close
View Me
Rent Specials
$1,762 - $3,992Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now
One55 Lofts
155 Andersen DrSan Rafael, CA 94901
Cheap Apartments for Rent in San Rafael, CA from $1,200 (20 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in San Rafael.
close
View Me
close
View Me
$1,950 - $2,750Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now
215 Bayview Apartments
215 Bayview StSan Rafael, CA 94901
close
View Me
$1,999Studio Apartment Available Now
1715 Lincoln Ave, Unit Sudio
1715 Lincoln AveSan Rafael, CA 94901
close
View Me
Rent Specials
$2,145 - $2,345Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments Available Now
Park Hill
1747 Lincoln AveSan Rafael, CA 94901
close
View Me
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.
close
View Me
$2,1951 Bedroom Apartment Available Now
8 Los Robles Dr, Unit #8 Los Robles Drive
8 Los Robles DrSan Rafael, CA 94901
1607 Fifth Ave
San RafaelCA94901
close
View Me
close
View Me
close
View Me
close
View Me
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.
close
View Me
close
View Me
close
View Me
close
View Me
close
View Me
$2,0991 Bedroom Apartments Available Now
1115 Sir Francis Drake Blvd
1115 Sir Francis Drake BlvdKentfield, CA 94904
close
View Me
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.
close
View Me
close
View Me
Showing Results 1-20, 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 | $2,301 | $1,895 | $3,299 |
| Cheap San Rafael 1 Bedroom Apartments | $2,927 | $2,099 | $8,327 |
| Cheap San Rafael 2 Bedroom Apartments | $3,568 | $2,600 | $5,540 |
| Cheap San Rafael 3 Bedroom Apartments | $4,634 | $3,689 | $7,400 |
| Cheap San Rafael 4 Bedroom Apartments | $11,375 | $10,000 | $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 1 H St in the West End San Rafael neighborhood priced from $1,895. 215 Bayview Apartments in the West End San Rafael neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $1,950. Here is today’s list of the most affordable San Rafael apartments for rent:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 H St | Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,895 |
| 215 Bayview Apartments | Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,950 |
| Marinian Towers Apartments | 1BR/1.0BA | 1BR,1BA | $2,099 |
| One55 Lofts | One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $2,124 |
| Park Hill | 1X1AR | Studio,1BA | $2,145 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in San Rafael, CA
As of December 02, 2025 the best value apartment in the San Rafael area is the $3.12 price per square foot 3x2 Model at Skylark Apartments in the in the College Park neighborhood starting from $4,215. The second greatest value San Rafael apartment is the 3 Bed 2 Bath Townhome Model at Deer Valley starting at $4,337 with a $3.28 price per square foot in the Santa Venetia 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. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skylark Apartments | 3x2 | 3BR,2BA | $3.12 |
| Deer Valley | 3 Bed 2 Bath Townhome | 3BR,2BA | $3.28 |
| 33 North Apartments | 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom with Den | 1BR,1BA | $2.94 |
| Prospect Hill Apartments | 2 bedroom 2 bath | 2BR,2BA | $2.64 |
| Nova at Terra Linda | 2x1_Large | 2BR,1BA | $3.15 |
| Lone Palm Court Apartments | Two bedroom | 2BR,1BA | $2.74 |
| Terra Linda Manor | 2 bedroom | 2BR,1BA | $3.31 |
| Franciscan Manor | Apartment | 2BR,1BA | $3.30 |
| 1 H St | 1 bedroom | 2BR,1BA | $3.59 |
| Marinian Towers Apartments | 1BR/1.0BA | 1BR,1BA | $3.39 |
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 Article
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.
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 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.
Let everyone know!
Do you know the San Rafael area?
If you’re an expert on all things San Rafael, tell us what you love (and don't) by rating it and writing a review.
Write a Review
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
Sun Valley Elementary
San Rafael City Elementary School District
Public School - Grades K-5 (473)
8 out of 10
James B. Davidson Middle
San Rafael City Elementary School District
Public School - Grades 6-8 (1063)
7 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
Getting 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 One55 Lofts listed at $1,762.
How much is rent for a Cheap One Bedroom San Rafael Apartment?
The lowest price for a Cheap One Bedroom San Rafael Apartment is $2,099 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 $2,599 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 $3,149.
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.
Apartment Common Area Rules: What Renters Need to Know
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Back in the day when I rented one of my first apartments, the property didn’t even have laundry in the building. Now, rental properties are often competing against each other to provide the best amenities.
How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Everything is a negotiation in real estate!
The Rental Move-In Inspection Checklist: A Guide for Renters
Written by: Trey Huguley
The move-in inspection checklist is a crucial tool for both tenants and landlords. This checklist, provided by the team at ApartmentHomeLiving.com, helps document the condition of an apartment at the time of move-in.