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Cheap Apartments for Rent in San Rafael, CA from $1,200 (21 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in San Rafael.
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$1,950 - $2,750Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now
215 Bayview Apartments
215 Bayview StSan Rafael, CA 94901
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$2,149 - $4,229Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now
One55 Lofts
155 Andersen DrSan Rafael, CA 94901
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$2,200 - $3,895Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments Available Aug 2
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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$2,2001 to 2 Bedroom Apartments Contact Us For Availability
Nova at Terra Linda
175 Nova Albion WaySan Rafael, CA 94903
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$2,200 - $3,3861 to 3 Bedroom Apartments Available Now
Sommerhill Townhouses
30 Novato StSan Rafael, CA 94901
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$2,220 - $2,395Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments Available Jul 31
Park Hill
1747 Lincoln AveSan Rafael, CA 94901
1821 Lincoln Ave
San RafaelCA94901
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$2,299 - $2,850Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments Available Now
Terra Linda Manor
101 Nova Albion WaySan Rafael, CA 94903
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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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$1,999 - $2,0991 Bedroom Apartments Available Now
Marin Royal Apartments
777 Meadowsweet DrCorte Madera, CA 94925
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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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Showing Results 1-21, 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 | $1,950 | $2,476 |
| Cheap San Rafael 1 Bedroom Apartments | $2,857 | $1,999 | $5,911 |
| Cheap San Rafael 2 Bedroom Apartments | $3,942 | $1,250 | $6,122 |
| Cheap San Rafael 3 Bedroom Apartments | $5,321 | $3,386 | $10,000+ |
| Cheap San Rafael 4 Bedroom Apartments | $8,033 | $5,900 | $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 Rafael Town Center Apartments in the Black Canyon neighborhood priced from $1,945. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rafael Town Center Apartments | Studio A | Studio,1BA | $1,945 |
| 215 Bayview Apartments | Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,950 |
| Marin Royal Apartments | Junior Bottom Floor | 1BR,1BA | $1,999 |
| One55 Lofts | One Bedroom Loft | 1BR,1BA | $2,149 |
| Sommerhill Townhouses | 1 bd | 1BR,1BA | $2,200 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in San Rafael, CA
As of July 31, 2025 the best value apartment in the San Rafael area is the $0.57 price per square foot 806 E St Model at 806 E St, Unit A in the in the West End San Rafael neighborhood starting from $1,250. The second greatest value San Rafael apartment is the 2 Bedroom 2 Bathroom with Den Model at 33 North Apartments starting at $4,295 with a $2.11 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. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 806 E St, Unit A | 806 E St | 2BR,2BA | $0.57 |
| 33 North Apartments | 2 Bedroom 2 Bathroom with Den | 2BR,2BA | $2.11 |
| Skylark Apartments | 3x2 | 3BR,2BA | $3.44 |
| Prospect Hill Apartments | 2 bedroom 2 bath | 2BR,2BA | $2.64 |
| 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 |
| Terra Linda Manor | 1 Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $3.36 |
| Sommerhill Townhouses | 1 bd | 1BR,1BA | $3.26 |
| Highlands of Marin | Napa (A1A) | 1BR,1BA | $3.73 |
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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
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
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.
Cash or credit? Understanding the Importance of Credit Score in Real Estate and Renting
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Throughout the day, think about all the times that you have to pay for something. So many of us reach automatically for a credit card or even our phone for a quick payment.
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.