Most Affordable Neighborhoods in San Rafael, CA
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in San Rafael are Lincoln-San Rafael Hill, Canal Waterfront, and Domincan-Black Canyon. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in San Rafael, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of January 27, 2025, the average rent in San Rafael is $2,132, which is 1.1% lower 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
$2,145/Month
TransitScore® Rating
49/100
Units Available
1 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in San Rafael, Lincoln-San Rafael Hill might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $2,145, while the city’s average stands at $2,132. In the last year, prices have decreased by 0%. Lincoln-San Rafael Hill is near El Cerrito Del Norte Station, WildCare, and Dominican Univ. of Ca.
Canal Waterfront
Average Rent
$2,150/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.7%
TransitScore® Rating
52/100
Units Available
2 Rentals
Canal Waterfront is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Canal Waterfront is $2,150 while the city average is $2,132. This is a 0.7% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Jefferson And Taylor, Metro Oakland International, and Richmond Station. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 76.
Domincan-Black Canyon
Average Rent
$2,172/Month
TransitScore® Rating
41/100
Units Available
2 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great San Rafael neighborhood on a budget, check out Domincan-Black Canyon. The average rent is $2,172, compared to the city average of $2,132. Domincan-Black Canyon is convenient to Hyde And Beach, Dominican Univ. of Ca, and John F. McInnis County Park. The community is car-dependent with a WalkScore® of 40.
Sun Valley
Average Rent
$2,400/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2.3%
TransitScore® Rating
32/100
Units Available
2 Rentals
Sun Valley is an affordable neighborhood in San Rafael with an average rent price of $2,400. Compare this to the city average of $2,132. In the past year, rent prices have decreased by 2.3%. Sun Valley provides easy access to Contra Costa College, Miracle Mile, and Richmond Station. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 70.
West End
Average Rent
$2,400/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2.4%
TransitScore® Rating
27/100
Units Available
2 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in San Rafael, West End might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $2,400, while the city’s average stands at $2,132. In the last year, prices have decreased by 2.4%. West End is near Hyde And Beach, West End Shopping Center, and Contra Costa College.
Smith Ranch
Average Rent
$2,573/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
6.2%
TransitScore® Rating
39/100
Units Available
25 Rentals
Smith Ranch is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Smith Ranch is $2,573 while the city average is $2,132. This is a -6.2% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Northgate Retail Center, McNear's Beach County Park, and Hyde And Beach. The neighborhood is considered somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 51.
Gerstle Park
Average Rent
$2,610/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.8%
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 $2,610, compared to the city average of $2,132. Rent prices have increased by 1.8%. Gerstle Park is convenient to Rafael Town Center, Metro Oakland International, and Baltimore Canyon Open Space. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 86.
Downtown San Rafael
Average Rent
$2,711/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1%
TransitScore® Rating
52/100
Units Available
25 Rentals
Downtown San Rafael is an affordable neighborhood in San Rafael with an average rent price of $2,711. Compare this to the city average of $2,132. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 1%. Downtown San Rafael provides easy access to John F. McInnis County Park, Jefferson And Taylor, and University of San Francisco. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 97.
Terra Linda
Average Rent
$2,752/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1%
TransitScore® Rating
41/100
Units Available
4 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in San Rafael, Terra Linda might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $2,752, while the city’s average stands at $2,132. In the last year, prices have increased by 1%. Terra Linda is near Jones And Beach, Northgate Shopping Center I, and Jefferson And Taylor.
Canal
Average Rent
$3,243/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.2%
TransitScore® Rating
41/100
Units Available
16 Rentals
Canal is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Canal is $3,243 while the city average is $2,132. This is a 1.2% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to WildCare, Hyde And Beach, and Contra Costa College. The neighborhood is considered somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 67.
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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.