Best Affordable Neighborhoods in San Rafael, CA
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in San Rafael are Smith Ranch, Downtown San Rafael, and Canal. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in San Rafael, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of November 9, 2025, the average rent in San Rafael is $2,212, which is 2.1% 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.
Smith Ranch
Average Rent
$2,757/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
4%
TransitScore® Rating
39/100
Units Available
21 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great San Rafael neighborhood on a budget, check out Smith Ranch. The average rent is $2,757, compared to the city average of $2,212. Rent prices have increased by 4%. Smith Ranch is convenient to Northgate Shopping Center I, WildCare, and China Camp State Park. The community is somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 51.
Downtown San Rafael
Average Rent
$2,862/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
3.4%
TransitScore® Rating
52/100
Units Available
15 Rentals
Downtown San Rafael is an affordable neighborhood in San Rafael with an average rent price of $2,862. Compare this to the city average of $2,212. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 3.4%. Downtown San Rafael provides easy access to Contra Costa College, University of San Francisco, and John F. McInnis County Park. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 97.
Canal
Average Rent
$3,323/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.5%
TransitScore® Rating
41/100
Units Available
12 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in San Rafael, Canal might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $3,323, while the city’s average stands at $2,212. In the last year, prices have increased by 1.5%. Canal is near Ring Mountain Preserve, Metro Oakland International, and UC San Francisco, Mount Zion.
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.