Rent in San Mateo County, CA at a glance
2-bedroom rent (HUD)
$3,604$43,248 a year · HUD fiscal year 2026From October 1, 2026: $3,697 (+2.6%)How much rent can you afford in San Mateo County, CA?
HUD’s fair market rent for each size, against what a typical household here earns. Change the income to see yours.
Rent in San Mateo County, CA by bedroom, and the pay it takes
Income needed keeps rent at 30% of gross pay; the hourly figure assumes one full-time job, 2,080 hours a year.
| Size | A month | A year | Income needed | Hourly wage needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $2,485 | $29,820 | $99,400 | $47.79/hr |
| 1 bedroom | $2,977 | $35,724 | $119,080 | $57.25/hr |
| 2 bedroomsMost searched | $3,604 | $43,248 | $144,160 | $69.31/hr |
| 3 bedrooms | $4,604 | $55,248 | $184,160 | $88.54/hr |
| 4 bedrooms | $4,772 | $57,264 | $190,880 | $91.77/hr |
Cost of living in San Mateo County, CA: income, prices and a budget →
Living and working in San Mateo County, CA
Rent in San Mateo County, CA: common questions
How much is rent going up in San Mateo County, CA in 2027?
HUD's Fair Market Rent for fiscal 2027, which takes effect October 1, 2026, is $3,697 for a two-bedroom, up 2.6% from $3,604. A one-bedroom goes from $2,977 to $3,003, a studio from $2,485 to $2,574.
These are HUD's estimates of what a typical recently rented unit costs, used for housing vouchers. A landlord's increase on your lease follows your lease and your state's rules, not this figure.
What is the average rent in San Mateo County, CA?
HUD's Fair Market Rent for 2026 is $2,977 for a one-bedroom and $3,604 for a two-bedroom, utilities included. That is $43,248 a year for the two-bedroom.
It is not an average of current listings. HUD sets it at the rent 40% of recent movers paid or less for a standard unit, so asking rents on newer places usually run higher.
How much do you need to make to afford rent in San Mateo County, CA?
To keep a $3,604 two-bedroom at 30% of gross pay, one full-time worker needs $69.31 an hour, or $144,160 a year. A one-bedroom at $2,977 takes $57.25 an hour.
How much is a 1, 2 or 3-bedroom apartment in San Mateo County, CA?
At HUD's 2026 Fair Market Rent: studio $2,485, one bedroom $2,977, two $3,604, three $4,604 and four $4,772 a month.
Is rent affordable in San Mateo County, CA?
For the typical household, earning $158,855 a year ($13,238 a month, Census ACS), a two-bedroom at $3,604 takes 27.2% of income. Under 30% is the usual line for affordable; this is under it.
How is the income needed for rent worked out?
Rent for a year divided by 0.30, the share of gross income HUD treats as affordable: ($3,604 × 12) ÷ 0.30 = $144,160. Divided by 2,080 working hours, that is $69.31 an hour.