close
View Me
Rent Specials
$1,848 - $2,506Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now
Villas at Hamilton
410 S Palm DrNovato, CA 94949
Cheap Apartments for Rent in Novato, CA from $1,848 (34 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in Novato.
301 Scotia Ln
NovatoCA94947
close
View Me
Rent Specials
$2,295 - $2,3501 to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now
OTAVON APARTMENTS
1515 S Novato BlvdNovato, CA 94947
close
View Me
$2,300 - $3,5501 to 3 Bedroom Apartments Available Now
Marion Park
1725 Marion AveNovato, CA 94945
998 Ignacio Blvd
NovatoCA94949
481 Ignacio Blvd
NovatoCA94949
close
View Me
$2,755 - $3,4851 to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Sep 15
Crooked Oak at Loma Verde Preserve Apartment Homes
100-140 Cielo LnNovato, CA 94949
close
View Me
$2,823 - $3,2732 Bedroom Apartments Available Sep 24
Bridgecreek
1599 S Novato BlvdNovato, CA 94947
Rent According to Income: A Look at Income-Restricted Rentals
Find income-restricted rentals and housing subsidies. Explore government programs designed to help low-income families secure stable, affordable housing.
close
View Me
$2,9002 Bedroom Apartments Available Sep 18
La Casa Novato
450 Entrada DrNovato, CA 94949
511 Alameda del Prado
NovatoCA94949
430 Alameda del Prado
NovatoCA94949
450 Alameda del Prado
NovatoCA94949
475 Ignacio Blvd
NovatoCA94949
close
View Me
$2,950 - $3,1271 to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now
Wyndover Apartment Homes
809 Diablo AveNovato, CA 94947
541 Alameda del Prado
NovatoCA94949
2025 Hawthorne Ter
NovatoCA94945
Renters Insurance 101: What It Is, What It Covers, and Why You Need It
From theft to fire to water damage, the unexpected can happen to any renter. Discover why renters insurance is one of the smartest and most affordable investments you can make as a tenant.
close
View Me
2 to 4 Bedroom Apartments
Creekside at Meadow Park
46 Tinker WayNovato, CA 94949
close
View Me
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments
Meadows Apartments
514 Lark CtNovato, CA 94947
close
View Me
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments
1221 Vallejo Apartments
1221 Vallejo AveNovato, CA 94945
close
View Me
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments
325 Rowland Blvd
325 Rowland BlvdNovato, CA 94947
137 Maestro Rd
NovatoCA94947
close
View Me
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments
Hillcrest Townhomes Apartment Complex
199 Posada Del SolNovato, CA 94949
close
View Me
2 Bedroom Apartments
Romar Court Apartments
6-18 Romar CtNovato, CA 94945
33 Livingston Ct
NovatoCA94949
How I Find the Perfect Rental for My Clients: A Real Estate Pro's Guide
Finding the right apartment starts with three things: location, cost, and amenities. Get the insider perspective from a real estate professional on how to nail all three.
close
View Me
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments
Deer Park
646 Canyon RdNovato, CA 94947
323 Silvio Ln
NovatoCA94947
10 Mount Diablo Cir
San RafaelCA94903
close
View Me
$2,400 - $4,7491 to 3 Bedroom Apartments Available Now
Highlands of Marin
1001 Cresta WaySan Rafael, CA 94903
close
View Me
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments
Rotary Valley Senior Village
10 Jeannette Prandi WaySan Rafael, CA 94903
73 Tamalpais Rd
FairfaxCA94930
close
View Me
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments
Deer Valley
2500 Deer Valley RdSan Rafael, CA 94903
1385 Sir Francis Drake Blvd
San AnselmoCA94960
What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much
Learn the official definition (spending 30% or more of your gross income on housing) and how to calculate your exact rent-to-income ratio. This guide offers expert tips on factoring in total housing costs (including utilities and fees) and budgeting accurately to avoid unnecessary financial strain.
111 Chester Ave
FairfaxCA94930
close
View Me
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments
McInnis Park
10-90 North AveSan Rafael, CA 94903
Showing Results 1-34, Page 1 of 1
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 | $1,848 | $1,848 | $1,848 |
| Cheap Novato 1 Bedroom Apartments | $2,640 | $2,089 | $3,237 |
| Cheap Novato 2 Bedroom Apartments | $3,051 | $2,395 | $3,710 |
| Cheap Novato 3 Bedroom Apartments | $4,749 | $3,550 | $5,950 |
Note: Properties with the Total Monthly Price badge include all required fees. Hover over the badge for details.
