
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.


McInnis Park

Nova at Terra Linda

33 North Apartments

The Oaktops 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.
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.

Alterra Apartment Homes | PFI Incorporated

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.
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.
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 | $1,996 | $1,848 | $2,145 |
| Smith Ranch 1 Bedroom Apartments | $2,695 | $2,089 | $3,108 |
| Smith Ranch 2 Bedroom Apartments | $3,374 | $2,395 | $3,995 |
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.
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Smith Ranch, San Rafael, CA Local Guide
- Nearby San Rafael neighborhoods
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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. The Oaktops Apartments has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $2,500. 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 |
| The Oaktops Apartments | 253 | 1BR,1BA | $2,500 |
| Highlands of Marin | Napa (A1A) | 1BR,1BA | $2,586 |
| Deer Valley | Plan 1A | 1BR,1BA | $2,587 |
| Posada East | 2 bedroom Flat | 2BR,1BA | $2,725 |
| McInnis Park | Birch | 1BR,1BA | $2,725 |
| Crooked Oak at Loma Verde Preserve Apartment Homes | 2BR/2BA A | 2BR,2BA | $2,975 |
| Posada West Apartments | 2 Bedroom 2 Bathroom | 2BR,2BA | $3,175 |
| Novato Village Senior Apartments | B4 | 1BR,1BA | $3,245 |
| Bella Vista (06/25) | Two Bedroom One Bath | 2BR,1BA | $3,295 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Smith Ranch, CA
As of December 31, 2025 the best value apartment in the Smith Ranch area is the $2.76 price per square foot 2 Bedroom 2 Bathroom Model at Posada West Apartments in the in the Southeast Novato neighborhood starting from $3,175. The second greatest value Smith Ranch apartment is the 2 bedroom Flat Model at Posada East starting at $2,725 with a $2.48 price per square foot in the Southeast Novato 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. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Posada West Apartments | 2 Bedroom 2 Bathroom | 2BR,2BA | $2.76 |
| Posada East | 2 bedroom Flat | 2BR,1BA | $2.48 |
| Nova at Terra Linda | 2x1_Large | 2BR,1BA | $3.29 |
| Bella Vista (06/25) | Two Bedroom One Bath | 2BR,1BA | $3.47 |
| Crooked Oak at Loma Verde Preserve Apartment Homes | 2BR/2BA A | 2BR,2BA | $3.36 |
| Deer Valley | Plan 1A | 1BR,1BA | $3.66 |
| McInnis Park | Birch | 1BR,1BA | $3.90 |
| The Oaktops Apartments | 253 | 1BR,1BA | $3.65 |
| Highlands of Marin | Napa (A1A) | 1BR,1BA | $3.98 |
| 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
3.5Pet 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 $10,011.
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
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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
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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
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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.
Articles, How-To's, and Tips

How to Make Your Apartment Holiday-Ready: Renter-Friendly Tips
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Getting your apartment ready for the holidays can be exciting but sometimes challenging in a smaller space. Here are some modern tips to keep things festive, safe, and inviting this season.

Renting with Roommates: Realistic Expectations for Shared Lease
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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.

Apartment Common Area Rules: What Renters Need to Know
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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.

How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Everything is a negotiation in real estate!






















