Cheap Apartments for Rent in Novato, CA from $1,800 (13 Rentals)

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Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in Novato.

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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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Meadows Apartments
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Meadows Apartments

514 Lark CtNovato, CA 94947
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Hamilton Woods
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Hamilton Woods

1009 Green Oak DrNovato, CA 94949
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325 Rowland Blvd
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

325 Rowland Blvd

325 Rowland BlvdNovato, CA 94947
  • Utilities Included

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Novato, CA Local Guide

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Local Guide Expert

Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in Novato, CA

Pricing Updated: 03/15/2026

Current apartment rentals in the Novato, CA area range in price from $1,848 to $3,616 with an overall median price of $3,273. The three Novato neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are Loma Verde at $1,848, Southeast Novato at $1,848, and Southwest Novato at $2,495. Here is today’s list of the top 10 neighborhoods with the lowest median pricing for Novato Apartments for rent:

NeighborhoodMedian PriceMin PriceAvailable Units
Loma Verde$2,747$1,8486
Southeast Novato$2,800$1,8486
Southwest Novato$2,897$2,4953
Ignacio$2,995$1,8488
Central Novato$3,550$2,1504
Downtown Novato$3,550$2,1504
Midwest Novato$3,550$2,1504
Northwest Novato$3,550$2,1502
Pleasant Valley$3,550$2,1504
San Ramon$3,550$2,1504

Cheapest Available Novato Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in Novato, CA is a Studio unit found at Villas at Hamilton in the Southeast Novato neighborhood priced from $1,848. Wyndover Apartment Homes in the Downtown Novato neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $2,435. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Novato apartments for rent:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Villas at HamiltonStudioStudio,1BA$1,848
Wyndover Apartment HomesA11BR,1BA$2,435
Highlands of MarinNapa (A1A)1BR,1BA$2,650
McInnis ParkBirch1BR,1BA$2,795
Marion ParkLiberte - 1 st floor with a patio2BR,2BA$2,800

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Novato, CA

As of March 15, 2026 the best value apartment in the Novato area is the $4.06 price per square foot 2 Bedroom 2 Bathroom Plan C Model at Millworks in the in the Southeast Novato neighborhood starting from $4,770. The second greatest value Novato apartment is the Plan 2B Model at Deer Valley starting at $3,087 with a $3.15 price per square foot in the Santa Venetia neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Novato apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
Millworks2 Bedroom 2 Bathroom Plan C2BR,2BA$4.06
Deer ValleyPlan 2B2BR,2BA$3.15
Marion ParkLiberte - 1 st floor with a patio2BR,2BA$3.09
Wyndover Apartment HomesA11BR,1BA$3.12
McInnis ParkBirch1BR,1BA$4.00
Highlands of MarinNapa (A1A)1BR,1BA$4.08
Villas at HamiltonStudioStudio ,1BA$3.94

Don't Settle: How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money

Discover the insider tips from an attorney and real estate agent on how to negotiate your next apartment lease. Find out what's on the table and what's not, so you can save money and get the best terms possible.

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The Ultimate Long-Distance Moving Checklist: Tips from a Real Estate Pro

Moving is tough, especially long-distance. Learn how to minimize stress & expenses with proven strategies from a real estate pro, covering everything from logistics to finances.

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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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The common "Rule of Thumb" is that rent should be no more than 30% of your income. How much is that? Enter your monthly income and click "Calculate My Budget" to find out.

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Novato Overview

Novato, California, is located in the northwest area of California, just 30 minutes north of San Francisco. It's close to the Pacific Ocean as well as several National Forests. Apartments in Novato range from $1,475 for a studio, to $4,700 for a four-bedroom home. What's so great about living in Novato? We've got the scoop.

Why live in Novato, CA?

Novato has the perfect mix of past and present, city and nature. Historic landmarks include the Marin Museum of the American Indian and Olompali State Park which features the first Spanish colonial house built in Marin County. The Vintage Oaks Shopping Center includes major retailers such as Costco and Target, as well as over 50 other retail stores and restaurants. Major employers in the area include Novato Unified School District, BioMarin Pharmaceutical, and the Buck Institute for Aging. For those who like to get out of their Novato apartments, there are over 3,600 acres of open space to explore including hiking and mountain biking trails, golf courses, a skate park, state parks, fishing, camping, and bird-watching areas.

Remember the 3 Rules of Real Estate:
Location, Location, Location!

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Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Novato Apartments

What is the price of a cheap apartment in Novato?

The cheapest apartment in Novato is Villas at Hamilton which is listed at $2,089, while the average apartment in Novato costs $3,273.

What types of apartments are the cheapest in Novato?

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 21 regular apartments in Novato that we think qualify as ‘cheap apartments’ that do not have special requirements to apply to rent.

Expert Rental Resources

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.

Articles, How-To's, and Tips

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Maximizing Your Refund: Essential Tax Tips for Renters

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Other than tax professionals, I can’t think of anyone who looks forward to tax season. For everybody else, April is a stressful month to collect information and meet deadlines.

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18 Must-Ask Rental Tour Questions That Reveal the Truth about a Property

Written by: Lauren Harrington

Renting your next home can feel thrilling and overwhelming at the same time.

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A Renters Guide for Tips on Writing Your Notice for Not Renewing Your Apartment

Written by: Bob Mallory

Packing up everything you own to move is so stressful for many that ending your apartment lease can feel like a small or unimportant task. Ending your lease involves more than simply turning over your keys on the last day.

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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.