Most Affordable Neighborhoods in San Rafael, CA
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in San Rafael are Canal Waterfront, Lincoln-San Rafael Hill, and Montecito-Happy Valley. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in San Rafael, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of December 27, 2024, the average rent in San Rafael is $2,159, which is 2.6% 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.
Canal Waterfront
Average Rent
$2,150/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.2%
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 $2,150, while the city’s average stands at $2,159. In the last year, prices have increased by 1.2%. Canal Waterfront is near Academy of Art University, McNear's Beach County Park, and Jefferson And Taylor.
Lincoln-San Rafael Hill
Average Rent
$2,195/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.9%
TransitScore® Rating
49/100
Units Available
1 Rentals
Lincoln-San Rafael Hill is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Lincoln-San Rafael Hill is $2,195 while the city average is $2,159. This is a 0.9% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to UC San Francisco, Mount Zion, West End Shopping Center, and Hyde And Beach. The neighborhood is considered somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 68.
Montecito-Happy Valley
Average Rent
$2,195/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.5%
TransitScore® Rating
55/100
Units Available
1 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great San Rafael neighborhood on a budget, check out Montecito-Happy Valley. The average rent is $2,195, compared to the city average of $2,159. Rent prices have increased by 1.5%. Montecito-Happy Valley is convenient to Hyde And Beach, Metro Oakland International, and Montecito Plaza. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 89.
Sun Valley
Average Rent
$2,450/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.8%
TransitScore® Rating
32/100
Units Available
2 Rentals
Sun Valley is an affordable neighborhood in San Rafael with an average rent price of $2,450. Compare this to the city average of $2,159. In the past year, rent prices have decreased by 1.8%. Sun Valley provides easy access to Contra Costa College, West End Shopping Center, and San Francisco International. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 70.
West End
Average Rent
$2,450/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
3.5%
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 $2,450, while the city’s average stands at $2,159. In the last year, prices have decreased by 3.5%. West End is near Miracle Mile, UC San Francisco, Mount Zion, and Jefferson And Taylor.
Domincan-Black Canyon
Average Rent
$2,472/Month
TransitScore® Rating
41/100
Units Available
2 Rentals
Domincan-Black Canyon is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Domincan-Black Canyon is $2,472 while the city average is $2,159. Residents enjoy convenient access to China Camp State Park, UC San Francisco, Mount Zion, and Hyde And Beach. The neighborhood is considered car-dependent with a WalkScore® of 40.
Gerstle Park
Average Rent
$2,660/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2.3%
TransitScore® Rating
47/100
Units Available
9 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great San Rafael neighborhood on a budget, check out Gerstle Park. The average rent is $2,660, compared to the city average of $2,159. Rent prices have increased by 2.3%. Gerstle Park is convenient to Cascade Canyon Preserve, Baltimore Canyon Open Space, and Rafael Town Center. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 86.
Smith Ranch
Average Rent
$2,662/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
5.7%
TransitScore® Rating
39/100
Units Available
24 Rentals
Smith Ranch is an affordable neighborhood in San Rafael with an average rent price of $2,662. Compare this to the city average of $2,159. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 5.7%. Smith Ranch provides easy access to UC San Francisco, Mount Zion, Northgate Shopping Center I, and China Camp State Park. It’s a somewhat walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 51.
Terra Linda
Average Rent
$2,752/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.8%
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 $2,159. In the last year, prices have increased by 1.8%. Terra Linda is near El Cerrito Del Norte Station, Hyde And Beach, and Jefferson And Taylor.
Downtown San Rafael
Average Rent
$2,853/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.9%
TransitScore® Rating
52/100
Units Available
35 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 $2,853 while the city average is $2,159. This is a -0.9% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Contra Costa College, University of San Francisco, and Jefferson And Taylor. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 97.
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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.