Cheap Homes for Rent in Canal Waterfront Neighborhood of San Rafael, CA from $3,200 (4 Rentals)

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Search the lowest-cost Homes available for rent right now in the Canal Waterfront area of San Rafael.

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.

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.

Canal Waterfront, San Rafael, CA Local Guide

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Canal Waterfront, CA

As of June 22, 2026 the best value apartment in the Canal Waterfront area is the $3.42 price per square foot 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom with Den Model at 33 North Apartments in the in the Black Canyon neighborhood starting from $3,950. The second greatest value Canal Waterfront apartment is the 2 bedroom 2 bath Model at Prospect Hill Apartments starting at $3,100 with a $2.82 price per square foot in the Black Canyon neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Canal Waterfront apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
33 North Apartments1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom with Den1BR,1BA$3.42
Prospect Hill Apartments2 bedroom 2 bath2BR,2BA$2.82
Skylark Apartments2x12BR,1BA$3.51
440 Canal St, Unit 2440 Canal St1BR,2BA$2.38
Franciscan ManorApartment2BR,1BA$3.30
1 H St1 bedroom1BR,1BA$2.99
1135 Grand Ave2 Beds, 1 Baths2BR,1BA$3.31
West End VillasPlan 82BR,1BA$4.13
310 1st St1 Beds, 1 Baths1BR,1BA$3.41
Lone Palm Court ApartmentsOne bedroom1BR,1BA$3.97

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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Real Estate and Rental Term Glossary | ApartmentHomeLiving.com Renter University

From the letter A all the way to the letter Z, the Real Estate and Rental Term Glossary from the content team at ApartmentHomeLiving.com provides our visitors and shoppers with a little clarity and helpful guidance in navigating the real estate world through definitions and explainers for the top subjects and terms that someone may come across during the leasing, buying, or selling process.

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Quick 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.

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Pet Friendly Lifestyle
Canal Waterfront, San Rafael, CA

Ranked #4

Among cities in California for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities.

Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score

4.0
Pet Friendly

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Frequently Asked Questions about Canal Waterfront

What type of rentals are currently available in Canal Waterfront?

There are currently 475 Apartments for Rent in Canal Waterfront, CA with pricing that ranges from $1,975 to $9,501. There are also 14 Single Family Homes for rent, Condos, and Townhome rentals currently available in Canal Waterfront ranging from $3,295 to $19,995.

What is the current price range for Rental Homes in Canal Waterfront?

Today's rental pricing for Homes for Rent, Condos and Townhomes in Canal Waterfront ranges from $3,295 to $19,995 with an average monthly rent of $7,332.

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.

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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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Apartment Occupancy Rates: Renter Attraction vs Renter Retention

Written by: Robin Stewart

There’s a tenet in marketing about client or customer attraction and retention. Studies and data have consistently shown it costs less to keep a current customer than to attract a new one.

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How I Find the Perfect Rental for My Clients: A Real Estate Pro's Guide

Written by: Robin Stewart

Evaluating rental properties for clients draws many parallels to house-hunting. Whether an apartment, loft, townhouse, or other rental, finding the right place means finding “home” for your client.

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Pet-Friendly Renting: Everything You Need to Know Before You Move

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

For so many of us, pets are the best companions and a big part of our lives. For this reason, a pet-friendly house or apartment is often a very important - and nonnegotiable - part of a move.

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Creative Ways Developers Reimagine Retail Spaces as Residential Units

Written by: Robin Stewart

Adaptive reuse is when a commercial property is converted and repurposed. The real estate industry has embraced a growing number of these projects.