
Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Montecito Neighborhood of San Rafael, CA from $1,700 (128 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the Montecito area of San Rafael.


Second & B Street

One55 Lofts

Lone Palm Court Apartments

111 Laurel Pl

Hammondale

320 C St

Riviera Apartments

1012 Irwin

16 Elaine Way
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.

1409 5th Ave

608 C St

289 Woodland Ave

1704 Lincoln Ave

Dominic Garden Apartments

31 Valencia Ave

575 Canal St

415 Mission Ave

12 Woodland

The Bayside Apartments
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.

17 Hillcrest Dr

531 D St

12 Laurel Pl

17 Taylor St

16 Charlotte Dr

460 Canal St

420 Belle Ave

Canal Area Housing Improvement Program

163 Novato St

3757 Kerner
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.

24-28 La Vista Way

182 Mission Ave

1516 Lincoln Ave

32-34 Warner Ct

5 Elaine Way

21 Marian Ct

440 Canal St

410 D St

2-2A Prospect Dr

1424 Lincoln Ave
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.

210 Mission Ave

166 Park St

15 Marian Ct

260-264 278 Union St

424-426 Woodland Ave

540 Canal St

144 Bungalow Ave

Six Laurel Place

360-361 Du Bois St

1223 Grand Ave
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.
Montecito, San Rafael, CA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Montecito?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montecito Studio Apartments | $2,408 | $2,269 | $2,606 |
| Montecito 1 Bedroom Apartments | $3,152 | $2,200 | $6,970 |
| Montecito 2 Bedroom Apartments | $3,360 | $2,600 | $4,043 |
| Montecito 3 Bedroom Apartments | $4,094 | $3,891 | $4,500 |
Browse Apartments in this Neighborhood
There are currently 128 rentals with your search options within a 1 mile radius of the Montecito Neighborhood of San Rafael, CA.
See all Apartments in San RafaelExplore San Rafael
Montecito, San Rafael, CA Local Guide
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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 One55 Lofts priced from $2,224. Park Hill has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $2,225. Here are the most affordable Montecito apartments for rent in San Francisco, CA:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| One55 Lofts | Studio | Studio,1BA | $2,224 |
| Park Hill | 1X1AR | Studio,1BA | $2,225 |
| Lone Palm Court Apartments | Two bedroom | 2BR,1BA | $2,600 |
| Rafael Town Center Apartments | Studio B | Studio,1BA | $2,695 |
| The Meridian | 3x2 | 3BR,2BA | $3,800 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Montecito, CA
As of April 29, 2026 the best value apartment in the Montecito area is the $3.62 price per square foot 3x2 Model at The Meridian in the in the Canal neighborhood starting from $3,800. The second greatest value Montecito 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 Montecito apartments based on price per square foot:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Meridian | 3x2 | 3BR,2BA | $3.62 |
| Lone Palm Court Apartments | Two bedroom | 2BR,1BA | $2.74 |
| Rafael Town Center Apartments | 1 Bedroom 1A | 1BR,1BA | $5.75 |
| One55 Lofts | One Bedroom Loft | 1BR,1BA | $4.69 |
| Park Hill | 1X1AR | Studio ,1BA | $5.06 |
10 Hidden Costs of Renting You Should Budget for Before Signing a Lease
Avoid financial stress when renting. Learn about the 10 most common hidden costs—from pet fees to utilities—you must budget for before you sign a lease.
Read ArticleDon'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 ArticleThe 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.
Read ArticleCash 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.
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.
Pet Friendly LifestyleMontecito, San Rafael, CA
Ranked #21
Among cities in California for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities.
Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score
3.5Pet Friendly
Best Local Schools in Montecito, San Rafael, CA
Coleman Elementary
James B. Davidson Middle
School data provided by Great Schools
Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Montecito Apartments
What is the price of a cheap apartment in Montecito?
The cheapest apartment in Montecito is One55 Lofts which is listed at $2,275, while the average apartment in Montecito costs $3,993.
What types of apartments are the cheapest in Montecito?
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 Montecito 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

Expert Solutions for Creating the Perfect Work-From-Home Apartment Layouts
Written by: Lauren Harrington
This article is based on first-hand experience managing apartment communities and helping renters adapt to their spaces after moving in.

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.