
Cheap Apartments for Rent in the West San Rafael Neighborhood of San Rafael, CA from $1,800 (60 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the West San Rafael area of San Rafael.


Marinian Towers Apartments

33 North Apartments

Prospect Hill Apartments

The Oaktops Apartments

Hammondale

San Rafael Manor

1704 Lincoln Ave

22 N San Pablo Ave

Flores Apartments
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.

20 Sirard Ln

Senior Housing Redevelopment Project

280-282 Linden Ln

Hidden Knolls Apartments

239-241 Glen Park Ave

1516 Lincoln Ave

Merrydale Meadows

4-Multifamily & Development Site

1736 Grand Ave

1476 Lincoln
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.

Northgate Apartments

21 Merrydale Apartments

The Northview Apartments

Park Hill

Marin Gardens Apartment Homes

Nova at Terra Linda

Deer Valley

Alterra

McInnis Park

Merrydale Apartments
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.

Terra Linda Manor

Deer Park Apartments

Ranchitos Park Apartments

Lincoln Vista Apartments

The Oak View Apartments

1477-1483 Lincoln

Bella Vista (06/25)

Merrydale Apartments

1563 Lincoln Ave

San Pablo 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.

1531 Sir Francis Drake Blvd

16 Pacheco Ave

185-B Forrest Ave

1-9 Main Ct

103 Live Oaks Ave

66 Willow Ave

1598 Sir Francis Drake Blvd

33-35 Maple Ave

1512-1516 San Anselmo Ave

18 Sierra Ave
Renters Insurance 101: What It Is, What It Covers, and Why You Need It
From theft to fire to water damage, the unexpected can happen to any renter. Discover why renters insurance is one of the smartest and most affordable investments you can make as a tenant.
West San Rafael, San Rafael, CA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in West San Rafael?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| West San Rafael 1 Bedroom Apartments | $2,887 | $2,095 | $3,950 |
| West San Rafael 2 Bedroom Apartments | $3,404 | $2,629 | $4,995 |
| West San Rafael 3 Bedroom Apartments | $4,222 | $3,150 | $4,821 |
Browse Apartments in this Neighborhood
There are currently 60 rentals with your search options within a 2 mile radius of the West San Rafael Neighborhood of San Rafael, CA.
See all Apartments in San RafaelExplore San Rafael
West San Rafael, San Rafael, CA Local Guide
- Nearby San Rafael neighborhoods
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Cheapest Available West San Rafael Apartments for Rent
 The cheapest available apartment rental in the West San Rafael area of San Francisco, CA is a 1 Bed unit found at Marinian Towers Apartments priced from $2,095. 1531 Sir Francis Drake Blvd has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $2,095. Here are the most affordable West San Rafael apartments for rent in San Francisco, CA:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marinian Towers Apartments | 1BR/1.0BA | 1BR,1BA | $2,095 |
| 1531 Sir Francis Drake Blvd | 0 Beds, 1 Baths | Studio,1BA | $2,095 |
| Park Hill | 1x1B | 1BR,1BA | $2,375 |
| Marin Properties | Redwood 1 Bed 1 Bath M 2nd | 1BR,1BA | $2,550 |
| The Oaktops Apartments | 251 | 1BR,1BA | $2,635 |
| Nova at Terra Linda | 1x1 | 1BR,1BA | $2,735 |
| Highlands of Marin | Napa (A1A) | 1BR,1BA | $2,784 |
| Alterra | 2x1 | 2BR,1BA | $3,100 |
| Prospect Hill Apartments | 2 bedroom 2 bath | 2BR,2BA | $3,100 |
| Deer Valley | Plan 2B | 2BR,2BA | $3,329 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in West San Rafael, CA
As of July 15, 2026 the best value apartment in the West San Rafael area is the $3.42 price per square foot 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom with Den Model at 33 North Apartments in the in the Black Canyon neighborhood starting from $3,950. The second greatest value West San Rafael apartment is the 2 bedroom 2 bath Model at Prospect Hill Apartments starting at $3,100 with a $2.82 price per square foot in the Black Canyon neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for West San Rafael apartments based on price per square foot:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 33 North Apartments | 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom with Den | 1BR,1BA | $3.42 |
| Prospect Hill Apartments | 2 bedroom 2 bath | 2BR,2BA | $2.82 |
| 93 Medway Rd, Unit 93 Medway | 93 Medway Rd | 2BR,1BA | $3.00 |
| Marinian Towers Apartments | 2BR/1.0BA | 2BR,1BA | $2.77 |
| McInnis Park | Elder | 2BR,1BA | $4.02 |
| Alterra | 2x1 | 2BR,1BA | $3.78 |
| The Oaktops Apartments | 251 | 1BR,1BA | $3.66 |
| Deer Valley | Plan 1A | 1BR,1BA | $4.33 |
| Nova at Terra Linda | 1x1 | 1BR,1BA | $3.93 |
| Highlands of Marin | Napa (A1A) | 1BR,1BA | $4.28 |
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 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.
Pet Friendly LifestyleWest San Rafael, San Rafael, CA
Ranked #15
Among cities in California for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities.
Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score
4.0Pet Friendly
Lifestyle Ratings
ApartmentHomeLiving brings you comprehensive Lifestyle Ratings of rentals in cities across the United States including West San Rafael, San Rafael, and the greater San Francisco area. Lifestyle Ratings show you the best fit for your needs and interests. This takes in many factors including rankings of the best places for convenient access to the outdoors, luxury amenities, pet-friendly features, family-friendly amenities, proximity to transit, in addition to floorplans, availablity, and pricing. Find Lifestyle Search in the filter options (above). Happy Searching!
Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap West San Rafael Apartments
How much is rent for a Cheap One Bedroom West San Rafael Apartment?
The lowest price for a Cheap One Bedroom West San Rafael Apartment is $2,095 at Marinian Towers Apartments.
What is the lowest price for a Cheap Two Bedroom West San Rafael Apartment for rent?
Today's best deal for a Cheap Two Bedroom Apartment in West San Rafael is starting from $2,629 at Marinian Towers Apartments.
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 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.
Articles, How-To's, and Tips

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.

Apartment Occupancy Rates: Renter Attraction vs Renter Retention
Written by: Robin Stewart
There’s a tenet in marketing about client or customer attraction and retention. Studies and data have consistently shown it costs less to keep a current customer than to attract a new one.

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.

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.