Cheap Apartments for Rent in San Rafael, CA from $1,200 (19 Rentals)

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

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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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 2 Bedroom Apartments

Northgate Apartments

825 Las Gallinas AveSan Rafael, CA 94903
  • Utilities Included

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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Park Hill
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

Park Hill

1747 Lincoln AveSan Rafael, CA 94901
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West End Apartments
1 Bedroom Apartments

West End Apartments

1827 2nd StSan Rafael, CA 94901
  • Utilities Included

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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Hamilton Woods
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Hamilton Woods

1009 Green Oak DrNovato, CA 94949

San Rafael, CA Local Guide

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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 $1,950. 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 ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
215 Bayview ApartmentsStudioStudio,1BA$1,950
Marin Royal ApartmentsJunior Bottom Floor1BR,1BA$1,999
Sommerhill Townhouses1 bd1BR,1BA$2,200
Highlands of MarinNapa (A1A)1BR,1BA$2,410
Terra Linda Manor1 Bedroom1BR,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 ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
33 North Apartments2 Bedroom 2 Bathroom with Den2BR,2BA$2.02
Via Holon Apartments2 Beds, 2 baths2BR,2BA$2.52
Bell Mt. TamB2K2BR,2BA$3.68
Lone Palm Court ApartmentsTwo bedroom2BR,1BA$2.74
Bella Vista (06/25)Two Bedroom One Bath2BR,1BA$3.21
Marinian Towers Apartments2BR/2.0BA2BR,2BA$2.92
Skylark Apartments1x11BR,1BA$3.39
One55 LoftsTwo Bedroom2BR,2BA$3.66
The Oaktops Apartments2511BR,1BA$3.52
Sommerhill Townhouses1 bd1BR,1BA$3.26

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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.

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

Explore San Rafael, CA Rentals by Map

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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

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.

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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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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.

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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.

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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.