Cheap Apartments for Rent in San Rafael, CA from $1,200 (19 Rentals)

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Marina Apartments
1 Bedroom Apartments

Marina Apartments

55 Bahia WaySan Rafael, CA 94901
  • Utilities Included
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1476 Lincoln
1 Bedroom Apartments

1476 Lincoln

1476 Lincoln AveSan Rafael, CA 94901
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Northgate Apartments
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Northgate Apartments

825 Las Gallinas AveSan Rafael, CA 94903
  • Utilities Included

Know Your Rights - How Discrimination Laws Impact Landlords and Tenants

Read our practical guide to landlord and tenant rights. Understand protected classes, reasonable accommodations, and legal exceptions to prevent housing discrimination.

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Park Hill
1 Bedroom Apartments

Park Hill

1747 Lincoln AveSan Rafael, CA 94901
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West End Apartments
1 Bedroom Apartments

West End Apartments

1827 2nd StSan Rafael, CA 94901
  • Utilities Included

San Francisco's Best Affordable Neighborhoods

Learn about San Francisco and the best places to live with original content written by our San Francisco, CA Local Expert Shannon Hilson

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Hamilton Woods
1 Bedroom Apartments

Hamilton Woods

1009 Green Oak DrNovato, CA 94949

San Rafael, CA Local Guide

Photo of Justin Habersaat - Editing Staff
Written By:
Justin Habersaat
Editing Staff

Cheapest Available San Rafael Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in San Rafael, CA is a Studio unit found at 215 Bayview Apartments in the College Park neighborhood priced from $1,950. Marin Royal Apartments in the College Park neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $1,999. Here is today’s list of the most affordable San Rafael apartments for rent:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
215 Bayview ApartmentsStudioStudio,1BA$1,950
Marin Royal ApartmentsJunior Bottom Floor1BR,1BA$1,999
Marinian Towers Apartments1BR/1.0BA1BR,1BA$1,999
Park Hill1x1B1BR,1BA$2,120
Larkspur CourtsTopaz1BR,1BA$2,246

Best Value Apartments for Rent in San Rafael, CA

As of April 27, 2025 the best value apartment in the San Rafael area is the $2.25 price per square foot 2 Bedroom 2 Bath Model at 33 North Apartments in the in the Black Canyon neighborhood starting from $4,195. The second greatest value San Rafael apartment is the 319 Prospect Dr Model at 319 Prospect Dr, Unit B starting at $5,200 with a $2.81 price per square foot in the Black Canyon neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for San Rafael apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
33 North Apartments2 Bedroom 2 Bath2BR,2BA$2.25
319 Prospect Dr, Unit B319 Prospect Dr4BR,2.5BA$2.81
Skylark Apartments3x23BR,2BA$3.38
24 E Crescent Dr, Unit 224 E Crescent Dr2BR,1BA$2.67
The Meridian3x2 Large3BR,2BA$3.27
1224 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Unit 1222 a1224 Sir Francis Drake Blvd2BR,2BA$3.40
24 La Vista Way, Unit 2424 La Vista Way2BR,1BA$2.90
Lone Palm Court ApartmentsTwo bedroom2BR,1BA$2.74
Via Holon ApartmentsOne bedroom1BR,1BA$3.09
Marinian Towers Apartments1BR/1.0BA1BR,1BA$3.22

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San Rafael Overview

Known as 'the city with a mission', San Rafael is located in the northern bay area of California, just a hop and a skip from San Francisco and boasting a budding population of close to 60,000 residents. Flush with culture, nightlife and natural beauty to spare, this sunny locale is a winning destination for good reason.

Why live in San Rafael, CA?

With a great economic base thanks to local technology employers such as Comcast, Telltale Games and Stormfront Studios, San Rafael rentals are an excellent place to live and work. Offering plenty of that world-famous California weather, as well as a mouth-watering array of cuisine, this west coast hot spot is an ideal locale for a variety of lifestyles.

Remember the 3 Rules of Real Estate:
Location, Location, Location!

Explore San Rafael, CA Rentals by Map

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Getting Around San Rafael, CA

Walk Score®

76 / 100

Very Walkable

Most errands can be accomplished on foot

Bike Score®

60 / 100

Bikeable

Some bike infrastructure

Transit Score®

45 / 100

Some Transit

A few nearby public transportation options

Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap San Rafael Apartments

How much is rent for a Cheap One Bedroom San Rafael Apartment?

The lowest price for a Cheap One Bedroom San Rafael Apartment is $1,999 at Marinian Towers Apartments.

What is the lowest price for a Cheap Two Bedroom San Rafael Apartment for rent?

Today's best deal for a Cheap Two Bedroom Apartment in San Rafael is starting from $2,464 at Sommerhill Townhouses.

What is the most affordable San Rafael Three Bedroom Apartment?

The best deal on a cheap San Rafael Three Bedroom Apartment rental is at Marinian Towers Apartments and starts from $3,195.

Expert Rental Resources

Helpful Apartment Articles, How-To's and Tips

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.

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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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Understanding Amenity Fees: Know Where You Might Be Able to Save Money

Written by: Amber Kanuckel

With the rising costs of housing, a lot of renters are asking this question: Is it possible to opt out of various amenities that your rental property offers so that you can avoid paying the fees.

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Rise of Digital Nomads: Remote Work Tips for Apartment Renters

Written by: Brandie Parton

As a digital nomad, you no longer call a set address or office building your home for eight hours of the day or more.

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Know Your Rights - How Discrimination Laws Impact Landlords and Tenants

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Everyone needs a place to live and to call home. For decades, the federal government has established protections to ensure that individuals and families can find housing free from discriminatory barriers.