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Studio Apartments for Rent in San Rafael, CA

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  • /36

    Starting at $2,224 Per Month

    • Studio - 2 Beds

    155 Andersen Dr, San Rafael, CA 94901

    Welcome to One55 Lofts, where entertainment is always just around the corner. Our loft-style apartments for rent in San Rafael, CA include studio, one, and two bedroom floor plans with all the amenities you desire. Boasting inspired interior features, inviting community amenities, and a desirable location, life is exceptional here.

    One55 Lofts

    (415) 548-7989

    155 Andersen Dr, San Rafael, CA 94901
  • /19

    $3,554 Per Month

    • Studio
    • 1 Bath
    • 300 Sq Ft
    • Furnished Studio-San Rafael - Francisco Blvd East

    1775 Francisco Blvd E, San Rafael, CA 94901

    Enjoy a fully furnished studio suite in our hotel at an affordable rate with free wi-fi, free utilities and free premium cable. Each studio suite has a full kitchen with full-size refrigerator, stovetop and microwave, and has a flexible workspace and plenty of storage. All our hotels are pet-friendly and have on-site guest laundry available. Plus, there are no long-term commitments and you can

    Furnished Studio-San Rafael - Francisco Blvd East

    (415) 749-9782

    1775 Francisco Blvd E, San Rafael, CA 94901
  • /16

    Starting at $1,895 Per Month

    • Studio - 2 Beds

    1 H St, San Rafael, CA 94901

    1 H Street was originally built at the turn of the last century as a Pacific Telephone and Telegraph switching station. In 1995 it was renovated into a mixed-use building with street level retail spaces and urban apartments above. 1 H Street was bestowed a Gold Nugget Best in the West Award of Merit by the Pacific Coast Builders Conference for Best Renovated, Restored or Remodeled residential

    (628) 336-4404

    1 H St, San Rafael, CA 94901
  • /20

    Starting at $1,975 Per Month

    • Studio - 2 Beds

    215 Bayview St, San Rafael, CA 94901

    Come visit the 215 Bayview Apartments community nestled in the beautiful Gerstle Park Neighborhood in San Rafael. We feature studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom floor plans. We offer a wonderful family environment with large common garden areas and a newly renovated pool and spa. We are also a pet-friendly community. Downtown San Rafael is close and a large Safeway even easier. Our location

    215 Bayview Apartments

    (628) 243-8692

    215 Bayview St, San Rafael, CA 94901

Why Live in San Rafael

San Rafael's cultural scene centers around the iconic Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Marin County Civic Center, which hosts community events and architectural tours. Outdoor recreation flourishes at China Camp State Park, where residents enjoy hiking and biking trails alongside a historic Chinese shrimp-fishing village. The downtown district features independent boutiques, art galleries, and popular restaurants like Sol Food, known for authentic Puerto Rican cuisine, and La Toscana Ristorante's exceptional Italian dishes.

The real estate landscape in San Rafael spans diverse price points across distinct neighborhoods. The median single-family home price reaches $1,489,500, while the median townhome price sits at $1,295,000. Condominiums present more affordable options, with median prices of $429,000 for one-bedroom units and $551,300 for two-bedroom units. Premium neighborhoods like Peacock Gap command a median single-family home price of $2,304,000, while Gerstle Park provides relatively more accessible options at $1,160,000.

Property taxes in San Rafael remain competitive at 0.72%, lower than Oakland and Berkeley at 0.76%. The California state income tax rate stands at 1.00% for yearly salaries of $41,901, with a combined sales tax rate of 8.80%.

San Rafael's education system includes several highly-rated institutions. Public schools like Redwood High School earned an A+ rating, while private institutions such as Marin Academy and San Domenico School also received top marks. Dominican University of California adds higher education opportunities within the city limits.

The Mediterranean climate maintains year-round temperatures between 40°F and mid-70s°F. Commuters benefit from Golden Gate Transit buses and the SMART train, with San Francisco just 15 miles south via Highway 101. The weekly farmers market, Italian Street Painting Festival, and First Friday Art Walks create regular community gatherings throughout the year.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to rent a home in San Rafael, CA?
The median rent for a home in San Rafael, CA is $3,995 per month, though prices vary by neighborhood, size, and property type. As of May 2026, townhouses tend to be the most affordable option while condos and single-family homes are currently more expensive.
How much do you need to make to afford rent in San Rafael, CA?
To comfortably afford the median rent in San Rafael, CA, a household needs to earn roughly $159,800 per year. This is based on the common guideline that households should spend no more than 30% of gross income on housing. Most landlords require monthly household income of at least 3x the monthly rent, and with a median rent of $3,995 per month in San Rafael, CA, renters typically need to show $11,985 per month in gross income to qualify. Actual affordability will vary depending on household debts, other living expenses, and overall budget.
Is it more affordable to rent or buy in San Rafael, CA?
In San Rafael, CA, the price-to-rent ratio is 26.1, which generally favors renting. This ratio divides the median home price by the annual median rent: below 15 typically favors buying, 15 to 20 is balanced, and above 20 typically favors renting. Your finances, how long you plan to stay, and costs like mortgage rates, taxes, and maintenance all factor into the decision.

Rental Home Trends in San Rafael, CA

Rental Home Trends

Number of Homes for Rent
4
Median Rent
$3,995
Median Single Family Home Rent
$5,500
Median Townhouse Rent
$2,900
Median Condo Rent
$3,495
How to Rent a Home