Cheap Apartments for Rent in San Rafael, CA from $1,500 (58 Rentals)

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

property at 1829 Lincoln Ave

$2,445 - $3,395

1 To 2 Bedroom Rentals

Available Now

1829 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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Park Hill
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

Park Hill

1747 Lincoln AveSan 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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Nova at Terra Linda
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Nova at Terra Linda

175 Nova Albion WaySan Rafael, CA 94903

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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Deer Valley
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Deer Valley

2500 Deer Valley RdSan Rafael, CA 94903
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Franciscan Manor
2 Bedroom Apartments

Franciscan Manor

201 D StSan Rafael, CA 94901
  • Utilities Included
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Alterra
2 Bedroom Apartments

Alterra

155 Nova Albion WaySan Rafael, CA 94903
  • Utilities Included
property at 81 Angela Ave

$1,825

Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$1,825
Total Monthly Price
$1,825

Studio, 1 Bath Home for Rent

Available Now

81 Angela Ave

San AnselmoCA94960

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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Parkside
$2,887 - $3,683
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$2,887 - $3,683
Total Monthly Price
Varies
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

Parkside

101 Sunnyhills DrSan Anselmo, CA 94960
Furnished
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  • Utilities Included
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Finch at Larkspur
$2,995 - $4,205
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$2,995 - $4,205
Total Monthly Price
$2,995 - $4,205
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

Finch at Larkspur

700 Lincoln Village CirLarkspur, CA 94939
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Hamilton Woods
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Hamilton Woods

1009 Green Oak DrNovato, CA 94949

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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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 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 $1,975. Here is today’s list of the most affordable San Rafael apartments for rent:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
1 H StStudioStudio,1BA$1,895
215 Bayview ApartmentsStudioStudio,1BA$1,975
Marinian Towers Apartments1BR/1.0BA1BR,1BA$2,095
Park Hill1X1ARStudio,1BA$2,225
One55 LoftsStudioStudio,1BA$2,269
Lone Palm Court ApartmentsTwo bedroom2BR,1BA$2,600
Skylark ApartmentsStudioStudio,1BA$2,606
Woodlark Residences1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom1BR,1BA$2,608
Highlands of MarinNapa (A1A)1BR,1BA$2,627

Best Value Apartments for Rent in San Rafael, CA

As of April 25, 2026 the best value apartment in the San Rafael area is the $3.47 price per square foot The Marin Model at Parkside in the in the West San Rafael neighborhood starting from $3,683. The second greatest value San Rafael apartment is the 1222 Sir Francis Drake Blvd Model at 1222 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Unit 1222 starting at $3,498 with a $3.50 price per square foot in the West San Rafael 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.
ParksideThe Marin2BR,1BA$3.47
1222 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Unit 12221222 Sir Francis Drake Blvd2BR,2BA$3.50
83 Clark St, Unit 83B83 Clark St2BR,1BA$3.05
Aqua Terra Apartments2x12BR,1BA$3.56
Marinian Towers Apartments2BR/1.0BA2BR,1BA$2.77
Lone Palm Court ApartmentsTwo bedroom2BR,1BA$2.74
Bella Vista (06/25)Two Bedroom One Bath2BR,1BA$3.47
Aqua VistaB1-R2BR,1BA$3.28
1 H St1 bedroom2BR,1BA$3.59
451 Via Casitas1 Br 1 Ba1BR,1BA$3.53

10 Hidden Costs of Renting You Should Budget for Before Signing a Lease

Avoid financial stress when renting. Learn about the 10 most common hidden costs—from pet fees to utilities—you must budget for before you sign a lease.

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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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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.

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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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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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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!

Explore San Rafael, CA Rentals by Map

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See the most popular apartments and homes in San Rafael, CA

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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 1 H St listed at $1,895.

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 $2,600 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 $3,150.

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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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.

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.

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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

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Expert Solutions for Creating the Perfect Work-From-Home Apartment Layouts

Written by: Lauren Harrington

This article is based on first-hand experience managing apartment communities and helping renters adapt to their spaces after moving in.

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What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much

Written by: Lauren Harrington

This article draws from first-hand renter experiences and recurring financial challenges reported after moving in.

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Maximizing Your Refund: Essential Tax Tips for Renters

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Other than tax professionals, I can’t think of anyone who looks forward to tax season. For everybody else, April is a stressful month to collect information and meet deadlines.

decorative image for 18 Must-Ask Rental Tour Questions That Reveal the Truth about a Property article

18 Must-Ask Rental Tour Questions That Reveal the Truth about a Property

Written by: Lauren Harrington

Renting your next home can feel thrilling and overwhelming at the same time.