Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Montecito Neighborhood of San Rafael, CA from $1,700 (128 Rentals)

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Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the Montecito 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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320 C St
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

320 C St

320 C StSan Rafael, CA 94901
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Riviera Apartments
1 Bedroom Apartments

Riviera Apartments

4 Point San Pedro RdSan Rafael, CA 94901
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1012 Irwin
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

1012 Irwin

1012 Irwin StSan Rafael, CA 94901
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16 Elaine Way
2 Bedroom Apartments

16 Elaine Way

16 Elaine WaySan Rafael, CA 94901
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1409 5th Ave
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

1409 5th Ave

1409 5th AveSan 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.

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608 C St
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

608 C St

608 C StSan Rafael, CA 94901
Furnished
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289 Woodland Ave
1 Bedroom Apartments

289 Woodland Ave

289 Woodland AveSan Rafael, CA 94901
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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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31 Valencia Ave
2 Bedroom Apartments

31 Valencia Ave

31 Valencia AveSan Rafael, CA 94901
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575 Canal St
Studio Apartments

575 Canal St

575 Canal StSan 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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12 Woodland
Studio Apartments

12 Woodland

12 Woodland AveSan Rafael, CA 94901
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17 Hillcrest Dr
2 Bedroom Apartments

17 Hillcrest Dr

17 Hillcrest DrSan 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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531 D St
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

531 D St

531 D StSan Rafael, CA 94901
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460 Canal St
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

460 Canal St

460 Canal StSan Rafael, CA 94901
  • Smoke Free
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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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17 Taylor St
1 Bedroom Apartments

17 Taylor St

17 Taylor StSan Rafael, CA 94901
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16 Charlotte Dr
2 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

16 Charlotte Dr

16 Charlotte DrSan Rafael, CA 94901
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3757 Kerner
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

3757 Kerner

3757 KernerSan Rafael, CA 94901
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163 Novato St
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

163 Novato St

163 Novato StSan Rafael, CA 94901
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420 Belle Ave
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

420 Belle Ave

420 Belle 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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32-34 Warner Ct
2 Bedroom Apartments

32-34 Warner Ct

32-34 Warner CtSan Rafael, CA 94901
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5 Elaine Way
2 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

5 Elaine Way

5 Elaine WaySan 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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1516 Lincoln Ave
Studio Apartments

1516 Lincoln Ave

1516 Lincoln AveSan Rafael, CA 94901
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410 D St
Studio Apartments

410 D St

410 D StSan Rafael, CA 94901
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21 Marian Ct
2 Bedroom Apartments

21 Marian Ct

21 Marian CtSan Rafael, CA 94901
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440 Canal St
3 Bedroom Apartments

440 Canal St

440 Canal StSan 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
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210 Mission Ave
2 to 4 Bedroom Apartments

210 Mission Ave

210 Mission 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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166 Park St
1 Bedroom Apartments

166 Park St

166 Park StSan Rafael, CA 94901
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15 Marian Ct
2 Bedroom Apartments

15 Marian Ct

15 Marian CtSan Rafael, CA 94901
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540 Canal St
1 Bedroom Apartments

540 Canal St

540 Canal StSan Rafael, CA 94901
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144 Bungalow Ave
Studio Apartments

144 Bungalow Ave

144 Bungalow 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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1223 Grand Ave
Studio Apartments

1223 Grand Ave

1223 Grand 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

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.

Montecito, San Rafael, CA Local Guide

Cheapest Available Montecito Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in the Montecito area of San Francisco, CA is a Studio unit found at Park Hill priced from $2,425. 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 Montecito apartments for rent in San Francisco, CA:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Park Hill1X1ARStudio,1BA$2,425
Lone Palm Court ApartmentsOne bedroom1BR,1BA$2,500
One55 LoftsStudioStudio,1BA$2,511
1135 Grand Ave2 Beds, 1 Baths2BR,1BA$2,745

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Montecito, CA

As of June 13, 2026 the best value apartment in the Montecito area is the $3.31 price per square foot 2 Beds, 1 Baths Model at 1135 Grand Ave in the in the Black Canyon neighborhood starting from $2,745. The second greatest value Montecito apartment is the One bedroom Model at Lone Palm Court Apartments starting at $2,500 with a $3.97 price per square foot in the East San Rafael neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Montecito apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
1135 Grand Ave2 Beds, 1 Baths2BR,1BA$3.31
Lone Palm Court ApartmentsOne bedroom1BR,1BA$3.97
One55 LoftsOne Bedroom Loft1BR,1BA$5.58
Park Hill1x1B1BR,1BA$5.63

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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Real 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.

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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
Montecito, San Rafael, CA

Ranked #18

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

Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score

3.0
Pet Friendly

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Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Montecito Apartments

How much is rent for a Cheap One Bedroom Montecito Apartment?

The lowest price for a Cheap One Bedroom Montecito Apartment is $2,475 at Park Hill.

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

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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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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.

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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.

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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

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

Written by: Robin Stewart

Evaluating rental properties for clients draws many parallels to house-hunting. Whether an apartment, loft, townhouse, or other rental, finding the right place means finding “home” for your client.

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Pet-Friendly Renting: Everything You Need to Know Before You Move

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

For so many of us, pets are the best companions and a big part of our lives. For this reason, a pet-friendly house or apartment is often a very important - and nonnegotiable - part of a move.

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Creative Ways Developers Reimagine Retail Spaces as Residential Units

Written by: Robin Stewart

Adaptive reuse is when a commercial property is converted and repurposed. The real estate industry has embraced a growing number of these projects.

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Neighborhood and Market Insights: How to Choose the Right Area to Rent

Written by: Robin Stewart

Apartment-hunting can be a gargantuan task. Renters have a wish list of items—some luxuries, some necessities—but finding what you seek in the right place is perhaps the most important part of the journey.