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 February 28, 2025, the average rent in San Rafael is $2,148, which is 0.4% 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
$2,110/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.1%
TransitScore® Rating
49/100
Units Available
2 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 $2,110, while the city’s average stands at $2,148. In the last year, prices have decreased by 0.1%. Lincoln-San Rafael Hill is near El Cerrito Del Norte Station, Hyde And Beach, and West End Shopping Center.
Domincan-Black Canyon
Average Rent
$2,120/Month
TransitScore® Rating
41/100
Units Available
1 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 $2,148. Residents enjoy convenient access to Academy of Art University, Montecito Plaza, and Jefferson And Taylor. The neighborhood is considered car-dependent with a WalkScore® of 40.
Canal Waterfront
Average Rent
$2,150/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.9%
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 $2,150, compared to the city average of $2,148. Rent prices have increased by 0.9%. Canal Waterfront is convenient to Hyde And Beach, WildCare, and Harbor Center. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 76.
Sun Valley
Average Rent
$2,400/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2.2%
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 $2,148. In the past year, rent prices have decreased by 2.2%. Sun Valley provides easy access to Loma Alta Preserve, Richmond Station, and Hyde And Beach. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 70.
West End
Average Rent
$2,400/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2.2%
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 $2,148. In the last year, prices have decreased by 2.2%. West End is near West End Shopping Center, Miracle Mile, and Jefferson And Taylor.
Downtown San Rafael
Average Rent
$2,564/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2.5%
TransitScore® Rating
52/100
Units Available
29 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 $2,564 while the city average is $2,148. This is a 2.5% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to University of San Francisco, West End Shopping Center, and Dominican Univ. of Ca. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 97.
Gerstle Park
Average Rent
$2,582/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 $2,582, compared to the city average of $2,148. Rent prices have increased by 2%. Gerstle Park is convenient to University of San Francisco, Cascade Canyon Preserve, and Jones And Beach. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 86.
Smith Ranch
Average Rent
$2,658/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
5.2%
TransitScore® Rating
39/100
Units Available
30 Rentals
Smith Ranch is an affordable neighborhood in San Rafael with an average rent price of $2,658. Compare this to the city average of $2,148. In the past year, rent prices have decreased by 5.2%. Smith Ranch provides easy access to El Cerrito Plaza Station, Dominican Univ. of Ca, and Jefferson And Taylor. It’s a somewhat walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 51.
Terra Linda
Average Rent
$2,732/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.2%
TransitScore® Rating
41/100
Units Available
5 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 $2,732, while the city’s average stands at $2,148. In the last year, prices have increased by 1.2%. Terra Linda is near University of San Francisco, Northgate Shopping Center III, and Northgate Shopping Center I.
Canal
Average Rent
$2,748/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.4%
TransitScore® Rating
41/100
Units Available
9 Rentals
Canal is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Canal is $2,748 while the city average is $2,148. This is a 1.4% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Academy of Art University, Joseph B. Rice Center, and Harbor Shopping Center. 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.