1448 Second St
San RafaelCA94901
Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Downtown San Rafael Neighborhood of San Rafael, CA from $1,200 (6 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the Downtown San Rafael area of San Rafael.
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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from $1,950Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now
215 Bayview Apartments
215 Bayview 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.
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Know Your Rights - How Discrimination Laws Impact Landlords and Tenants
Read our practical guide to landlord and tenant rights. Understand protected classes, reasonable accommodations, and legal exceptions to prevent housing discrimination.
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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
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Rent Specials
from $2,349Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now
One55 Lofts
155 Andersen DrSan Rafael, CA 94901
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Downtown San Rafael, San Rafael, CA Local Guide
Copyright CoStar Group, Inc
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 | $1,866 | $1,500 | $2,150 |
| Downtown San Rafael 1 Bedroom Apartments | $2,679 | $2,000 | $3,900 |
| Downtown San Rafael 2 Bedroom Apartments | $3,543 | $2,550 | $5,500 |
| Downtown San Rafael 3 Bedroom Apartments | $3,922 | $3,386 | $4,607 |
| Downtown San Rafael 4 Bedroom Apartments | $4,200 | $4,200 | $4,200 |
Browse Apartments in this Neighborhood
There are currently 6 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 Studio unit found at 215 Bayview Apartments priced from $1,950. West End Villas has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $2,250. Here are the most affordable Downtown San Rafael apartments for rent in San Francisco, CA:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| 215 Bayview Apartments | Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,950 |
| West End Villas | Plan 3 | 1BR,1BA | $2,250 |
| Terra Linda Manor | 1 Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $2,460 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Downtown San Rafael, CA
As of May 12, 2025 the best value apartment in the Downtown San Rafael area is the $3.24 price per square foot 3x2 Model at Skylark Apartments in the in the College Park neighborhood starting from $4,376. The second greatest value Downtown San Rafael apartment is the 3x2 Large Model at The Meridian starting at $3,795 with a $3.23 price per square foot in the South Larkspur 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. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skylark Apartments | 3x2 | 3BR,2BA | $3.24 |
| The Meridian | 3x2 Large | 3BR,2BA | $3.23 |
| Rafael Town Center Apartments | 2 Bedroom 2A | 2BR,2BA | $3.70 |
| Lone Palm Court Apartments | Two bedroom | 2BR,1BA | $2.74 |
| Via Holon Apartments | One bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $3.09 |
| One55 Lofts | Two Bedroom | 2BR,2BA | $4.25 |
| Sommerhill Townhouses | 1 bd | 1BR,1BA | $3.65 |
| Terra Linda Manor | 1 Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $4.00 |
| 1202 Nye St, Unit D | 1202 Nye St | 1BR,1BA | $3.81 |
| West End Villas | Plan 7 | 1BR,1BA | $5.47 |
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 West End Villas which is listed at $2,250, while the average apartment in Downtown San Rafael costs $4,200.
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 6 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.
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.
Know Your Budget: Calculating What You Can Realistically Afford When Renting
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.
The Freedom of Short-Term Leases: Exploring the Advantages for Renters
Written by: Bobbi Jackson
If you’re looking to relocate right now, a popular solution that may best fit your current rental needs is a short-term lease.
Navigating the Rental Market: Tips for First-Time Renters
Written by: Sandy Baker
Making the decision to rent is exciting and terrifying at the same time. For many people, there are a lot of unknowns.