Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Canal Neighborhood of San Rafael, CA from $1,800 (49 Rentals)

How Many Bedrooms?Done
Select your price rangeDone
Lifestyle Matching SearchDone
By AmenitiesDone
By Community TypeDone
Features and AvailabilityDone
Done

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

close
View Me
The Meridian
Studio to 4 Bedroom Apartments

The Meridian

400 Canal StSan Rafael, CA 94901
close
View Me
150 Belvedere St
1 Bedroom Apartments

150 Belvedere St

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

137 Canal St

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

16 Elaine Way

16 Elaine WaySan Rafael, CA 94901
close
View Me
Marina Apartments
1 Bedroom Apartments

Marina Apartments

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

219 Canal St

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

3757 Kerner

3757 KernerSan Rafael, CA 94901

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.

close
View Me
Portofino Riviera
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Portofino Riviera

220 Canal StSan Rafael, CA 94901
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
575 Canal St
Studio Apartments

575 Canal St

575 Canal StSan Rafael, CA 94901
close
View Me
129 Canal St
2 Bedroom Apartments

129 Canal St

129 Canal StSan Rafael, CA 94901
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
The Riviera Apartments
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

The Riviera Apartments

455 Canal StSan Rafael, CA 94901
  • Utilities Included

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.

close
View Me
55 Canal St
Studio Apartments

55 Canal St

55 Canal StSan Rafael, CA 94901
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
163 Novato St
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

163 Novato St

163 Novato StSan Rafael, CA 94901
close
View Me
Camelot Apartments
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Camelot Apartments

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

16 Charlotte Dr

16 Charlotte DrSan Rafael, CA 94901
close
View Me
12 Woodland
Studio Apartments

12 Woodland

12 Woodland AveSan Rafael, CA 94901
close
View Me
460 Canal St
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

460 Canal St

460 Canal StSan Rafael, CA 94901
  • Smoke Free
close
View Me
Riviera Apartments
1 Bedroom Apartments

Riviera Apartments

4 Point San Pedro RdSan Rafael, CA 94901
close
View Me
440 Canal St
3 Bedroom Apartments

440 Canal St

440 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.

close
View Me
540 Canal St
1 Bedroom Apartments

540 Canal St

540 Canal StSan Rafael, CA 94901
close
View Me
15 Marian Ct
2 Bedroom Apartments

15 Marian Ct

15 Marian CtSan Rafael, CA 94901
close
View Me
5 Elaine Way
2 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

5 Elaine Way

5 Elaine WaySan Rafael, CA 94901
close
View Me
21 Marian Ct
2 Bedroom Apartments

21 Marian Ct

21 Marian CtSan Rafael, CA 94901

The Ultimate Long-Distance Moving Checklist: Tips from a Real Estate Pro

Moving is tough, especially long-distance. Learn how to minimize stress & expenses with proven strategies from a real estate pro, covering everything from logistics to finances.

close
View Me
565 Canal St
1 Bedroom Apartments

565 Canal St

565 Canal StSan Rafael, CA 94901
close
View Me
3777 Kerner Blvd
Studio Apartments

3777 Kerner Blvd

3777 Kerner BlvdSan Rafael, CA 94901
close
View Me
171 Novato St
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

171 Novato St

171 Novato StSan Rafael, CA 94901
close
View Me
95 Medway Rd
Studio Apartments

95 Medway Rd

95 Medway RdSan Rafael, CA 94901
close
View Me
32 Front St
Studio Apartments

32 Front St

32 Front StSan Rafael, CA 94901
close
View Me
3665 Kerner Blvd
1 Bedroom Apartments

3665 Kerner Blvd

3665 Kerner BlvdSan Rafael, CA 94901
close
View Me
4 Elaine Way
2 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

4 Elaine Way

4 Elaine WaySan Rafael, CA 94901
close
View Me
90 Louise
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

90 Louise

90 Louise StSan Rafael, CA 94901
close
View Me
534 Canal St
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

534 Canal St

534 Canal StSan Rafael, CA 94901

Cash or credit? Understanding the Importance of Credit Score in Real Estate and Renting

Discover how your credit score impacts your ability to lease or buy a home. Learn how credit scores are determined, how to check yours, and strategies to improve it for real estate success.

close
View Me
530 Canal St
Studio Apartments

530 Canal St

530 Canal StSan Rafael, CA 94901
close
View Me
Belvedere Place
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Belvedere Place

162 Belvedere StSan Rafael, CA 94901

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 Studio unit found at The Meridian priced from $2,400. Serenity at Larkspur has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $2,995. Here are the most affordable Canal apartments for rent in San Francisco, CA:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
The MeridianStudioStudio,1BA$2,400
Serenity at LarkspurSandpiper1BR,1BA$2,995
Larkspur CourtsSapphire1BR,1BA$3,265

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Canal, CA

As of October 05, 2025 the best value apartment in the Canal area is the $4.32 price per square foot Opal Model at Larkspur Courts in the in the Canal neighborhood starting from $4,655. The second greatest value Canal apartment is the Sandpiper Model at Serenity at Larkspur starting at $2,995 with a $4.23 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.
Larkspur CourtsOpal2BR,2BA$4.32
Serenity at LarkspurSandpiper1BR,1BA$4.23
The MeridianStudioStudio ,1BA$4.83
Furnished Studio-San Rafael - Francisco BlFurnished Studio-San Rafael - Francisco Bl...Studio ,1BA$10.78

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.

decorative image of people with a giant lease agreement

Pet Friendly Lifestyle
Canal, San Rafael, CA

Ranked #16

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

Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score

2.5
Pet Friendly

decorative image of woman handing cat to small boy

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 Serenity at Larkspur which is listed at $2,995, while the average apartment in Canal costs $5,255.

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 15 regular apartments in Canal that we think qualify as ‘cheap apartments’ that do not have special requirements to apply to rent.

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.

decorative image for A San Francisco Local Expert’s Guide to the Top Budget-Friendly Bay Area Neighborhoods to Rent article

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.

decorative image for How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money article

How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Everything is a negotiation in real estate! 

decorative image for The Rental Move-In Inspection Checklist: A Guide for Renters article

The Rental Move-In Inspection Checklist: A Guide for Renters

Written by: Trey Huguley

The move-in inspection checklist is a crucial tool for both tenants and landlords. This checklist, provided by the team at ApartmentHomeLiving.com, helps document the condition of an apartment at the time of move-in.

decorative image for Your Guide to Co-Signers: The Risks, Rewards, and Everything in Between article

Your Guide to Co-Signers: The Risks, Rewards, and Everything in Between

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

For many people, obstacles can arise during the rental application process for a variety of issues.