Cheap Apartments for Rent in Novato, CA from $1,800 (38 Rentals)

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

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.

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Meadows Apartments
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Meadows Apartments

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

Hamilton Woods

1009 Green Oak DrNovato, 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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OTAVON APARTMENTS
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

OTAVON APARTMENTS

1515 S Novato BlvdNovato, CA 94947
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325 Rowland Blvd
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

325 Rowland Blvd

325 Rowland BlvdNovato, CA 94947
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Posada East
2 Bedroom Apartments

Posada East

200 Posada del SolNovato, CA 94949
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Redwood Landing
2 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Redwood Landing

100 Cutlass DrNovato, CA 94947
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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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Millworks
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Millworks

900 Reichert AveNovato, CA 94945
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Deer Valley
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Deer Valley

2500 Deer Valley RdSan Rafael, CA 94903

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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Showing Results 1-38, Page 1 of 1

Novato, CA Local Guide

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Local Guide Expert

Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in Novato, CA

Pricing Updated: 04/30/2026

Current apartment rentals in the Novato, CA area range in price from $1,848 to $3,550 with an overall median price of $3,370. The three Novato neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are Loma Verde at $1,848, Southeast Novato at $1,848, and Ignacio at $1,848. 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$3,095$1,84810
Southeast Novato$3,095$1,84810
Ignacio$3,098$1,84816
Southwest Novato$3,115$1,9957
Central Novato$3,550$2,1508
Downtown Novato$3,550$2,1508
Midwest Novato$3,550$2,1509
Northwest Novato$3,550$2,1502
Pleasant Valley$3,550$2,1508
San Ramon$3,550$2,1508

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$2,519
McInnis ParkBirch1BR,1BA$2,750
Marion ParkLiberte - 1 st floor with a patio2BR,2BA$2,800
BridgecreekFieldstone2BR,2BA$3,014
Millworks1 Bedroom 1 Bath Plan D1BR,1BA$3,382
Deer ValleyPlan 2C Townhome2BR,2BA$3,937

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Novato, CA

As of April 30, 2026 the best value apartment in the Novato area is the $3.50 price per square foot Plan 2C Townhome Model at Deer Valley in the in the Santa Venetia neighborhood starting from $3,937. The second greatest value Novato apartment is the Liberte - 1 st floor with a patio Model at Marion Park starting at $2,800 with a $3.09 price per square foot in the Downtown 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.
Deer ValleyPlan 2C Townhome2BR,2BA$3.50
Marion ParkLiberte - 1 st floor with a patio2BR,2BA$3.09
BridgecreekFieldstone2BR,2BA$3.55
Millworks1 Bedroom 1 Bath Plan D1BR,1BA$4.16
Wyndover Apartment HomesA11BR,1BA$3.12
McInnis ParkBirch1BR,1BA$3.94
Highlands of MarinNapa (A1A)1BR,1BA$3.95
730 Sunset Pky, Unit ADU730 Sunset Pky1BR,1BA$4.41
Villas at HamiltonStudioStudio ,1BA$3.94
109 Hawthorn Way, Unit Hawthorne Hideaway109 Hawthorn Way1BR,1BA$5.85

10 Hidden Costs of Renting You Should Budget for Before Signing a Lease

Avoid financial stress when renting. Learn about the 10 most common hidden costs—from pet fees to utilities—you must budget for before you sign a lease.

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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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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.

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

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See the most popular apartments and homes in Novato, CA

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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 $3,370.

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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Expert Solutions for Creating the Perfect Work-From-Home Apartment Layouts

Written by: Lauren Harrington

This article is based on first-hand experience managing apartment communities and helping renters adapt to their spaces after moving in.

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What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much

Written by: Lauren Harrington

This article draws from first-hand renter experiences and recurring financial challenges reported after moving in.

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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.