Cheap Apartments for Rent in San Rafael, CA from $1,500 (34 Rentals)

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

property at 1821 Lincoln Ave

$2,315 - $3,395

1 To 2 Bedroom Rentals

Available Now

1821 Lincoln Ave

San RafaelCA94901

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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Marina Apartments
1 Bedroom Apartments

Marina Apartments

55 Bahia WaySan Rafael, CA 94901
  • Utilities Included
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1476 Lincoln
1 Bedroom Apartments

1476 Lincoln

1476 Lincoln AveSan Rafael, CA 94901

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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Northgate Apartments
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Northgate Apartments

825 Las Gallinas AveSan Rafael, CA 94903
  • Utilities Included
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The Meridian
Studio to 4 Bedroom Apartments

The Meridian

400 Canal StSan Rafael, CA 94901
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West End Apartments
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

West End Apartments

1827 2nd StSan Rafael, CA 94901
  • Utilities Included
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310 1st St
1 Bedroom Apartments

310 1st St

310 1st StSan Rafael, CA 94901
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Park Hill
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

Park Hill

1747 Lincoln AveSan Rafael, CA 94901

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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Nova at Terra Linda
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Nova at Terra Linda

175 Nova Albion WaySan Rafael, CA 94903
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45 Tamal Vista
Rent Specials
$2,595 - $3,045
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$2,595 - $3,045

Total Monthly Price
$2,595 - $3,045
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments Contact Us For Availability

45 Tamal Vista

45 Tamal Vista BlvdCorte Madera, CA 94925
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Hamilton Woods
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Hamilton Woods

1009 Green Oak DrNovato, CA 94949

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.

San Rafael, CA Local Guide

Photo of Justin Habersaat - Editing Staff
Written By:
Justin Habersaat
Editing Staff

Cheapest Available San Rafael Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in San Rafael, CA is a Studio unit found at 215 Bayview Apartments in the West End San Rafael neighborhood priced from $1,975. Marinian Towers Apartments in the Santa Venetia neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $2,095. Here is today’s list of the most affordable San Rafael apartments for rent:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
215 Bayview ApartmentsStudioStudio,1BA$1,975
Marinian Towers Apartments1BR/1.0BA1BR,1BA$2,095
310 1st St1 Beds, 1 Baths1BR,1BA$2,385
One55 LoftsStudioStudio,1BA$2,404
Park Hill1X1ARStudio,1BA$2,425
1 H St1 bedroom1BR,1BA$2,500
Lone Palm Court ApartmentsOne bedroom1BR,1BA$2,500
Redwood Highways Apartments1BR/ 1BA1BR,1BA$2,550
The Oaktops Apartments2511BR,1BA$2,635

Best Value Apartments for Rent in San Rafael, CA

As of June 09, 2026 the best value apartment in the San Rafael area is the $3.42 price per square foot 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom with Den Model at 33 North Apartments in the in the Black Canyon neighborhood starting from $3,950. The second greatest value San Rafael apartment is the 2 bedroom 2 bath Model at Prospect Hill Apartments starting at $3,100 with a $2.82 price per square foot in the Black Canyon neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for San Rafael apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
33 North Apartments1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom with Den1BR,1BA$3.42
Prospect Hill Apartments2 bedroom 2 bath2BR,2BA$2.82
Skylark Apartments2x12BR,1BA$3.46
15 Bank St2 Beds, 1 Baths2BR,1BA$2.95
1222 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Unit 12221222 Sir Francis Drake Blvd2BR,2BA$3.20
Marinian Towers Apartments2BR/1.0BA2BR,1BA$2.77
Franciscan ManorApartment2BR,1BA$3.30
1 H St1 bedroom1BR,1BA$2.99
1135 Grand Ave2 Beds, 1 Baths2BR,1BA$3.31
310 1st St1 Beds, 1 Baths1BR,1BA$3.41

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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Local Guide To the Best Student Friendly Neighborhoods to Rent Near Colleges in San Francisco

A Local Experts guide to the Best Student Friendly Neighborhoods Near Colleges in the Bay area for affordable living. Find your perfect San Francisco Student apartment, condo, or rental home today at ApartmentHomeliving.com

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Real 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.

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San Rafael Overview

Known as 'the city with a mission', San Rafael is located in the northern bay area of California, just a hop and a skip from San Francisco and boasting a budding population of close to 60,000 residents. Flush with culture, nightlife and natural beauty to spare, this sunny locale is a winning destination for good reason.

Why live in San Rafael, CA?

With a great economic base thanks to local technology employers such as Comcast, Telltale Games and Stormfront Studios, San Rafael rentals are an excellent place to live and work. Offering plenty of that world-famous California weather, as well as a mouth-watering array of cuisine, this west coast hot spot is an ideal locale for a variety of lifestyles.

San Rafael, CA
Population: 58,704

Ranked #647

in US Census Population by City

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

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Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap San Rafael Apartments

What is the Cheapest Studio apartment in San Rafael?

Currently the most affordable Cheap Studio Apartment in San Rafael is at 215 Bayview Apartments listed at $1,975.

How much is rent for a Cheap One Bedroom San Rafael Apartment?

The lowest price for a Cheap One Bedroom San Rafael Apartment is $2,095 at Marinian Towers Apartments.

What is the lowest price for a Cheap Two Bedroom San Rafael Apartment for rent?

Today's best deal for a Cheap Two Bedroom Apartment in San Rafael is starting from $2,629 at Marinian Towers Apartments.

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.

Helpful Local Expert Guides

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A San Francisco Local Expert’s Guide to the Top Budget-Friendly Bay Area Neighborhoods to Rent

Written by: Shannon Hilson

If you’re anything like me, the thought of San Francisco is synonymous with concepts like creativity, character, and quirky local style.

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Local Guide To the Best Student Friendly Neighborhoods to Rent Near Colleges in San Francisco

Written by: Shannon Hilson

Naturally, going away to college or university is super exciting in and of itself. It’s the prelude to the rest of your life, not to mention an unforgettable experience all its own.

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Where to Live, Where to Work: Your Guide to Top Neighborhoods to Rent Near San Francisco's 5 Best Employers

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Deciding to move to San Francisco for work is a huge deal. San Fran is exciting and just weird enough to let you know you’re in for an amazing adventure, right from day one.

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Bay Living Like a Local: The Insiders Guide to Life and Renting in San Francisco, CA

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San Francisco is so much more than just postcard-perfect views of cable cars and the Golden Gate Bridge.

Articles, How-To's, and Tips

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How I Find the Perfect Rental for My Clients: A Real Estate Pro's Guide

Written by: Robin Stewart

Evaluating rental properties for clients draws many parallels to house-hunting. Whether an apartment, loft, townhouse, or other rental, finding the right place means finding “home” for your client.

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Pet-Friendly Renting: Everything You Need to Know Before You Move

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

For so many of us, pets are the best companions and a big part of our lives. For this reason, a pet-friendly house or apartment is often a very important - and nonnegotiable - part of a move.

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Creative Ways Developers Reimagine Retail Spaces as Residential Units

Written by: Robin Stewart

Adaptive reuse is when a commercial property is converted and repurposed. The real estate industry has embraced a growing number of these projects.

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Neighborhood and Market Insights: How to Choose the Right Area to Rent

Written by: Robin Stewart

Apartment-hunting can be a gargantuan task. Renters have a wish list of items—some luxuries, some necessities—but finding what you seek in the right place is perhaps the most important part of the journey.