Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Canal Neighborhood of San Rafael, CA from $1,800 (40 Rentals)

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

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150 Belvedere St
1 Bedroom Apartments

150 Belvedere St

150 Belvedere StSan Rafael, CA 94901
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137 Canal St
2 Bedroom Apartments

137 Canal St

137 Canal StSan Rafael, CA 94901
  • Utilities Included
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16 Elaine Way
2 Bedroom Apartments

16 Elaine Way

16 Elaine WaySan 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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Marina Apartments
1 Bedroom Apartments

Marina Apartments

55 Bahia WaySan Rafael, CA 94901
  • Utilities Included
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219 Canal St
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

219 Canal St

219 Canal StSan Rafael, CA 94901
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3757 Kerner
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

3757 Kerner

3757 KernerSan Rafael, CA 94901
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129 Canal St
2 Bedroom Apartments

129 Canal St

129 Canal StSan Rafael, CA 94901
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The Riviera Apartments
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

The Riviera Apartments

455 Canal StSan Rafael, CA 94901
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Portofino Riviera
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Portofino Riviera

220 Canal StSan Rafael, CA 94901
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12 Woodland
Studio Apartments

12 Woodland

12 Woodland AveSan Rafael, CA 94901
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163 Novato St
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

163 Novato St

163 Novato StSan Rafael, CA 94901

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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Camelot Apartments
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Camelot Apartments

61 Novato StSan Rafael, CA 94901
  • Utilities Included
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16 Charlotte Dr
2 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

16 Charlotte Dr

16 Charlotte DrSan Rafael, CA 94901
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460 Canal St
Studio Apartments

460 Canal St

460 Canal StSan Rafael, CA 94901
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15 Marian Ct
2 Bedroom Apartments

15 Marian Ct

15 Marian CtSan Rafael, CA 94901
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Riviera Apartments
1 Bedroom Apartments

Riviera Apartments

4 Point San Pedro RdSan Rafael, CA 94901

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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440 Canal St
3 Bedroom Apartments

440 Canal St

440 Canal StSan Rafael, CA 94901
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540 Canal St
1 Bedroom Apartments

540 Canal St

540 Canal StSan Rafael, CA 94901
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21 Marian Ct
2 Bedroom Apartments

21 Marian Ct

21 Marian CtSan Rafael, CA 94901
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5 Elaine Way
2 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

5 Elaine Way

5 Elaine WaySan Rafael, CA 94901
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171 Novato St
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

171 Novato St

171 Novato StSan Rafael, CA 94901

Navigating the Rental Market: Tips for First-Time Renters

Entering the rental market? Learn these simple tips and strategies to avoid common pitfalls and make confident choices. Rent with peace of mind.

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565 Canal St
1 Bedroom Apartments

565 Canal St

565 Canal StSan Rafael, CA 94901
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3665 Kerner Blvd
1 Bedroom Apartments

3665 Kerner Blvd

3665 Kerner BlvdSan Rafael, CA 94901
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534 Canal St
3 Bedroom Apartments

534 Canal St

534 Canal StSan Rafael, CA 94901
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4 Elaine Way
2 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

4 Elaine Way

4 Elaine WaySan Rafael, CA 94901
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90 Louise
1 Bedroom Apartments

90 Louise

90 Louise StSan Rafael, CA 94901
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Belvedere Place
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Belvedere Place

162 Belvedere StSan Rafael, CA 94901

San Francisco's Best Affordable Neighborhoods

Learn about San Francisco and the best places to live with original content written by our San Francisco, CA Local Expert Shannon Hilson

Canal, San Rafael, CA Local Guide

Cheapest Available Canal Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in the Canal area of San Francisco, CA is a 1 Bed unit found at Sommerhill Townhouses priced from $2,200. Serenity at Larkspur has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 2 Beds apartment currently listed from $3,350. Here are the most affordable Canal apartments for rent in San Francisco, CA:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Sommerhill Townhouses1 bd1BR,1BA$2,200
Serenity at LarkspurClipper2BR,1BA$3,350
Larkspur CourtsSapphire1BR,1BA$3,475

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Canal, CA

As of June 19, 2025 the best value apartment in the Canal area is the $3.91 price per square foot Mariner Model at Serenity at Larkspur in the in the Canal neighborhood starting from $3,695. The second greatest value Canal apartment is the Emerald Model at Larkspur Courts starting at $3,640 with a $4.55 price per square foot in the Canal neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Canal apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
Serenity at LarkspurMariner2BR,2BA$3.91
Larkspur CourtsEmerald1BR,1BA$4.55
Sommerhill Townhouses1 bd1BR,1BA$3.26
Furnished Studio-San Rafael - Francisco BlFurnished Studio-San Rafael - Francisco Bl...Studio ,1BA$10.33

Quick Rent Budget Calculator

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Pet Friendly Lifestyle
Canal, San Rafael, CA

Ranked #1

Among neighborhoods in San Rafael, CA for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities

Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score

3.5
Pet Friendly

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Getting Around the Canal Neighborhood in San Rafael, CA

Walk Score®

67 / 100

Somewhat Walkable

Some errands can be accomplished on foot

Bike Score®

65 / 100

Bikeable

Some bike infrastructure

Transit Score®

41 / 100

Some Transit

A few nearby public transportation options

Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Canal Apartments

What is the price of a cheap apartment in Canal?

The cheapest apartment in Canal is Sommerhill Townhouses which is listed at $2,200, while the average apartment in Canal costs $5,350.

What types of apartments are the cheapest in Canal?

Student, low-income, and by-the-bed apartments are typically the cheapest rentals in most cities, though they require qualifying criteria to rent. There are 16 regular apartments in Canal that we think qualify as ‘cheap apartments’ that do not have special requirements to apply to rent.

How do the prices of cheap apartments compare to the average apartment in Canal?

Cheap apartments in Canal have an average cost of $672 which is $4,678 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in Canal.

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.