Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Downtown San Rafael Neighborhood of San Rafael, CA from $1,200 (15 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the Downtown San Rafael area of San Rafael.

One55 Lofts

Lone Palm Court Apartments

Terra Linda Manor
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

Skylark Apartments
Downtown San Rafael, San Rafael, CA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Downtown San Rafael?
Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
---|---|---|---|
Downtown San Rafael Studio Apartments | $2,356 | $2,293 | $2,427 |
Downtown San Rafael 1 Bedroom Apartments | $2,657 | $2,000 | $3,900 |
Downtown San Rafael 2 Bedroom Apartments | $3,525 | $2,700 | $5,500 |
Downtown San Rafael 3 Bedroom Apartments | $4,058 | $3,386 | $4,599 |
Downtown San Rafael 4 Bedroom Apartments | $4,400 | $4,400 | $4,400 |
Browse Apartments in this Neighborhood
There are currently 15 rentals with your search options within a 2 mile radius of the Downtown San Rafael Neighborhood of San Rafael, CA.
See all Apartments in San RafaelExplore San Rafael
Cheapest Available Downtown San Rafael Apartments for Rent
 The cheapest available apartment rental in the Downtown San Rafael area of San Francisco, CA is a 1 Bed unit found at One55 Lofts priced from $2,199. West End Villas has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $2,250. Here are the most affordable Downtown San Rafael apartments for rent in San Francisco, CA:
Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
---|---|---|---|
One55 Lofts | One Bedroom Loft | 1BR,1BA | $2,199 |
West End Villas | Plan 3 | 1BR,1BA | $2,250 |
Skylark Apartments | Studio | Studio,1BA | $2,293 |
Lone Palm Court Apartments | One bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $2,300 |
Rafael Town Center Apartments | Studio B | Studio,1BA | $2,332 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Downtown San Rafael, CA
As of April 05, 2025 the best value apartment in the Downtown San Rafael area is the $2.54 price per square foot 808 A St Model at 808 A St, Unit Apartment C in the in the East San Rafael neighborhood starting from $3,000. The second greatest value Downtown San Rafael apartment is the 251 Model at The Oaktops Apartments starting at $2,585 with a $3.52 price per square foot in the Black Canyon neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Downtown San Rafael apartments based on price per square foot:
Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
---|---|---|---|
808 A St, Unit Apartment C | 808 A St | 2BR,1BA | $2.54 |
The Oaktops Apartments | 251 | 1BR,1BA | $3.52 |
The Meridian | 1x1 | 1BR,1BA | $3.52 |
Sommerhill Townhouses | 1 bd | 1BR,1BA | $3.65 |
Lone Palm Court Apartments | One bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $3.65 |
Terra Linda Manor | 1 Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $3.90 |
Skylark Apartments | Studio | Studio ,1BA | $3.90 |
1202 Nye St, Unit D | 1202 Nye St | 1BR,1BA | $3.81 |
West End Villas | Plan 3 | 1BR,1BA | $4.69 |
One55 Lofts | One Bedroom Loft | 1BR,1BA | $4.63 |
Getting Around the Downtown San Rafael Neighborhood in San Rafael, CA
Walk Score®
97 / 100
Walker’s Paradise
Daily errands do not require a car
Bike Score®
72 / 100
Very Bikeable
Biking is convenient for most trips
Transit Score®
52 / 100
Good Transit
Many nearby public transportation options
What Are Walk Score®, Transit Score®, and Bike Score® Ratings?
- Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address.
- Transit Score® measures access to public transit.
- Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Downtown San Rafael Apartments
What is the price of a cheap apartment in Downtown San Rafael?
The cheapest apartment in Downtown San Rafael is One55 Lofts which is listed at $2,199, while the average apartment in Downtown San Rafael costs $4,400.
What types of apartments are the cheapest in Downtown San Rafael?
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 7 regular apartments in Downtown San Rafael that we think qualify as ‘cheap apartments’ that do not have special requirements to apply to rent.
How do the prices of cheap apartments compare to the average apartment in Downtown San Rafael?
Cheap apartments in Downtown San Rafael have an average cost of $417 which is $3,983 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in Downtown San Rafael.
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.

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.

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.

Renting Smart: Lease Basics Every Renter Needs
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Often, in the excitement of finding a new place to live, there’s a rush to make it happen, and - too often - a new tenant signs a lease without reading it carefully.

Battling the Butts: Your Guide to the Reality of Smoke-Free Renting
Written by: Andrea Lee Negroni, JD
While many apartment buildings are “no smoking” properties, it’s hard to know exactly how many. In 2017, the National Apartment Association reported more than half of rental properties had smoke free policies.