Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Downtown San Rafael Neighborhood of San Rafael, CA from $1,550 (52 Rentals)

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

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

close
View Me
111 Laurel Pl
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

111 Laurel Pl

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

1409 5th Ave

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

310 Bayview St

310 Bayview StSan Rafael, CA 94901
close
View Me
608 C St
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

608 C St

608 C StSan Rafael, CA 94901
Furnished

San Francisco's Best Affordable Neighborhoods

Learn about San Francisco and the best places to live with original content written by our San Francisco, CA Local Expert Shannon Hilson

close
View Me
147 Ross St
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

147 Ross St

147 Ross StSan Rafael, CA 94901
close
View Me
17 Taylor St
1 Bedroom Apartments

17 Taylor St

17 Taylor StSan Rafael, CA 94901
close
View Me
1712 5th Ave
2 Bedroom Apartments

1712 5th Ave

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

104 F St

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

25 Frances St

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

17 Hillcrest Dr

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

531 D St

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

209 1st St

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

12 Laurel Pl

12 Laurel PlSan Rafael, CA 94901
close
View Me
101 H St
2 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

101 H St

101 H StSan Rafael, CA 94901

Rent According to Income: A Look at Income-Restricted Rentals

Find income-restricted rentals and housing subsidies. Explore government programs designed to help low-income families secure stable, affordable housing.

close
View Me
124 Ross St
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

124 Ross St

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

410 D St

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

4 Miramar Ave

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

32-34 Warner Ct

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

417 1st St

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

Six Laurel Place

6 Laurel PlSan Rafael, CA 94901
close
View Me
115 Clayton St
Studio Apartments

115 Clayton St

115 Clayton StSan Rafael, CA 94901
close
View Me
1841 Second St
2 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

1841 Second St

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

3 Jessup St

3 Jessup StSan Rafael, CA 94901

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.

close
View Me
27 Stevens Pl
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

27 Stevens Pl

27 Stevens PlSan Rafael, CA 94901
close
View Me
105-109 Ross St
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

105-109 Ross St

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

39 Pacheco St

39 Pacheco StSan Rafael, CA 94901
close
View Me
37 Pacheco St
Studio Apartments

37 Pacheco St

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

1358 Lincoln Ave

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

114 Laurel Pl

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

918 Mission Ave

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

102 F St

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

808 A St

808 A StSan Rafael, CA 94901
close
View Me
211 G St
Studio Apartments

211 G St

211 G StSan Rafael, CA 94901

How I Find the Perfect Rental for My Clients: A Real Estate Pro's Guide

Finding the right apartment starts with three things: location, cost, and amenities. Get the insider perspective from a real estate professional on how to nail all three.

close
View Me
5 F St
1 Bedroom Apartments

5 F St

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

El Rey Apartments

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

1103 Lincoln

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

1130 Mission Ave

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

1350 Lincoln Ave

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

Ross Terrace

122 Ross StSan Rafael, CA 94901

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.

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 $2,390. Lone Palm Court Apartments has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $2,500. Here are the most affordable Downtown San Rafael apartments for rent in San Francisco, CA:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
One55 LoftsOne Bedroom1BR,1BA$2,390
Lone Palm Court ApartmentsOne bedroom1BR,1BA$2,500
1 H St1 bedroom1BR,1BA$2,500
West End VillasPlan 82BR,1BA$3,300

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Downtown San Rafael, CA

As of August 28, 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 ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
1 H St1 bedroom1BR,1BA$2.99
West End VillasPlan 82BR,1BA$4.13
Lone Palm Court ApartmentsOne bedroom1BR,1BA$3.97
One55 LoftsOne Bedroom Loft1BR,1BA$5.48

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 $2,390 at One55 Lofts.

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 $2,799 at One55 Lofts.

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

decorative image for Where to Live Near San Francisco: A Guide to the Best Surrounding Cities for Renters   article

Where to Live Near San Francisco: A Guide to the Best Surrounding Cities for Renters

Written by: Shannon Hilson

San Francisco is absolutely the type of city that pulls a person in right away, and it’s not hard to see why.

decorative image for Bay Living Like a Local: The Insider's Guide to Life and Renting in San Francisco, CA article

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.

decorative image for Where to Live, Where to Work: Your Guide to Top Neighborhoods to Rent Near San Francisco's 5 Best Employers article

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.

decorative image for Local Guide To the Best Student Friendly Neighborhoods to Rent Near Colleges in San Francisco article

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.

Articles, How-To's, and Tips

decorative image for Rent According to Income: A Look at Income-Restricted Rentals   article

Rent According to Income: A Look at Income-Restricted Rentals

Written by: Robin Stewart

The idea of affordable housing can be subjective. Every individual is in a different place financially and vocationally. What one may easily afford could be a struggle for someone else.

decorative image for Practical Tips for Renters: How to Identify a Great Rental and Avoid Red Flags   article

Practical Tips for Renters: How to Identify a Great Rental and Avoid Red Flags

Written by: Robin Stewart

Renters want to find a great apartment, the right place for them, one that checks all the boxes of location, rental cost, amenities, safety, and more.

decorative image for First Apartment Regrets: Real Renters Share What They'd Do Differently article

First Apartment Regrets: Real Renters Share What They'd Do Differently

Written by: Robin Stewart

Hindsight is 20/20. Live and Learn. With age comes wisdom. We’re familiar with all those expressions, and all of them apply to lessons first-time renters learn.

decorative image for Renters Insurance 101: What It Is, What It Covers, and Why You Need It article

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.