Cheap Apartments for Rent in San Rafael, CA from $800 (55 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 - $3,195

1 To 2 Bedroom Rentals

Available Now

1821 Lincoln Ave

San RafaelCA94901

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

Unlock the personality of Renting and Living in the City by the Bay. Learn where to eat the best tacos, find hidden views, and embrace the charming contradictions of San Francisco life.

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property at 11 Valencia Ave

$3,100

1 Bedroom, 1 Bath Home for Rent

Available Now

11 Valencia Ave

San RafaelCA94901

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.

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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
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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

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

Maximize your work-life balance in San Francisco. Discover the ideal neighborhoods for renting, from SoMa to Nob Hill, for employees of the city's 5 leading companies.

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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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Park Hill
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

Park Hill

1747 Lincoln AveSan Rafael, CA 94901
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310 1st St
1 Bedroom Apartments

310 1st St

310 1st StSan Rafael, CA 94901
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Nova at Terra Linda
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Nova at Terra Linda

175 Nova Albion WaySan Rafael, CA 94903
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1135 Grand Ave
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

1135 Grand Ave

1135 Grand AveSan Rafael, CA 94901
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Deer Valley
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Deer Valley

2500 Deer Valley RdSan Rafael, CA 94903
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Alterra
2 Bedroom Apartments

Alterra

155 Nova Albion WaySan Rafael, CA 94903
  • Utilities Included

San Francisco's Best Affordable Neighborhoods

Learn about San Francisco and the best places to live with original content written by our San Francisco, CA Local Expert Shannon Hilson

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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 Available Now

45 Tamal Vista

45 Tamal Vista BlvdCorte Madera, CA 94925
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property at 198 Oriole Cir

$2,800

Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$2,800
Total Monthly Price
$2,800

2 Bedroom, 1 Bath Condo for Rent

Available Now

198 Oriole Cir, Unit 198

198 Oriole Cir
NovatoCA94949
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Hamilton Woods
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Hamilton Woods

1009 Green Oak DrNovato, CA 94949

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.

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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. 1531 Sir Francis Drake Blvd in the West San Rafael neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio 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
1531 Sir Francis Drake Blvd0 Beds, 1 BathsStudio,1BA$2,095
Marinian Towers Apartments1BR/1.0BA1BR,1BA$2,095
Park Hill1X1ARStudio,1BA$2,375
Rafael Town Center ApartmentsStudio AStudio,1BA$2,424
1 H St1 bedroom1BR,1BA$2,500
Lone Palm Court ApartmentsOne bedroom1BR,1BA$2,500
One55 LoftsOne Bedroom Loft1BR,1BA$2,512

Best Value Apartments for Rent in San Rafael, CA

As of July 24, 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 $3,000 with a $2.73 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$2.73
93 Medway Rd, Unit 93 Medway93 Medway Rd2BR,1BA$3.00
Marinian Towers Apartments2BR/1.0BA2BR,1BA$2.77
45 Tamal Vista45 Tamal Vista 2x12BR,1BA$3.42
Franciscan ManorApartment2BR,1BA$3.30
1 H St1 bedroom1BR,1BA$2.99
The Oaktops Apartments2511BR,1BA$3.66
1441 Lincoln Ave, Unit Unit C1441 Lincoln Ave1BR,1BA$3.62
44 Ida St, Unit 44 Ida St44 Ida St1BR,1BA$3.67

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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Best Local Schools in
San Rafael, CA

School data provided by Great Schools

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

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Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap San Rafael Apartments

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.

What is the most affordable San Rafael Three Bedroom Apartment?

The best deal on a cheap San Rafael Three Bedroom Apartment rental is at Marinian Towers Apartments and starts from $3,150.

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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Bay Living Like a Local: The Insider's 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.

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

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.

decorative image for Local Guide To the Best Student Friendly Neighborhoods to Rent Near Colleges in San Francisco article

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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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.

Articles, How-To's, and Tips

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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.

decorative image for Renters Insurance 101: What It Is, What It Covers, and Why You Need It article

Renters Insurance 101: What It Is, What It Covers, and Why You Need It

Written by: Robin Stewart

Insurance seems to be a part of life. In some states, having insurance is the law, as is the case for automobile insurance. Renters are no exception.

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Apartment Occupancy Rates: Renter Attraction vs Renter Retention

Written by: Robin Stewart

There’s a tenet in marketing about client or customer attraction and retention. Studies and data have consistently shown it costs less to keep a current customer than to attract a new one.

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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.