
Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Downtown San Rafael Neighborhood of San Rafael, CA from $1,500 (51 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the Downtown San Rafael area of San Rafael.


1 H St

Lone Palm Court Apartments

One55 Lofts

West End Villas

111 Laurel Pl

1409 5th Ave

310 Bayview St

608 C St

Pristine Duplex in San Rafael, CA
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.

147 Ross St

17 Taylor St

1712 5th Ave

104 F St

25 Frances St

17 Hillcrest Dr

531 D St

209 1st St

12 Laurel Pl

101 H 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.

124 Ross St

410 D St

4 Miramar Ave

32-34 Warner Ct

417 1st St

Six Laurel Place

424-426 Woodland Ave

115 Clayton St

1841 Second St

3 Jessup St
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.

105-109 Ross St

39 Pacheco St

37 Pacheco St

1358 Lincoln Ave

114 Laurel Pl

918 Mission Ave

102 F St

808 A St

211 G St

5 F 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.

San Rafael Rotary Manor

Rafael Town Center Apartments

Laurel Place Apartments

El Rey Apartments

1103 Lincoln

1130 Mission Ave

1350 Lincoln Ave

Ross Terrace

D Street Apartments

118 Ross St
Renters Insurance 101: What It Is, What It Covers, and Why You Need It
From theft to fire to water damage, the unexpected can happen to any renter. Discover why renters insurance is one of the smartest and most affordable investments you can make as a tenant.
Downtown San Rafael, San Rafael, CA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Downtown San Rafael?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown San Rafael Studio Apartments | $2,275 | $2,150 | $2,401 |
| Downtown San Rafael 1 Bedroom Apartments | $2,563 | $2,200 | $2,733 |
| Downtown San Rafael 2 Bedroom Apartments | $3,539 | $2,800 | $4,298 |
Browse Apartments in this Neighborhood
There are currently 51 rentals with your search options within a 2 mile radius of the Downtown San Rafael Neighborhood of San Rafael, CA.
See all Apartments in San RafaelExplore San Rafael
Cheapest Available Downtown San Rafael Apartments for Rent
 The cheapest available apartment rental in the Downtown San Rafael area of San Francisco, CA is a Studio unit found at Rafael Town Center Apartments priced from $2,359. One55 Lofts has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $2,401. Here are the most affordable Downtown San Rafael apartments for rent in San Francisco, CA:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rafael Town Center Apartments | Studio B | Studio,1BA | $2,359 |
| One55 Lofts | Studio | Studio,1BA | $2,401 |
| Lone Palm Court Apartments | One bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $2,500 |
| 1 H St | 1 bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $2,500 |
| West End Villas | Plan 8 | 2BR,1BA | $3,300 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Downtown San Rafael, CA
As of July 14, 2026 the best value apartment in the Downtown San Rafael area is the $2.99 price per square foot 1 bedroom Model at 1 H St in the in the West End San Rafael neighborhood starting from $2,500. The second greatest value Downtown San Rafael apartment is the Plan 8 Model at West End Villas starting at $3,300 with a $4.13 price per square foot in the West End San Rafael neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Downtown San Rafael apartments based on price per square foot:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 H St | 1 bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $2.99 |
| West End Villas | Plan 8 | 2BR,1BA | $4.13 |
| Lone Palm Court Apartments | One bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $3.97 |
| 44 Ida St, Unit 44 Ida St | 44 Ida St | 1BR,1BA | $3.67 |
| One55 Lofts | Studio | Studio ,1BA | $4.92 |
| Rafael Town Center Apartments | Studio A | Studio ,1BA | $4.98 |
Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Downtown San Rafael Apartments
How much is rent for a Cheap One Bedroom Downtown San Rafael Apartment?
The lowest price for a Cheap One Bedroom Downtown San Rafael Apartment is $2,500 at Lone Palm Court Apartments.
What is the lowest price for a Cheap Two Bedroom Downtown San Rafael Apartment for rent?
Today's best deal for a Cheap Two Bedroom Apartment in Downtown San Rafael is starting from $2,800 at Lone Palm Court Apartments.
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 Insider's 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

Renters Insurance 101: What It Is, What It Covers, and Why You Need It
Written by: Robin Stewart
Insurance seems to be a part of life. In some states, having insurance is the law, as is the case for automobile insurance. Renters are no exception.

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.

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.

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.