Cheap Apartments for Rent in Novato, CA from $1,800 (66 Rentals)

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306 San Marin Dr
2 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

306 San Marin Dr

306 San Marin DrNovato, CA 94945
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Pacheco Villas
2 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Pacheco Villas

9 Clay CtNovato, CA 94949

Your Guide to Co-Signers: The Risks, Rewards, and Everything in Between

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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2 Clay Ct
2 Bedroom Apartments

2 Clay Ct

2 Clay CtNovato, CA 94949
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390 Olive Ave
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

390 Olive Ave

390 Olive AveNovato, CA 94945
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1623 Merritt Dr
2 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

1623 Merritt Dr

1623 Merritt DrNovato, CA 94949
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856 Sutro Ave
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

856 Sutro Ave

856 Sutro AveNovato, CA 94947
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1323 Leafwood Dr
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

1323 Leafwood Dr

1323 Leafwood DrNovato, CA 94947
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30 Clay Ct
2 Bedroom Apartments

30 Clay Ct

30 Clay CtNovato, CA 94949
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Deer Park
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Deer Park

646 Canyon RdNovato, CA 94947
Senior Living

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.

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401 Norman Dr
Studio Apartments

401 Norman Dr

401 Norman DrNovato, CA 94949
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1137 3rd St
1 Bedroom Apartments

1137 3rd St

1137 3rd StNovato, CA 94945
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1025 3rd St
2 Bedroom Apartments

1025 3rd St

1025 3rd StNovato, CA 94945
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1036 3rd St
Studio Apartments

1036 3rd St

1036 3rd StNovato, CA 94945

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.

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7 Williamson Ct
2 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

7 Williamson Ct

7 Williamson CtNovato, CA 94947
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1040 6th St
1 Bedroom Apartments

1040 6th St

1040 6th StNovato, CA 94945
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1128 3rd St
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

1128 3rd St

1128 3rd StNovato, CA 94945
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1140 3rd St
Studio Apartments

1140 3rd St

1140 3rd StNovato, CA 94945
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1080 Simmons Ln
2 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

1080 Simmons Ln

1080 Simmons LnNovato, CA 94945
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6 Kathy Ct
2 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

6 Kathy Ct

6 Kathy CtNovato, CA 94949
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1045 5th St
Studio Apartments

1045 5th St

1045 5th StNovato, CA 94945
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410 Estado Way
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

410 Estado Way

410 Estado WayNovato, CA 94945
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Oma Village
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Oma Village

5358 Nave DrNovato, CA 94949
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Smart Renter's Guide: Calculating Affordable Rent & Housing Costs

Wondering how to determine your rental budget? This comprehensive guide covers everything from the 30% rule to hidden fees and effective budgeting strategies.

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1304 Leafwood Dr
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

1304 Leafwood Dr

1304 Leafwood DrNovato, CA 94947
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1321 Leafwood Dr
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

1321 Leafwood Dr

1321 Leafwood DrNovato, CA 94947
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39 Jade Ct
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

39 Jade Ct

39 Jade CtNovato, CA 94945
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845 Reichert Ave
2 Bedroom Apartments

845 Reichert Ave

845 Reichert AveNovato, CA 94945
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4 Werner Ct
2 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

4 Werner Ct

4 Werner CtNovato, CA 94947
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Hamilton Woods
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Hamilton Woods

1009 Green Oak DrNovato, CA 94949

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.

Novato, CA Local Guide

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Local Guide Expert

Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in Novato, CA

Pricing Updated: 01/02/2026

Current apartment rentals in the Novato, CA area range in price from $1,848 to $10,426 with an overall median price of $5,552. The three Novato neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are Southwest Novato at $2,905, Central Novato at $2,150, and Downtown Novato at $2,150. Here is today’s list of the top 10 neighborhoods with the lowest median pricing for Novato Apartments for rent:

NeighborhoodMedian PriceMin PriceAvailable Units
Southwest Novato$2,942$2,9052
Central Novato$3,550$2,15017
Downtown Novato$3,550$2,15016
Midwest Novato$3,550$2,15018
Northwest Novato$3,550$2,1504
Pleasant Valley$3,550$2,15016
San Ramon$3,550$2,15017
Ignacio$10,426$1,84817
Loma Verde$10,426$1,8486
Southeast Novato$10,426$1,8486

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. 1221 Vallejo Avenue Apartments in the Downtown Novato neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $2,150. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Novato apartments for rent:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Villas at HamiltonStudioStudio,1BA$1,848
1221 Vallejo Avenue Apartments1BR/1BA1BR,1BA$2,150
OTAVON APARTMENTS1x11BR,1BA$2,300
Wyndover Apartment HomesA11BR,1BA$2,435
BridgecreekFieldstone2BR,2BA$2,475
Highlands of MarinNapa (A1A)1BR,1BA$2,576
Deer ValleyPlan 1A1BR,1BA$2,587
McInnis ParkBirch1BR,1BA$2,725
Posada East2 bedroom Flat2BR,1BA$2,725
Marion ParkLiberte - 1 st floor with a patio2BR,2BA$2,800

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Novato, CA

As of January 03, 2026 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 2 bedroom Flat Model at Posada East starting at $2,725 with a $2.48 price per square foot in the Southeast Novato 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.
Posada West Apartments2 Bedroom 2 Bathroom2BR,2BA$2.76
Posada East2 bedroom Flat2BR,1BA$2.48
Marion ParkLiberte - 1 st floor with a patio2BR,2BA$3.09
BridgecreekVerissimo2BR,2BA$3.03
Crooked Oak at Loma Verde Preserve Apartment Homes2BR/2BA A2BR,2BA$3.28
Millworks1 Bedroom 1 Bath Plan D1BR,1BA$3.93
Wyndover Apartment HomesA11BR,1BA$3.12
Deer ValleyPlan 1A1BR,1BA$3.66
McInnis ParkBirch1BR,1BA$3.90
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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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.

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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 $5,552.

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 39 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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How to Make Your Apartment Holiday-Ready: Renter-Friendly Tips

Written by: Justin Habersaat

Getting your apartment ready for the holidays can be exciting but sometimes challenging in a smaller space. Here are some modern tips to keep things festive, safe, and inviting this season.

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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.

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Apartment Common Area Rules: What Renters Need to Know

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Back in the day when I rented one of my first apartments, the property didn’t even have laundry in the building. Now, rental properties are often competing against each other to provide the best amenities.

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How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Everything is a negotiation in real estate!