 Increased4.3% ($108) Increased16% ($365)
2 Beds $3,640 Decreased3.5% ($131) Decreased5.5% ($210)
3 Beds $5,603 Increased4.8% ($259) Increased24.2% ($1090)
Nearby Cities Average Rent Avg. Rent vs. San MateoAverage Rent vs. San Mateo Avg. Days on MarketAverage Days on Market
Belmont $2,719 Decreased14.7% ($470) 35 days
Burlingame $2,847 Decreased10.7% ($342) 36 days
San Carlos $2,799 Decreased12.2% ($390) 35 days
Millbrae $4,195 Increased31.5% ($1006) 37 days
Redwood City $2,966 Decreased7% ($223) 30 days
Rental market trends are calculated using listing data from RentalSource.
Frequently Asked Questions
San Mateo Rental Market FAQs

Explore rental prices, market trends, and availability in San Mateo, CA.

The average rent in San Mateo, CA is $3,189 per month.
Homes in San Mateo typically rent for between $1,851 and $7,284 per month, with an average of $3,189 per month.
In San Mateo, the average rent for a 1-bedroom home is $2,644 per month, for a 2-bedroom home, $3,640 per month, and a 3-bedroom home is $5,603 per month.
The average rent in San Mateo is 78.3% ($1,400) higher than the national average of $1,789 per month.
The average rent in San Mateo has decreased by 1.4% ($44) in the last month and increased by 2.0% ($62) over the past year.
The rental market in San Mateo, CA, is currently competitive, with strong renter demand causing quick leasing times for well-priced units.
In San Mateo, CA, the average rental stays on the market for approximately 35 days. While most properties are rented within this timeframe, factors like seasonality, demand, and property type can affect how quickly a rental leases.
There are currently 45 rental properties available in San Mateo, CA.
Based on the current averages, a household would need an annual income of $145,600 to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom home in San Mateo.
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