Browse Top Apartments in Novato
See all Apartments in NovatoExplore Novato
Novato, CA Local Guide
Written By:
Staff Writer Local Guide Expert
- Novato Neighborhoods
- Nearby Cities
- ZIP codes
- Local Counties
Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in Novato, CA
Pricing Updated: 09/12/2026Current apartment rentals in the Novato, CA area range in price from $1,800 to $5,950 with an overall median price of $2,870. The three Novato neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are Northwest Novato at $2,800, Pleasant Valley at $2,800, and Central Novato at $2,811. Here is today’s list of the top 10 neighborhoods with the lowest median pricing for Novato Apartments for rent:
| Neighborhood | Median Price | Min Price | Available Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northwest Novato | $2,800 | $2,300 | 2 |
| Pleasant Valley | $2,800 | $1,800 | 7 |
| Central Novato | $2,811 | $2,240 | 6 |
| Midwest Novato | $2,823 | $1,800 | 8 |
| San Ramon | $2,823 | $2,240 | 7 |
| Loma Verde | $2,827 | $1,848 | 15 |
| Downtown Novato | $2,925 | $2,300 | 4 |
| Ignacio | $2,925 | $1,848 | 16 |
| Southeast Novato | $2,925 | $1,848 | 13 |
| Southwest Novato | $2,925 | $2,595 | 9 |
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. OTAVON APARTMENTS in the Novato neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $2,295. 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 |
| OTAVON APARTMENTS | 1x1 | 1BR,1BA | $2,295 |
| Highlands of Marin | One Bedroom A1A LMR | 1BR,1BA | $2,400 |
| Marion Park | Liberte - 1 st floor with a patio | 2BR,2BA | $2,800 |
| Deer Valley | Plan 1A | 1BR,1BA | $2,927 |
| Wyndover Apartment Homes | B1 | 2BR,1BA | $2,950 |
| McInnis Park | Birch | 1BR,1BA | $3,025 |
| Millworks | 2 Bedroom 2 Bathroom Plan H | 2BR,2BA | $4,603 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Novato, CA
As of September 12, 2026 the best value apartment in the Novato area is the $3.08 price per square foot 2 Bedroom 2 Bathroom Plan H Model at Millworks in the in the Southeast Novato neighborhood starting from $4,603. The second greatest value Novato apartment is the B1 Model at Wyndover Apartment Homes starting at $2,950 with a $3.13 price per square foot in the Novato 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. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Millworks | 2 Bedroom 2 Bathroom Plan H | 2BR,2BA | $3.08 |
| Wyndover Apartment Homes | B1 | 2BR,1BA | $3.13 |
| Marion Park | Liberte - 1 st floor with a patio | 2BR,2BA | $3.09 |
| Deer Valley | Plan 1A | 1BR,1BA | $4.15 |
| McInnis Park | Birch | 1BR,1BA | $4.33 |
| Highlands of Marin | Napa (A1A) | 1BR,1BA | $4.40 |
| OTAVON APARTMENTS | 1x1 | 1BR,1BA | $3.96 |
| Villas at Hamilton | Studio | Studio ,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.
Read Article
Navigating the Rental Market: Tips for First-Time Renters
Entering the rental market? Learn these simple tips and strategies to avoid common pitfalls and make confident choices. Rent with peace of mind.
Read ArticleReal Estate and Rental Term Glossary | ApartmentHomeLiving.com Renter University
From the letter A all the way to the letter Z, the Real Estate and Rental Term Glossary from the content team at ApartmentHomeLiving.com provides our visitors and shoppers with a little clarity and helpful guidance in navigating the real estate world through definitions and explainers for the top subjects and terms that someone may come across during the leasing, buying, or selling process.
Read Article
Quick Rent Budget Calculator
How much rent can you afford?
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.
Let everyone know!
Do you know the Novato area?
If you’re an expert on all things Novato, tell us what you love (and don't) by rating it and writing a review.
Write a Review
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!
Explore Novato, CA Rentals by Map
See the most popular apartments and homes in Novato, CA
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 $2,870.
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 15 regular apartments in Novato that we think qualify as ‘cheap apartments’ that do not have special requirements to apply to rent.
How do the prices of cheap apartments compare to the average apartment in Novato?
Cheap apartments in Novato have an average cost of $512 which is $2,358 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in Novato.
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
Rent According to Income: A Look at Income-Restricted Rentals
Written by: Robin Stewart
The idea of affordable housing can be subjective. Every individual is in a different place financially and vocationally. What one may easily afford could be a struggle for someone else.
Exploring Rental Options: Apartments, Townhomes, and Lofts - Oh My!
Written by: Robin Stewart
Where do you see yourself? When you think of home, sweet home, are you in a 3/2 apartment? Dreaming of a tall townhome? Maybe an industrial loft heavy on cool vibes is on your visioning board.
Practical Tips for Renters: How to Identify a Great Rental and Avoid Red Flags
Written by: Robin Stewart
Renters want to find a great apartment, the right place for them, one that checks all the boxes of location, rental cost, amenities, safety, and more.
First Apartment Regrets: Real Renters Share What They'd Do Differently
Written by: Robin Stewart
Hindsight is 20/20. Live and Learn. With age comes wisdom. We’re familiar with all those expressions, and all of them apply to lessons first-time renters learn.