Most Affordable Neighborhoods in San Rafael, CA

Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in San Rafael are Lincoln-San Rafael Hill, Domincan-Black Canyon, and Sun Valley. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in San Rafael, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of March 30, 2025, the average rent in San Rafael is $2,168, which is 0.5% higher than last year. However, it's important to remember that rental prices can vary significantly based on factors such as location, amenities, and floor plans.

Lincoln-San Rafael Hill

Average Rent

$2,129/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

0.4%

TransitScore® Rating

49/100

Units Available

2 Rentals

Lincoln-San Rafael Hill is an affordable neighborhood in San Rafael with an average rent price of $2,129. Compare this to the city average of $2,168. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 0.4%. Lincoln-San Rafael Hill provides easy access to John F. McInnis County Park, University of San Francisco, and West End Shopping Center. It’s a somewhat walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 68.

Domincan-Black Canyon

Average Rent

$2,158/Month

TransitScore® Rating

41/100

Units Available

1 Rentals

If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in San Rafael, Domincan-Black Canyon might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $2,158, while the city’s average stands at $2,168. Domincan-Black Canyon is near Contra Costa College, UC San Francisco, Mount Zion, and Montecito Plaza.

Sun Valley

Average Rent

$2,400/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

1.9%

TransitScore® Rating

32/100

Units Available

3 Rentals

Sun Valley is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Sun Valley is $2,400 while the city average is $2,168. This is a -1.9% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to WildCare, Jones And Beach, and John F. McInnis County Park. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 70.

West End

Average Rent

$2,400/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

1.8%

TransitScore® Rating

27/100

Units Available

3 Rentals

When you’re looking for a great San Rafael neighborhood on a budget, check out West End. The average rent is $2,400, compared to the city average of $2,168. Rent prices have decreased by 1.8%. West End is convenient to Hal Brown Park at Creekside, Metro Oakland International, and El Cerrito Del Norte Station. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 74.

Terra Linda

Average Rent

$2,475/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

1.3%

TransitScore® Rating

41/100

Units Available

5 Rentals

Terra Linda is an affordable neighborhood in San Rafael with an average rent price of $2,475. Compare this to the city average of $2,168. In the past year, rent prices have decreased by 1.3%. Terra Linda provides easy access to University of San Francisco, White Hill Preserve, and UC San Francisco, Mount Zion. It’s a somewhat walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 67.

Canal Waterfront

Average Rent

$2,550/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

4.6%

TransitScore® Rating

52/100

Units Available

1 Rentals

If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in San Rafael, Canal Waterfront might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $2,550, while the city’s average stands at $2,168. In the last year, prices have increased by 4.6%. Canal Waterfront is near Richmond Station, Metro Oakland International, and Harbor Center.

Downtown San Rafael

Average Rent

$2,629/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

2.2%

TransitScore® Rating

52/100

Units Available

24 Rentals

Downtown San Rafael is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Downtown San Rafael is $2,629 while the city average is $2,168. This is a 2.2% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to El Cerrito Del Norte Station, Baltimore Canyon Open Space, and WildCare. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 97.

Gerstle Park

Average Rent

$2,635/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

2.3%

TransitScore® Rating

47/100

Units Available

10 Rentals

When you’re looking for a great San Rafael neighborhood on a budget, check out Gerstle Park. The average rent is $2,635, compared to the city average of $2,168. Rent prices have increased by 2.3%. Gerstle Park is convenient to Jefferson And Taylor, Cascade Canyon Preserve, and Shamrock Center. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 86.

Smith Ranch

Average Rent

$2,667/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

1.4%

TransitScore® Rating

39/100

Units Available

26 Rentals

Smith Ranch is an affordable neighborhood in San Rafael with an average rent price of $2,667. Compare this to the city average of $2,168. In the past year, rent prices have decreased by 1.4%. Smith Ranch provides easy access to McNear's Beach County Park, Northgate Shopping Center I, and Richmond Station. It’s a somewhat walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 51.

Canal

Average Rent

$3,508/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

1.7%

TransitScore® Rating

41/100

Units Available

12 Rentals

If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in San Rafael, Canal might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $3,508, while the city’s average stands at $2,168. In the last year, prices have increased by 1.7%. Canal is near China Camp State Park, Ring Mountain Preserve, and WildCare.

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Methodology

Transit Score measures access to public transit. Scores range from 0 (minimal transit) to 100 (rider’s paradise). Learn more about the Transit Score methodology. Rental data is sourced from CoStar Group’s Market Trend reports. As a leading authority in commercial real estate information, analytics, and news, CoStar performs in-depth research to build and sustain an extensive database of commercial real estate insights.

We've combined this data with public records to provide the most current rental information available.