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Cheap Apartments for Rent in San Rafael, CA from $1,200 (19 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in San Rafael.
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from $1,950Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now
215 Bayview Apartments
215 Bayview StSan Rafael, CA 94901
27 Stevens Pl
San RafaelCA94901
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from $2,200Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments Contact Us For Availability
The Meridian
400 Canal StSan Rafael, CA 94901
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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Rent Specials
from $2,2001 to 3 Bedroom Apartments Available Now
Sommerhill Townhouses
30 Novato StSan Rafael, CA 94901
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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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from $1,9991 Bedroom Apartments Available Now
Marin Royal Apartments
777 Meadowsweet DrCorte Madera, CA 94925
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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83 Pixley Ave
Corte MaderaCA94925
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Showing Results 1-19, Page 1 of 1
San Rafael, CA Local Guide
Aerial view of the Canal Area in San Rafael, California, USA by Robert Campbell, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is licensed under Internal
How much does it cost to rent an apartment in San Rafael?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cheap San Rafael Studio Apartments | $2,295 | $1,625 | $3,146 |
| Cheap San Rafael 1 Bedroom Apartments | $2,854 | $1,999 | $5,932 |
| Cheap San Rafael 2 Bedroom Apartments | $4,082 | $1,250 | $6,731 |
| Cheap San Rafael 3 Bedroom Apartments | $5,474 | $3,386 | $7,995 |
| Cheap San Rafael 4 Bedroom Apartments | $7,940 | $6,250 | $10,000+ |
Browse Top Apartments in San Rafael
See all Apartments in San RafaelExplore San Rafael
San Rafael, CA Local Guide
Written By:
Justin HabersaatEditing Staff
- 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 $1,950. Marin Royal Apartments in the South Larkspur neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $1,999. 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 | $1,950 |
| Marin Royal Apartments | Junior Bottom Floor | 1BR,1BA | $1,999 |
| Sommerhill Townhouses | 1 bd | 1BR,1BA | $2,200 |
| Highlands of Marin | Napa (A1A) | 1BR,1BA | $2,410 |
| Terra Linda Manor | 1 Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $2,460 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in San Rafael, CA
As of July 02, 2025 the best value apartment in the San Rafael area is the $2.02 price per square foot 2 Bedroom 2 Bathroom with Den Model at 33 North Apartments in the in the Black Canyon neighborhood starting from $4,095. The second greatest value San Rafael apartment is the 2 Beds, 2 baths Model at Via Holon Apartments starting at $3,025 with a $2.52 price per square foot in the College Park 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 | 2 Bedroom 2 Bathroom with Den | 2BR,2BA | $2.02 |
| Via Holon Apartments | 2 Beds, 2 baths | 2BR,2BA | $2.52 |
| Bell Mt. Tam | B2K | 2BR,2BA | $3.68 |
| Lone Palm Court Apartments | Two bedroom | 2BR,1BA | $2.74 |
| Bella Vista (06/25) | Two Bedroom One Bath | 2BR,1BA | $3.21 |
| Marinian Towers Apartments | 2BR/2.0BA | 2BR,2BA | $2.92 |
| Skylark Apartments | 1x1 | 1BR,1BA | $3.39 |
| One55 Lofts | Two Bedroom | 2BR,2BA | $3.66 |
| The Oaktops Apartments | 251 | 1BR,1BA | $3.52 |
| Sommerhill Townhouses | 1 bd | 1BR,1BA | $3.26 |
Quick Rent Budget Calculator
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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.
Best Local Schools in San Rafael, CA
James B. Davidson Middle
San Rafael City Elementary School District
Public School - Grades 6-8 (1063)
6 out of 10
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
San Rafael, CA Apartments MapSan Rafael, CA Rental Homes MapGetting Around San Rafael, CA
Walk Score®
76 / 100
Very Walkable
Most errands can be accomplished on foot
Bike Score®
60 / 100
Bikeable
Some bike infrastructure
Transit Score®
45 / 100
Some Transit
A few nearby public transportation options
What Are Walk Score®, Transit Score®, and Bike Score® Ratings?
- Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address.
- Transit Score® measures access to public transit.
- Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
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 $1,950.
How much is rent for a Cheap One Bedroom San Rafael Apartment?
The lowest price for a Cheap One Bedroom San Rafael Apartment is $1,999 at Marin Royal 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 $2,600 at Lone Palm Court 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 $3,149.
Expert Rental Resources
Helpful Apartment Articles, How-To's and Tips
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.
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.
Roommate Matching: Finding the Right Fit and Avoiding Pitfalls
Written by: Cheryl Bowman
A fantastic way to save money and enjoy a built-in community is to share an apartment. However, a bad roommate situation can turn your dream rental into a nightmare.
The Art of the Rental Viewing: What to look for during a property tour
Written by: Marie Brown
You’ve scrolled through countless listings, walked through a blur of rentals, and finally found what feels like the one. The pictures? Fantastic. The neighborhood seems just right.
Know Your Budget: Calculating What You Can Realistically Afford When Renting
Written by: Lauren Harrington
Renting an apartment or house isn’t just about looking through online ads, choosing a few apartments or homes you want to tour, filling out an application, and putting down a deposit. Those things are all necessary and important.