Highlands of Marin
1001 Cresta Way,
San Rafael, CA 94903
1-3 Beds | $2,400 - $4,749
Rental Market Trends in San Rafael, CA
Updated September 2026
The average rent in San Rafael, CA is $2,240/month.
Rent in San Rafael is 35% higher than the national average rent of $1,665/month, making this one of the more expensive cities statewide.
$2,240/month
Average Rent
638 Sq Ft
Average Size
+1.9%
Change / Year
109
Available Apartments
San Rafael rent varies by unit size and layout:
- Studio apartments in San Rafael average $1,850 per month.
- One-bedroom apartments in San Rafael average $2,240 per month.
- Two-bedroom apartments in San Rafael average $2,898 per month.
- Three-bedroom apartments in San Rafael average $3,458 or more per month.
Average Rent by Home Type
Bedrooms
Average Rent
Average Sq Ft
Bedrooms
Average Rent
Average Sq Ft
How much has average rent changed in San Rafael, CA?
In the past year, rent has increased by 1.9%, which averages out to $43 more per month.
Market Trends Over Time
September 2026
2025
2026
Rent Ranges in San Rafael, CA
September 2026
Above $2,000
Most rental prices fall within this range
Percentage*
Rent Range
0%
Below $700/month
2%
$700 - $1,000/month
14%
$1,001 - $1,500/month
25%
$1,501 - $2,000/month
60%
Above $2,000/month
Rent by Neighborhood
What are the most affordable neighborhoods in San Rafael?
Based on current rent prices, Smith Ranch is the most affordable neighborhood in San Rafael.
Neighborhood
Average Rent
Average Sq Ft
What are the most expensive neighborhoods in San Rafael?
Based on current rent prices, Smith Ranch is the most expensive neighborhood in San Rafael.
Neighborhood
Average Rent
Average Sq Ft
Which San Rafael neighborhoods have the most rentals available?
The neighborhood in San Rafael with the most apartments available is Smith Ranch .
Neighborhood
Average Rent
Average Sq Ft
What salary do I need to live comfortably in San Rafael, CA?
Because the average rent in San Rafael is $2,240, you’ll want to make about $7,466 per month or $89,592 per year. The general guideline is to pay no more than 30 percent of your monthly income on rent. However, you’ll want to consider additional factors, such as your monthly bills and other expenses. Use our rent affordability calculator to help determine how much to budget for rent.
How does San Rafael, CA compare to other nearby cities and neighborhoods?
Use the tool below to compare San Rafael, CA to other nearby cities and neighborhoods. The Apartments.com neighborhood guides provide you with insight into the area’s transportation, things to do, and more.
View the San Rafael Area GuideStudio
$2,467/month
$2,467/month
One Bedroom
$2,764/month
$2,764/month
Two Bedroom
$3,613/month
$3,613/month
Three Bedroom
$4,284/month
$4,284/month
Compare Rent Trends Nearby
Get a clearer picture of the area by viewing rent trends in nearby cities.
-
San Anselmo
Avg Rent: $1,991/month
-
Kentfield
Avg Rent: $1,928/month
-
Larkspur
Avg Rent: $3,937/month
-
Greenbrae
Avg Rent: $2,284/month
-
Corte Madera
Avg Rent: $2,955/month
-
Fairfax
Avg Rent: $1,790/month
-
Mill Valley
Avg Rent: $3,047/month
Apartment Communities in San Rafael We Think You'll Love
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average rent in San Rafael?
The average rent in San Rafael is $2,240 per month, which is 34.5% higher than the national average of $1,665.
What is the average rent for a house in San Rafael?
The average rent for a house in San Rafael, CA is $5,465 per month.
Are rents going up or down in San Rafael?
Rents in San Rafael, CA are increasing, with prices up 1.9% year-over-year and $43 more per month.
What rent range is most common in San Rafael?
In San Rafael, CA, 60% of apartments fall above $2,000/month, though prices may vary depending on location and other factors.
Methodology
† Our analysis of utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, home prices, and other goods and services is sourced from the Cost of Living Index, a respected benchmark published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) that provides a thorough overview of living expenses across different regions.
Rent data is provided by CoStar Group’s Market Trend reports. As the industry leader in commercial real estate information, analytics, and news, CoStar conducts extensive research to produce and maintain a comprehensive database of commercial real estate information. We combine this data with public record to provide the most up-to-date rental information available.
Consumer goods, services, and home prices are sourced from the Cost of Living Index published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER). The data on this page is updated quarterly. It was last published in September 2026.
Demographic information comes from Neustar and combines detailed address data with U.S. Census and American Community Survey statistics to produce reliable local estimates.
* Percentages may not total 100 due to rounding.