Cheap Apartments for Rent in the East San Rafael Neighborhood of San Rafael, CA from $1,700 (66 Rentals)

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Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the East 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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Hammondale
1 Bedroom Apartments

Hammondale

5 Hammondale CtSan Rafael, CA 94901
  • Utilities Included
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1012 Irwin
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

1012 Irwin

1012 Irwin 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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1704 Lincoln Ave
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

1704 Lincoln Ave

1704 Lincoln AveSan Rafael, CA 94901
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22 N San Pablo Ave
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

22 N San Pablo Ave

22 N San Pablo AveSan Rafael, CA 94903
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31 Valencia Ave
2 Bedroom Apartments

31 Valencia Ave

31 Valencia AveSan Rafael, CA 94901
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12 Laurel Pl
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

12 Laurel Pl

12 Laurel PlSan Rafael, CA 94901
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420 Belle Ave
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

420 Belle Ave

420 Belle AveSan Rafael, CA 94901
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17 Hillcrest Dr
2 Bedroom Apartments

17 Hillcrest Dr

17 Hillcrest DrSan Rafael, CA 94901
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415 Mission Ave
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

415 Mission Ave

415 Mission AveSan Rafael, CA 94901
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2-2A Prospect Dr
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

2-2A Prospect Dr

2-2A Prospect DrSan Rafael, CA 94901
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1424 Lincoln Ave
2 Bedroom Apartments

1424 Lincoln Ave

1424 Lincoln AveSan 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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210 Mission Ave
2 to 4 Bedroom Apartments

210 Mission Ave

210 Mission AveSan Rafael, CA 94901
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280-282 Linden Ln
2 Bedroom Apartments

280-282 Linden Ln

280-282 Linden LnSan Rafael, CA 94901
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166 Park St
1 Bedroom Apartments

166 Park St

166 Park StSan Rafael, CA 94901
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1516 Lincoln Ave
Studio Apartments

1516 Lincoln Ave

1516 Lincoln AveSan 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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182 Mission Ave
2 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

182 Mission Ave

182 Mission AveSan Rafael, CA 94901
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1223 Grand Ave
Studio Apartments

1223 Grand Ave

1223 Grand AveSan Rafael, CA 94901
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417 Mission Ave
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

417 Mission Ave

417 Mission AveSan Rafael, CA 94901

Cash or credit? Understanding the Importance of Credit Score in Real Estate and Renting

Discover how your credit score impacts your ability to lease or buy a home. Learn how credit scores are determined, how to check yours, and strategies to improve it for real estate success.

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124 Park St
Studio Apartments

124 Park St

124 Park StSan Rafael, CA 94901
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Acorn
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Acorn

1410-1414 Lincoln AveSan Rafael, CA 94901
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1446 Lincoln Ave
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

1446 Lincoln Ave

1446 Lincoln AveSan Rafael, CA 94901
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1736 Grand Ave
Studio Apartments

1736 Grand Ave

1736 Grand AveSan Rafael, CA 94901
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190 Park St
Studio Apartments

190 Park St

190 Park StSan Rafael, CA 94901
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808 A St
1 Bedroom Apartments

808 A St

808 A 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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239-243 Union St
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

239-243 Union St

239-243 Union StSan Rafael, CA 94901
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245 Union St
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

245 Union St

245 Union 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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143 Park St
Studio Apartments

143 Park St

143 Park StSan 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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215-217 Union St
1 Bedroom Apartments

215-217 Union St

215-217 Union StSan Rafael, CA 94901
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39 Mary St
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

39 Mary St

39 Mary StSan Rafael, CA 94901
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128-130 Belle Ave
2 Bedroom Apartments

128-130 Belle Ave

128-130 Belle AveSan Rafael, CA 94901
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253 Union St
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

253 Union St

253 Union StSan Rafael, CA 94901
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1454 Lincoln Ave
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

1454 Lincoln Ave

1454 Lincoln AveSan Rafael, CA 94901
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37 Pacheco St
Studio Apartments

37 Pacheco St

37 Pacheco 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.

East San Rafael, San Rafael, CA Local Guide

Cheapest Available East San Rafael Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in the East San Rafael area of San Francisco, CA is a Studio unit found at Park Hill priced from $2,145. One55 Lofts has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $2,468. Here are the most affordable East San Rafael apartments for rent in San Francisco, CA:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Park Hill1X1ARStudio,1BA$2,145
One55 LoftsOne Bedroom Loft1BR,1BA$2,468
Lone Palm Court ApartmentsTwo bedroom2BR,1BA$2,600
Prospect Hill Apartments2 bedroom 2 bath2BR,2BA$2,900
Second & B StreetClay Model1BR,1BA$2,999
33 North Apartments1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom with Den1BR,1BA$3,390
Rafael Town Center Apartments2 Bedroom 2A2BR,2BA$3,596

Best Value Apartments for Rent in East San Rafael, CA

As of November 14, 2025 the best value apartment in the East San Rafael area is the $2.94 price per square foot 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom with Den Model at 33 North Apartments in the in the Black Canyon neighborhood starting from $3,390. The second greatest value East San Rafael apartment is the 2 bedroom 2 bath Model at Prospect Hill Apartments starting at $2,900 with a $2.64 price per square foot in the Black Canyon neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for East San Rafael apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
33 North Apartments1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom with Den1BR,1BA$2.94
Prospect Hill Apartments2 bedroom 2 bath2BR,2BA$2.64
Lone Palm Court ApartmentsTwo bedroom2BR,1BA$2.74
Rafael Town Center Apartments2 Bedroom 2A2BR,2BA$4.00
Second & B StreetClay Plus Model1BR,1BA$4.86
One55 LoftsOne Bedroom Loft1BR,1BA$4.95
Park Hill1X1ARStudio ,1BA$4.88

Apartment Common Area Rules: What Renters Need to Know

From the lounge to the laundry room, understand your rights and responsibilities in shared apartment spaces. Get tips on pet rules, noise, and security.

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Don't Settle: How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money

Discover the insider tips from an attorney and real estate agent on how to negotiate your next apartment lease. Find out what's on the table and what's not, so you can save money and get the best terms possible.

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The Ultimate Long-Distance Moving Checklist: Tips from a Real Estate Pro

Moving is tough, especially long-distance. Learn how to minimize stress & expenses with proven strategies from a real estate pro, covering everything from logistics to finances.

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Quick Rent Budget Calculator

How much rent can you afford?

The common "Rule of Thumb" is that rent should be no more than 30% of your income. How much is that? Enter your monthly income and click "Calculate My Budget" to find out.

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Pet Friendly Lifestyle
East San Rafael, San Rafael, CA

Ranked #18

Among cities in California for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities.

Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score

3.5
Pet Friendly

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Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap East San Rafael Apartments

What is a cheap apartment in East San Rafael?

A cheap apartment is any apartment up to the 30% percentile of cost for the area, which in East San Rafael is under $3,596.

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

The cheapest apartment in East San Rafael is One55 Lofts which is listed at $2,468, while the average apartment in East San Rafael costs $3,875.

What types of apartments are the cheapest in East 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 East 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.

decorative image for A San Francisco Local Expert’s Guide to the Top Budget-Friendly Bay Area Neighborhoods to Rent article

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.

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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! 

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The Rental Move-In Inspection Checklist: A Guide for Renters

Written by: Trey Huguley

The move-in inspection checklist is a crucial tool for both tenants and landlords. This checklist, provided by the team at ApartmentHomeLiving.com, helps document the condition of an apartment at the time of move-in.