
Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Downtown San Rafael Neighborhood of San Rafael, CA from $1,500 (52 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the Downtown San Rafael area of San Rafael.


1 H St

One55 Lofts

West End Villas

Lone Palm Court Apartments

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

4 Miramar Ave

32-34 Warner Ct

417 1st St

Six Laurel Place

424-426 Woodland Ave

410 D St

115 Clayton St

1841 Second St

3 Jessup 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.

105-109 Ross St

39 Pacheco St

37 Pacheco St

1358 Lincoln Ave

27 Stevens Pl

114 Laurel Pl

918 Mission Ave

102 F St

808 A St

211 G St
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.

5 F St

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
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.
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 | $2,174 | $1,895 | $2,599 |
| Downtown San Rafael 1 Bedroom Apartments | $3,298 | $2,744 | $3,750 |
| Downtown San Rafael 2 Bedroom Apartments | $3,325 | $2,600 | $4,043 |
Browse Apartments in this Neighborhood
There are currently 52 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 1 H St priced from $1,895. One55 Lofts has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $2,303. Here are the most affordable Downtown San Rafael apartments for rent in San Francisco, CA:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 H St | Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,895 |
| One55 Lofts | Studio | Studio,1BA | $2,303 |
| Lone Palm Court Apartments | Two bedroom | 2BR,1BA | $2,600 |
| West End Villas | Plan 8 | 2BR,1BA | $3,300 |
| Rafael Town Center Apartments | 2 Bedroom 2D | 2BR,2BA | $3,894 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Downtown San Rafael, CA
As of April 15, 2026 the best value apartment in the Downtown San Rafael area is the $3.64 price per square foot 2 Bedroom 2D Model at Rafael Town Center Apartments in the in the Black Canyon neighborhood starting from $3,894. 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. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rafael Town Center Apartments | 2 Bedroom 2D | 2BR,2BA | $3.64 |
| Lone Palm Court Apartments | Two bedroom | 2BR,1BA | $2.74 |
| 1 H St | 1 bedroom | 2BR,1BA | $3.59 |
| West End Villas | Plan 8 | 2BR,1BA | $4.13 |
| One55 Lofts | One Bedroom Loft | 1BR,1BA | $5.66 |
| 4 Miramar Ave, Unit Garden Studio | 4 Miramar Ave | Studio ,1BA | $6.33 |
Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Downtown San Rafael Apartments
What is a cheap apartment in Downtown San Rafael?
A cheap apartment is any apartment up to the 30% percentile of cost for the area, which in Downtown San Rafael is under $3,894.
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 $2,688, 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 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
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 Insiders 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

What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much
Written by: Lauren Harrington
This article draws from first-hand renter experiences and recurring financial challenges reported after moving in.

Maximizing Your Refund: Essential Tax Tips for Renters
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Other than tax professionals, I can’t think of anyone who looks forward to tax season. For everybody else, April is a stressful month to collect information and meet deadlines.

18 Must-Ask Rental Tour Questions That Reveal the Truth about a Property
Written by: Lauren Harrington
Renting your next home can feel thrilling and overwhelming at the same time.

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.