
Cheap Apartments for Rent in San Rafael, CA from $1,500 (34 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in San Rafael.


Marinian Towers Apartments

Total Monthly Price
680 Rosal Way, Unit A'

1821 Lincoln Ave

One55 Lofts

212 Marin St

Lone Palm Court Apartments

1 H St
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.

Redwood Highways Apartments

The Oaktops Apartments

Highlands of Marin

823 Las Gallinas Ave

San Rafael Rotary Manor

Clock Tower Apartments

Marina Apartments

1476 Lincoln
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.

Northgate Apartments

21 Merrydale Apartments

The Meridian

The Northview Apartments

Sommerhill Townhouses

West End Apartments

310 1st St

Park Hill
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.

Marin Gardens Apartment Homes

Nova at Terra Linda

Rafael Town Center Apartments

Total Monthly Price
45 Tamal Vista

Blue Rock and Larkwood Apartments

Marin Royal Apartments

Hamilton Woods

1531 Sir Francis Drake Blvd
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.

1531 Sir Francis Drake Blvd

195 Melville Ave
San Rafael, CA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in San Rafael?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cheap San Rafael Studio Apartments | $2,643 | $1,975 | $3,599 |
| Cheap San Rafael 1 Bedroom Apartments | $2,942 | $2,095 | $5,476 |
| Cheap San Rafael 2 Bedroom Apartments | $4,037 | $2,629 | $7,930 |
| Cheap San Rafael 3 Bedroom Apartments | $6,749 | $3,150 | $9,326 |
| Cheap San Rafael 4 Bedroom Apartments | $4,700 | $4,700 | $4,700 |
Browse Top Apartments in San Rafael
See all Apartments in San RafaelExplore San Rafael
San Rafael, CA Local Guide

- San Rafael Neighborhoods
- Nearby Cities
- ZIP codes
- Local Counties
- School Districts
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 Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| 215 Bayview Apartments | Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,975 |
| Marinian Towers Apartments | 1BR/1.0BA | 1BR,1BA | $2,095 |
| 310 1st St | 1 Beds, 1 Baths | 1BR,1BA | $2,385 |
| One55 Lofts | Studio | Studio,1BA | $2,404 |
| Park Hill | 1X1AR | Studio,1BA | $2,425 |
| 1 H St | 1 bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $2,500 |
| Lone Palm Court Apartments | One bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $2,500 |
| Redwood Highways Apartments | 1BR/ 1BA | 1BR,1BA | $2,550 |
| The Oaktops Apartments | 251 | 1BR,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 Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 33 North Apartments | 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom with Den | 1BR,1BA | $3.42 |
| Prospect Hill Apartments | 2 bedroom 2 bath | 2BR,2BA | $2.82 |
| Skylark Apartments | 2x1 | 2BR,1BA | $3.46 |
| 15 Bank St | 2 Beds, 1 Baths | 2BR,1BA | $2.95 |
| 1222 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Unit 1222 | 1222 Sir Francis Drake Blvd | 2BR,2BA | $3.20 |
| Marinian Towers Apartments | 2BR/1.0BA | 2BR,1BA | $2.77 |
| Franciscan Manor | Apartment | 2BR,1BA | $3.30 |
| 1 H St | 1 bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $2.99 |
| 1135 Grand Ave | 2 Beds, 1 Baths | 2BR,1BA | $3.31 |
| 310 1st St | 1 Beds, 1 Baths | 1BR,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.
Read ArticleLocal 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
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 ArticleQuick 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.
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, CAPopulation: 58,704
Ranked #647
in US Census Population by City
Best Local Schools in San Rafael, CA
Sun Valley Elementary
School data provided by Great Schools
Remember the 3 Rules of Real Estate:Location, Location, Location!
Explore San Rafael, CA Rentals by Map
See the most popular apartments and homes in San Rafael, CA
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

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.

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.

Where to Live, Where to Work: Your Guide to Top Neighborhoods to Rent Near San Francisco's 5 Best Employers
Written by: Shannon Hilson
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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.