Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Downtown San Rafael Neighborhood of San Rafael, CA from $1,200 (7 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the Downtown San Rafael area of San Rafael.

27 Stevens Pl
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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.
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 | $1,837 | $1,625 | $2,050 |
Downtown San Rafael 1 Bedroom Apartments | $2,891 | $2,400 | $3,900 |
Downtown San Rafael 2 Bedroom Apartments | $3,597 | $1,250 | $5,500 |
Browse Apartments in this Neighborhood
There are currently 7 rentals with your search options within a 2 mile radius of the Downtown San Rafael Neighborhood of San Rafael, CA.
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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 1 Bed unit found at One55 Lofts priced from $2,493. West End Villas has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $2,550. Here are the most affordable Downtown San Rafael apartments for rent in San Francisco, CA:
Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
---|---|---|---|
One55 Lofts | One Bedroom Loft | 1BR,1BA | $2,493 |
West End Villas | Plan 7 | 1BR,1BA | $2,550 |
Lone Palm Court Apartments | Two bedroom | 2BR,1BA | $2,600 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Downtown San Rafael, CA
As of July 03, 2025 the best value apartment in the Downtown San Rafael area is the $0.57 price per square foot 806 E St Model at 806 E St, Unit A in the in the West End San Rafael neighborhood starting from $1,250. The second greatest value Downtown San Rafael apartment is the Two bedroom Model at Lone Palm Court Apartments starting at $2,600 with a $2.74 price per square foot in the East 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. |
---|---|---|---|
806 E St, Unit A | 806 E St | 2BR,2BA | $0.57 |
Lone Palm Court Apartments | Two bedroom | 2BR,1BA | $2.74 |
One55 Lofts | Two Bedroom | 2BR,2BA | $3.31 |
West End Villas | Plan 7 | 1BR,1BA | $5.47 |
1565 4th St, Unit 14A | 1565 4th St | 1BR,1BA | $5.54 |
131 Laurel Pl, Unit D | 131 Laurel Pl | Studio ,1BA | $6.61 |
Getting Around the Downtown San Rafael Neighborhood in San Rafael, CA
Walk Score®
97 / 100
Walker’s Paradise
Daily errands do not require a car
Bike Score®
72 / 100
Very Bikeable
Biking is convenient for most trips
Transit Score®
52 / 100
Good Transit
Many nearby public transportation options
What Are Walk Score®, Transit Score®, and Bike Score® Ratings?
- Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address.
- Transit Score® measures access to public transit.
- Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
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 $2,549, while the average apartment in Downtown San Rafael costs $3,850.
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 1 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
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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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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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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Written by: Marie Brown
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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.