@timo21@evanwolf@ben In the past, it might have been in parts of Mountain View or Redwood City. There were people there renting out small houses on their property. I found an odd place for a rental that was mostly add-ons to a small house. You might not spot those without driving by and noticing a sign. Everything is so expensive now. If you intend to purchase, may you find a realtor who works for buyers. A mortgage might be cheaper by the month than a rental on the peninsula. Good luck!
If you have advice for someone who is moving back to the Bay Area but needs to be on the Peninsula with access to Palo Alto on a budget - I'd love to hear it.