Most Affordable Neighborhoods in San Rafael, CA
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in San Rafael are Smith Ranch, Gerstle Park, and Downtown San Rafael. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in San Rafael, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of June 17, 2025, the average rent in San Rafael is $2,183, 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.
Smith Ranch
Average Rent
$2,744/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
3.2%
TransitScore® Rating
39/100
Units Available
37 Rentals
Smith Ranch is an affordable neighborhood in San Rafael with an average rent price of $2,744. Compare this to the city average of $2,183. In the past year, rent prices have decreased by 3.2%. Smith Ranch provides easy access to China Camp State Park, Northgate Shopping Center I, and McNear's Beach County Park. It’s a somewhat walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 51.
Gerstle Park
Average Rent
$2,767/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2.1%
TransitScore® Rating
47/100
Units Available
10 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in San Rafael, Gerstle Park might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $2,767, while the city’s average stands at $2,183. In the last year, prices have increased by 2.1%. Gerstle Park is near Metro Oakland International, UC San Francisco, Mount Zion, and WildCare.
Downtown San Rafael
Average Rent
$2,815/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2.6%
TransitScore® Rating
52/100
Units Available
21 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 $2,815 while the city average is $2,183. This is a 2.6% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Baltimore Canyon Open Space, WildCare, and San Francisco International. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 97.
Canal
Average Rent
$3,173/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.2%
TransitScore® Rating
41/100
Units Available
15 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great San Rafael neighborhood on a budget, check out Canal. The average rent is $3,173, compared to the city average of $2,183. Rent prices have increased by 1.2%. Canal is convenient to Joseph B. Rice Center, Richmond Station, and UC San Francisco, Mount Zion. The community is 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.