Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Downtown San Rafael Neighborhood of San Rafael, CA from $1,500 (53 Rentals)

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

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111 Laurel Pl
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

111 Laurel Pl

111 Laurel PlSan Rafael, CA 94901
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1409 5th Ave
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

1409 5th Ave

1409 5th AveSan Rafael, CA 94901
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310 Bayview St
2 Bedroom Apartments

310 Bayview St

310 Bayview StSan Rafael, CA 94901

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.

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608 C St
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

608 C St

608 C StSan Rafael, CA 94901
Furnished
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17 Taylor St
1 Bedroom Apartments

17 Taylor St

17 Taylor StSan Rafael, CA 94901
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147 Ross St
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

147 Ross St

147 Ross StSan Rafael, CA 94901
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1712 5th Ave
2 Bedroom Apartments

1712 5th Ave

1712 5th AveSan Rafael, CA 94901
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104 F St
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

104 F St

104 F StSan Rafael, CA 94901
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25 Frances St
1 Bedroom Apartments

25 Frances St

25 Frances StSan Rafael, CA 94901
  • Utilities Included
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17 Hillcrest Dr
2 Bedroom Apartments

17 Hillcrest Dr

17 Hillcrest DrSan Rafael, CA 94901
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531 D St
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

531 D St

531 D StSan Rafael, CA 94901
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209 1st St
2 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

209 1st St

209 1st StSan Rafael, CA 94901
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12 Laurel Pl
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

12 Laurel Pl

12 Laurel PlSan 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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101 H St
2 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

101 H St

101 H StSan Rafael, CA 94901
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124 Ross St
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

124 Ross St

124 Ross StSan Rafael, CA 94901
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410 D St
Studio Apartments

410 D St

410 D StSan Rafael, CA 94901
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4 Miramar Ave
Studio Apartments

4 Miramar Ave

4 Miramar AveSan Rafael, CA 94901
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32-34 Warner Ct
2 Bedroom Apartments

32-34 Warner Ct

32-34 Warner CtSan Rafael, CA 94901
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417 1st St
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

417 1st St

417 1st StSan Rafael, CA 94901
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Six Laurel Place
2 Bedroom Apartments

Six Laurel Place

6 Laurel PlSan Rafael, CA 94901
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1841 Second St
2 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

1841 Second St

1841 Second StSan Rafael, CA 94901
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3 Jessup St
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

3 Jessup St

3 Jessup 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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115 Clayton St
Studio Apartments

115 Clayton St

115 Clayton StSan Rafael, CA 94901
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105-109 Ross St
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

105-109 Ross St

105-109 Ross StSan Rafael, CA 94901
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39 Pacheco St
Studio Apartments

39 Pacheco St

39 Pacheco StSan Rafael, CA 94901
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27 Stevens Pl
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

27 Stevens Pl

27 Stevens PlSan Rafael, CA 94901
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37 Pacheco St
Studio Apartments

37 Pacheco St

37 Pacheco StSan Rafael, CA 94901
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1358 Lincoln Ave
2 Bedroom Apartments

1358 Lincoln Ave

1358 Lincoln AveSan Rafael, CA 94901
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114 Laurel Pl
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

114 Laurel Pl

114 Laurel PlSan Rafael, CA 94901
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918 Mission Ave
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

918 Mission Ave

918 Mission AveSan Rafael, CA 94901
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102 F St
1 Bedroom Apartments

102 F St

102 F StSan Rafael, CA 94901
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808 A St
1 Bedroom Apartments

808 A St

808 A StSan 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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211 G St
Studio Apartments

211 G St

211 G StSan Rafael, CA 94901
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5 F St
1 Bedroom Apartments

5 F St

5 F StSan Rafael, CA 94901
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El Rey Apartments
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

El Rey Apartments

845 5th AveSan Rafael, CA 94901
  • Utilities Included
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1103 Lincoln
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

1103 Lincoln

1103 Lincoln AveSan Rafael, CA 94901
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1130 Mission Ave
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

1130 Mission Ave

1130 Mission AveSan Rafael, CA 94901
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1350 Lincoln Ave
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

1350 Lincoln Ave

1350 Lincoln AveSan Rafael, CA 94901
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Ross Terrace
1 Bedroom Apartments

Ross Terrace

122 Ross 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.

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 1 H St priced from $1,895. One55 Lofts has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $2,427. Here are the most affordable Downtown San Rafael apartments for rent in San Francisco, CA:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
1 H StStudioStudio,1BA$1,895
One55 LoftsOne Bedroom1BR,1BA$2,427
Rafael Town Center Apartments1 Bedroom 1C1BR,1BA$2,436
Lone Palm Court ApartmentsTwo bedroom2BR,1BA$2,600
Clock Tower Apartments1 Br 1 Ba1BR,1BA$2,600
Second & B StreetClay Model1BR,1BA$2,999
West End VillasPlan 82BR,1BA$3,300

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Downtown San Rafael, CA

As of January 14, 2026 the best value apartment in the Downtown San Rafael area is the $2.74 price per square foot Two bedroom Model at Lone Palm Court Apartments in the in the East San Rafael neighborhood starting from $2,600. The second greatest value Downtown San Rafael apartment is the 1 bedroom Model at 1 H St starting at $2,995 with a $3.59 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 ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
Lone Palm Court ApartmentsTwo bedroom2BR,1BA$2.74
1 H St1 bedroom2BR,1BA$3.59
West End VillasPlan 82BR,1BA$4.13
Clock Tower Apartments1 Br 1 Ba1BR,1BA$3.71
Second & B StreetClay Plus Model1BR,1BA$4.86
One55 LoftsOne Bedroom1BR,1BA$3.73
Rafael Town Center Apartments1 Bedroom 1A1BR,1BA$4.20
1565 4th St, Unit 91565 4th St1BR,1BA$4.17

Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Downtown San Rafael Apartments

What is the price of a cheap apartment in Downtown San Rafael?

The cheapest apartment in Downtown San Rafael is One55 Lofts which is listed at $2,427, while the average apartment in Downtown San Rafael costs $3,400.

What types of apartments are the cheapest in Downtown San Rafael?

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 4 regular apartments in Downtown San Rafael that we think qualify as ‘cheap apartments’ that do not have special requirements to apply to rent.

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

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Articles, How-To's, and Tips

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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.

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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.

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Apartment Common Area Rules: What Renters Need to Know

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Back in the day when I rented one of my first apartments, the property didn’t even have laundry in the building. Now, rental properties are often competing against each other to provide the best amenities.

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How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Everything is a negotiation in real estate!