
Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Smith Ranch Neighborhood of San Rafael, CA from $1,800 (31 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the Smith Ranch area of San Rafael.


Bella Vista (06/25)

McInnis Park

33 North Apartments

The Oaktops Apartments

San Rafael Manor

22 N San Pablo Ave
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.

Flores Apartments

Senior Housing Redevelopment Project

Hidden Knolls Apartments

Merrydale Meadows

Northgate Apartments

Marinian Towers Apartments

The Northview Apartments
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.

Deer Valley

Alterra

Merrydale Apartments

Terra Linda Manor

Deer Park Apartments

Villas at Hamilton

Crooked Oak at Loma Verde Preserve Apartment Homes
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.

2 Clay Ct

Pacheco Villas

30 Clay Ct

Ascend at Hamilton Field

Creekside at Meadow Park

Oma Village

Hamilton Woods
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.

Posada East

Posada West Apartments

Hillcrest Townhomes Apartment Complex
Smith Ranch, San Rafael, CA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Smith Ranch?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smith Ranch Studio Apartments | $1,848 | $1,848 | $1,848 |
| Smith Ranch 1 Bedroom Apartments | $2,718 | $2,089 | $3,055 |
| Smith Ranch 2 Bedroom Apartments | $3,480 | $2,395 | $4,450 |
Browse Apartments in this Neighborhood
There are currently 31 rentals with your search options within a 2 mile radius of the Smith Ranch Neighborhood of San Rafael, CA.
See all Apartments in San RafaelExplore San Rafael
Smith Ranch, San Rafael, CA Local Guide
- Nearby San Rafael neighborhoods
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- School Districts
Cheapest Available Smith Ranch Apartments for Rent
 The cheapest available apartment rental in the Smith Ranch area of San Francisco, CA is a Studio unit found at Villas at Hamilton priced from $1,848. Highlands of Marin has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $2,545. Here are the most affordable Smith Ranch apartments for rent in San Francisco, CA:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Villas at Hamilton | Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,848 |
| Highlands of Marin | Napa (A1A) | 1BR,1BA | $2,545 |
| The Oaktops Apartments | 251 | 1BR,1BA | $2,635 |
| Deer Valley | Plan 2B | 2BR,2BA | $3,087 |
| Alterra | 2x1 | 2BR,1BA | $3,150 |
| Bella Vista (06/25) | Two Bedroom One Bath | 2BR,1BA | $3,295 |
| McInnis Park | Elder | 2BR,1BA | $3,375 |
| 33 North Apartments | 2 Bedroom 2 Bathroom with Den | 2BR,2BA | $4,450 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Smith Ranch, CA
As of March 09, 2026 the best value apartment in the Smith Ranch area is the $2.19 price per square foot 2 Bedroom 2 Bathroom with Den Model at 33 North Apartments in the in the Black Canyon neighborhood starting from $4,450. The second greatest value Smith Ranch apartment is the Plan 2B Model at Deer Valley starting at $3,087 with a $3.15 price per square foot in the Santa Venetia neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Smith Ranch 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 | $2.19 |
| Deer Valley | Plan 2B | 2BR,2BA | $3.15 |
| Bella Vista (06/25) | Two Bedroom One Bath | 2BR,1BA | $3.47 |
| McInnis Park | Dogwood | 2BR,1BA | $3.79 |
| Alterra | 2x1 | 2BR,1BA | $3.84 |
| The Oaktops Apartments | 251 | 1BR,1BA | $4.05 |
| Highlands of Marin | Napa (A1A) | 1BR,1BA | $3.92 |
| Villas at Hamilton | Studio | Studio ,1BA | $3.94 |
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 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 LifestyleSmith Ranch, San Rafael, CA
Ranked #2
Among cities in California for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities.
Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score
4.0Pet Friendly
Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Smith Ranch Apartments
What is the price of a cheap apartment in Smith Ranch?
The cheapest apartment in Smith Ranch is Villas at Hamilton which is listed at $2,089, while the average apartment in Smith Ranch costs $3,425.
What types of apartments are the cheapest in Smith Ranch?
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 3 regular apartments in Smith Ranch 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

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.

A Renters Guide for Tips on Writing Your Notice for Not Renewing Your Apartment
Written by: Bob Mallory
Packing up everything you own to move is so stressful for many that ending your apartment lease can feel like a small or unimportant task. Ending your lease involves more than simply turning over your keys on the last day.

Renting with Roommates: Realistic Expectations for Shared Lease
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Given the high costs for housing, I have found that many people are looking for a roommate to share expenses. These arrangements can increase opportunities for more desirable and larger spaces.