Cheap Apartments for Rent in Novato, CA from $1,500 (12 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in Novato.

Villas at Hamilton

839 Reichert Ave
Roommate Matching: Finding the Right Fit and Avoiding Pitfalls
When searching for a roommate, follow this list of essential steps and set clear expectations to create a solid foundation for a harmonious living situation.

481 Ignacio Blvd
The Art of the Rental Viewing: What to look for during a property tour
Touring a rental? This guide helps you know exactly what to look for, from safety features to hidden flaws, so you can confidently sign your lease or keep searching.
Novato, CA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Novato?
Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
---|---|---|---|
Cheap Novato Studio Apartments | $1,723 | $1,599 | $1,848 |
Cheap Novato 1 Bedroom Apartments | $2,624 | $2,050 | $3,485 |
Cheap Novato 2 Bedroom Apartments | $3,200 | $2,200 | $4,325 |
Cheap Novato 3 Bedroom Apartments | $4,316 | $3,550 | $4,800 |
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Novato, CA Local Guide

- Novato Neighborhoods
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Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in Novato, CA
Pricing Updated: 07/29/2025Current apartment rentals in the Novato, CA area range in price from $1,599 to $6,200 with an overall median price of $4,463. The three Novato neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are Loma Verde at $1,848, Ignacio at $1,599, and Downtown Novato at $1,599. Here is today’s list of the top 9 neighborhoods with the lowest median pricing for Novato Apartments for rent:
Neighborhood | Median Price | Min Price | Available Units |
---|---|---|---|
Loma Verde | $2,900 | $1,848 | 9 |
Ignacio | $3,222 | $1,599 | 11 |
Downtown Novato | $3,550 | $1,599 | 4 |
Pleasant Valley | $3,550 | $2,300 | 3 |
San Ramon | $3,550 | $1,599 | 5 |
Southeast Novato | $4,800 | $1,599 | 10 |
Central Novato | $6,200 | $1,599 | 7 |
Midwest Novato | $6,200 | $1,599 | 6 |
Southwest Novato | $6,200 | $2,345 | 6 |
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. Highlands of Marin in the Santa Venetia neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $2,447. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Novato apartments for rent:
Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
---|---|---|---|
Villas at Hamilton | Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,848 |
Highlands of Marin | Napa (A1A) | 1BR,1BA | $2,447 |
Crooked Oak at Loma Verde Preserve Apartments | 1BR/1BA A | 1BR,1BA | $2,490 |
325 Rowland Blvd | One Bedroom, Pets Welcome | 1BR,1BA | $2,599 |
Millworks | 1 Bedroom 1 Bath Plan D | 1BR,1BA | $3,093 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Novato, CA
As of July 29, 2025 the best value apartment in the Novato area is the $2.76 price per square foot 2 Bedroom 2 Bathroom Model at Posada West Apartments in the in the Southeast Novato neighborhood starting from $3,175. The second greatest value Novato apartment is the Dogwood Model at McInnis Park starting at $3,595 with a $3.90 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 Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
---|---|---|---|
Posada West Apartments | 2 Bedroom 2 Bathroom | 2BR,2BA | $2.76 |
McInnis Park | Dogwood | 2BR,1BA | $3.90 |
Bridgecreek | Verissimo | 2BR,2BA | $3.55 |
Deer Valley | 2 Bed 1 Bath | 2BR,1BA | $3.78 |
Millworks | 1 Bedroom 1 Bath Plan D | 1BR,1BA | $3.80 |
325 Rowland Blvd | One Bedroom, Pets Welcome | 1BR,1BA | $3.47 |
Crooked Oak at Loma Verde Preserve Apartments | 1BR/1BA A | 1BR,1BA | $3.83 |
Highlands of Marin | Napa (A1A) | 1BR,1BA | $3.76 |
Villas at Hamilton | Studio | Studio ,1BA | $3.94 |
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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.
Best Local Schools in Novato, CA
School data provided by Great Schools
Remember the 3 Rules of Real Estate:Location, Location, Location!
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See the most popular apartments and homes in Novato, CA
Getting Around Novato, CA
Walk Score®
57 / 100
Somewhat Walkable
Some errands can be accomplished on foot
Bike Score®
56 / 100
Bikeable
Some bike infrastructure
Transit Score®
36 / 100
Some Transit
A few nearby public transportation options
What Are Walk Score®, Transit Score®, and Bike Score® Ratings?
- Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address.
- Transit Score® measures access to public transit.
- Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
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 $4,463.
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 9 regular apartments in Novato that we think qualify as ‘cheap apartments’ that do not have special requirements to apply to rent.
Expert Rental Resources
Helpful Apartment Articles, How-To's and Tips
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.

Roommate Matching: Finding the Right Fit and Avoiding Pitfalls
Written by: Cheryl Bowman
A fantastic way to save money and enjoy a built-in community is to share an apartment. However, a bad roommate situation can turn your dream rental into a nightmare.

The Art of the Rental Viewing: What to look for during a property tour
Written by: Marie Brown
You’ve scrolled through countless listings, walked through a blur of rentals, and finally found what feels like the one. The pictures? Fantastic. The neighborhood seems just right.

Know Your Budget: Calculating What You Can Realistically Afford When Renting
Written by: Lauren Harrington
Renting an apartment or house isn’t just about looking through online ads, choosing a few apartments or homes you want to tour, filling out an application, and putting down a deposit. Those things are all necessary and important.

The Freedom of Short-Term Leases: Exploring the Advantages for Renters
Written by: Bobbi Jackson
If you’re looking to relocate right now, a popular solution that may best fit your current rental needs is a short-term lease.