
Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Canal Neighborhood of San Rafael, CA from $1,800 (49 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the Canal area of San Rafael.


Riviera Apartments

16 Elaine Way

The Bayside Apartments

575 Canal St

163 Novato St

3757 Kerner

Canal Area Housing Improvement Program

460 Canal St
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.

12 Woodland

16 Charlotte Dr

15 Marian Ct

21 Marian Ct

440 Canal St

540 Canal St

5 Elaine Way

3665 Kerner Blvd

32 Front St
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.

4 Elaine Way

90 Louise

Marina Village Apartments

565 Canal St

Antoinette Apartments

3777 Kerner Blvd

171 Novato St

534 Canal St

530 Canal St
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.

Sommerhill Townhouses

137 Canal St

150 Belvedere St

Marina Apartments

219 Canal St

Portofino Riviera

129 Canal St

The Riviera Apartments

Baypoint Apartments
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.

Sonoma Bell Apartments

55 Canal St

Camelot Apartments

Water Front Apartments

Bridge View Apartments

Island View Apartments

Marian Court Apartments

Bulletin Board Ashley Apartments

Franciscan Court Apartments
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.

95 Medway Rd

Belvedere Place

Total Monthly Price
Serenity at Larkspur

Total Monthly Price
Larkspur Courts
Canal, San Rafael, CA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Canal?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canal Studio Apartments | $2,824 | $2,350 | $3,299 |
| Canal 1 Bedroom Apartments | $3,055 | $2,250 | $3,355 |
| Canal 2 Bedroom Apartments | $3,740 | $2,880 | $4,705 |
| Canal 3 Bedroom Apartments | $4,126 | $3,603 | $5,510 |
Browse Apartments in this Neighborhood
There are currently 49 rentals with your search options within a 2 mile radius of the Canal Neighborhood of San Rafael, CA.
See all Apartments in San RafaelExplore San Rafael
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 Serenity at Larkspur priced from $3,001. Larkspur Courts has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $3,120. Here are the most affordable Canal apartments for rent in San Francisco, CA:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serenity at Larkspur | Voyager | 1BR,1BA | $3,001 |
| Larkspur Courts | Sapphire | 1BR,1BA | $3,120 |
| The Meridian | 3x2 | 3BR,2BA | $3,603 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Canal, CA
As of March 06, 2026 the best value apartment in the Canal area is the $3.43 price per square foot 3x2 Model at The Meridian in the in the Canal neighborhood starting from $3,603. The second greatest value Canal apartment is the Emerald Model at Larkspur Courts starting at $3,335 with a $4.17 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 Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Meridian | 3x2 | 3BR,2BA | $3.43 |
| Larkspur Courts | Emerald | 1BR,1BA | $4.17 |
| Serenity at Larkspur | Sandpiper | 1BR,1BA | $4.24 |
Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Canal Apartments
What is the price of a cheap apartment in Canal?
The cheapest apartment in Canal is Serenity at Larkspur which is listed at $3,001, while the average apartment in Canal costs $3,972.
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 21 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 $1,913 which is $2,059 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in Canal.
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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

A Renters Guide for Tips on Writing Your Notice for Not Renewing Your Apartment
Written by: Bob Mallory
Packing up everything you own to move is so stressful for many that ending your apartment lease can feel like a small or unimportant task. Ending your lease involves more than simply turning over your keys on the last day.

Renting with Roommates: Realistic Expectations for Shared Lease
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Given the high costs for housing, I have found that many people are looking for a roommate to share expenses. These arrangements can increase opportunities for more desirable and larger spaces.