Most Affordable Neighborhoods in San Rafael, CA
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in San Rafael are Lincoln-San Rafael Hill, Domincan-Black Canyon, and Canal Waterfront. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in San Rafael, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of April 22, 2025, the average rent in San Rafael is $2,170, which is 0.1% 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
$2,080/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.5%
TransitScore® Rating
49/100
Units Available
3 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 $2,080, while the city’s average stands at $2,170. In the last year, prices have decreased by 0.5%. Lincoln-San Rafael Hill is near Contra Costa College, Richmond Station, and UC San Francisco, Mount Zion.
Domincan-Black Canyon
Average Rent
$2,120/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 $2,120 while the city average is $2,170. Residents enjoy convenient access to Metro Oakland International, Hyde And Beach, and El Cerrito Plaza Station. The neighborhood is considered car-dependent with a WalkScore® of 40.
Canal Waterfront
Average Rent
$2,350/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2.7%
TransitScore® Rating
52/100
Units Available
2 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great San Rafael neighborhood on a budget, check out Canal Waterfront. The average rent is $2,350, compared to the city average of $2,170. Rent prices have increased by 2.7%. Canal Waterfront is convenient to Harbor Shopping Center, Harbor Center, and Hyde And Beach. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 76.
Terra Linda
Average Rent
$2,437/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.4%
TransitScore® Rating
41/100
Units Available
5 Rentals
Terra Linda is an affordable neighborhood in San Rafael with an average rent price of $2,437. Compare this to the city average of $2,170. In the past year, rent prices have decreased by 1.4%. Terra Linda provides easy access to Richmond Station, Northgate Shopping Center I, and White Hill Preserve. It’s a somewhat walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 67.
Downtown San Rafael
Average Rent
$2,662/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2.8%
TransitScore® Rating
52/100
Units Available
23 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in San Rafael, Downtown San Rafael might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $2,662, while the city’s average stands at $2,170. In the last year, prices have increased by 2.8%. Downtown San Rafael is near El Cerrito Del Norte Station, Dominican Univ. of Ca, and Rafael Town Center.
Smith Ranch
Average Rent
$2,715/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.9%
TransitScore® Rating
39/100
Units Available
27 Rentals
Smith Ranch is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Smith Ranch is $2,715 while the city average is $2,170. This is a -1.9% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Dominican Univ. of Ca, Marinwood Shopping Center, and Loma Alta Preserve. The neighborhood is considered somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 51.
Gerstle Park
Average Rent
$2,764/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2%
TransitScore® Rating
47/100
Units Available
11 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great San Rafael neighborhood on a budget, check out Gerstle Park. The average rent is $2,764, compared to the city average of $2,170. Rent prices have increased by 2%. Gerstle Park is convenient to Hal Brown Park at Creekside, Jefferson And Taylor, and Baltimore Canyon Open Space. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 87.
Canal
Average Rent
$3,616/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.1%
TransitScore® Rating
41/100
Units Available
15 Rentals
Canal is an affordable neighborhood in San Rafael with an average rent price of $3,616. Compare this to the city average of $2,170. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 1.1%. Canal provides easy access to Marin Square, UC San Francisco, Mount Zion, and Contra Costa College. It’s a somewhat walkable neighborhood 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.