Most Affordable Neighborhoods in San Rafael, CA
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in San Rafael are Domincan-Black Canyon, Lincoln-San Rafael Hill, 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 May 3, 2025, the average rent in San Rafael is $2,177, 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.
Domincan-Black Canyon
Average Rent
$2,120/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 $2,120, while the city’s average stands at $2,177. Domincan-Black Canyon is near Richmond Station, John F. McInnis County Park, and Contra Costa College.
Lincoln-San Rafael Hill
Average Rent
$2,120/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.6%
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 $2,120 while the city average is $2,177. This is a -0.6% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to University of San Francisco, WildCare, and UC San Francisco, Mount Zion. The neighborhood is considered somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 68.
Canal Waterfront
Average Rent
$2,350/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2.6%
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 $2,177. Rent prices have increased by 2.6%. Canal Waterfront is convenient to Harbor Shopping Center, China Camp State Park, and Hal Brown Park at Creekside. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 76.
Civic Center
Average Rent
$2,350/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2.3%
TransitScore® Rating
42/100
Units Available
1 Rentals
Civic Center is an affordable neighborhood in San Rafael with an average rent price of $2,350. Compare this to the city average of $2,177. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 2.3%. Civic Center provides easy access to UC San Francisco, Mount Zion, Northgate Shopping Center III, and Metro Oakland International. It’s a somewhat walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 59.
Rafael Meadows-Los Ranchitos
Average Rent
$2,350/Month
TransitScore® Rating
40/100
Units Available
1 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in San Rafael, Rafael Meadows-Los Ranchitos might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $2,350, while the city’s average stands at $2,177. Rafael Meadows-Los Ranchitos is near John F. McInnis County Park, Metro Oakland International, and San Francisco International.
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 a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Terra Linda is $2,437 while the city average is $2,177. This is a -1.4% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Cascade Canyon Preserve, Metro Oakland International, and San Francisco International. The neighborhood is considered somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 67.
Gerstle Park
Average Rent
$2,740/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.8%
TransitScore® Rating
47/100
Units Available
12 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great San Rafael neighborhood on a budget, check out Gerstle Park. The average rent is $2,740, compared to the city average of $2,177. Rent prices have increased by 1.8%. Gerstle Park is convenient to WildCare, Contra Costa College, and China Camp State Park. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 87.
Smith Ranch
Average Rent
$2,769/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2.1%
TransitScore® Rating
39/100
Units Available
27 Rentals
Smith Ranch is an affordable neighborhood in San Rafael with an average rent price of $2,769. Compare this to the city average of $2,177. In the past year, rent prices have decreased by 2.1%. Smith Ranch provides easy access to McNear's Beach County Park, Marinwood Shopping Center, and Metro Oakland International. It’s a somewhat walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 51.
Downtown San Rafael
Average Rent
$2,799/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
5.1%
TransitScore® Rating
52/100
Units Available
18 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 $2,799, while the city’s average stands at $2,177. In the last year, prices have increased by 5.1%. Downtown San Rafael is near China Camp State Park, John F. McInnis County Park, and Shamrock Center.
Canal
Average Rent
$3,552/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.1%
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 $3,552 while the city average is $2,177. This is a 1.1% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to China Camp State Park, Marin Square, and Harbor Shopping Center. The neighborhood is considered somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 67.
Ready to make your move to San Rafael? Check out the rent specials, price drops, and great deals on ApartmentFinder.com!
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.