
Cheap Homes for Rent in San Rafael, CA from $1,500 (8 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Homes available for rent right now in San Rafael.


918 Lea Dr

230 Villa Ave

1208 Sir Francis Drake Blvd
Bay Living Like a Local: The Insider's Guide to Life and Renting in San Francisco, CA
Unlock the personality of Renting and Living in the City by the Bay. Learn where to eat the best tacos, find hidden views, and embrace the charming contradictions of San Francisco life.

125 Nova Albion Way

Furnished Studio-San Rafael - Francisco Blvd East

111 Chester Ave

33 Willow Ave
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.
San Rafael, CA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent a home in San Rafael?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Rafael 2 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $4,030 | $3,050 | $4,950 |
| San Rafael 3 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $6,864 | $1,500 | $10,000+ |
| San Rafael 4 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $6,550 | $4,500 | $9,950 |
| San Rafael 5 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $11,150 | $5,950 | $10,000+ |
Browse Top Homes for Rent in San Rafael
Explore San Rafael
San Rafael, CA Local Guide
- San Rafael Neighborhoods
- Nearby Cities
- ZIP codes
- Local Counties
- School Districts
Cheapest Available San Rafael Apartments for Rent
 The cheapest available apartment rental in San Rafael, CA is a Studio unit found at 215 Bayview Apartments in the West End San Rafael neighborhood priced from $1,975. Marinian Towers Apartments in the Santa Venetia neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $2,095. Here is today’s list of the most affordable San Rafael apartments for rent:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| 215 Bayview Apartments | Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,975 |
| Marinian Towers Apartments | 1BR/1.0BA | 1BR,1BA | $2,095 |
| 105 Canal Street | 1BR/1.0BA | 1BR,1BA | $2,295 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in San Rafael, CA
As of August 30, 2026 the best value apartment in the San Rafael area is the $2.34 price per square foot 2 Bedroom 2 Bathroom with Den Model at 33 North Apartments in the in the Black Canyon neighborhood starting from $4,750. The second greatest value San Rafael apartment is the 2 bedroom 2 bath Model at Prospect Hill Apartments starting at $3,000 with a $2.73 price per square foot in the Black Canyon neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for San Rafael apartments based on price per square foot:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 33 North Apartments | 2 Bedroom 2 Bathroom with Den | 2BR,2BA | $2.34 |
| Prospect Hill Apartments | 2 bedroom 2 bath | 2BR,2BA | $2.73 |
| The Meridian | 3x2 | 3BR,2BA | $3.57 |
| Marinian Towers Apartments | 2BR/1.0BA | 2BR,1BA | $2.77 |
| 45 Tamal Vista | 45 Tamal Vista 2x1 | 2BR,1BA | $3.42 |
| Franciscan Manor | Apartment | 2BR,1BA | $3.30 |
| 1 H St | 1 bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $2.99 |
| 30 Locust Avenue | 2BR/1.0BA | 2BR,1BA | $3.60 |
| The Oaktops Apartments | 251 | 1BR,1BA | $3.66 |
| 1441 Lincoln Ave, Unit Unit C | 1441 Lincoln Ave | 1BR,1BA | $3.48 |
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.
Read ArticleLocal Guide To the Best Student Friendly Neighborhoods to Rent Near Colleges in San Francisco
A Local Experts guide to the Best Student Friendly Neighborhoods Near Colleges in the Bay area for affordable living. Find your perfect San Francisco Student apartment, condo, or rental home today at ApartmentHomeliving.com
Read ArticleReal Estate and Rental Term Glossary | ApartmentHomeLiving.com Renter University
From the letter A all the way to the letter Z, the Real Estate and Rental Term Glossary from the content team at ApartmentHomeLiving.com provides our visitors and shoppers with a little clarity and helpful guidance in navigating the real estate world through definitions and explainers for the top subjects and terms that someone may come across during the leasing, buying, or selling process.
Read ArticleQuick 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.
San Rafael, CAPopulation: 58,704
Ranked #647
in US Census Population by City
Best Local Schools in San Rafael, CA
Sun Valley Elementary
Terra Linda High School
School data provided by Great Schools
Remember the 3 Rules of Real Estate:Location, Location, Location!
Explore San Rafael, CA Rentals by Map
See the most popular apartments and homes in San Rafael, CA
Frequently Asked Questions about San Rafael
What type of rentals are currently available in San Rafael?
There are currently 686 Apartments for Rent in San Rafael, CA with pricing that ranges from $1,975 to $8,170. There are also 43 Single Family Homes for rent, Condos, and Townhome rentals currently available in San Rafael ranging from $1,500 to $19,500.
What is the current price range for Rental Homes in San Rafael?
Today's rental pricing for Homes for Rent, Condos and Townhomes in San Rafael ranges from $1,500 to $19,500 with an average monthly rent of $6,569.
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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.