Most Affordable Neighborhoods in San Francisco, CA
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in San Francisco are Lower Nob, Nob Hill, and Civic Center. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in San Francisco, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of March 30, 2025, the average rent in San Francisco is $2,976, which is 2.9% 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.
Lower Nob
Average Rent
$2,835/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.6%
TransitScore® Rating
98/100
Units Available
194 Rentals
Lower Nob is an affordable district that provides proximity to downtown without the high costs. Residents enjoy the area's various dining and entertainment options, including historic theatres and local eateries. They also love Lower Nob's walkability and access to cable cars, making navigating the city a total breeze.
Nob Hill
Average Rent
$3,063/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2.2%
TransitScore® Rating
93/100
Units Available
167 Rentals
Nob Hill exudes historic charm with its iconic cable cars and stunning architecture while offering reasonably priced rentals. Its elevated location provides breathtaking views of the cityscape and Bay, with local parks and upscale establishments adding to its allure.
Civic Center
Average Rent
$3,165/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.5%
TransitScore® Rating
100/100
Units Available
321 Rentals
Civic Center is an affordable neighborhood in the heart of San Francisco's cultural scene. This area is known as an entertainment hub, as it's home to world-renowned restaurants, several theaters, and museums. Here, residents can experience enriching entertainment and culinary options without breaking their budgets.
Downtown San Francisco
Average Rent
$3,409/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.8%
TransitScore® Rating
92/100
Units Available
367 Rentals
Downtown San Francisco is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Downtown San Francisco is $3,409 while the city average is $2,976. This is a 1.8% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Mason And Jackson, San Francisco International, and Aquarium of The Bay. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 99.
Richmond/Western Addition
Average Rent
$3,436/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2.8%
TransitScore® Rating
75/100
Units Available
480 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great San Francisco neighborhood on a budget, check out Richmond/Western Addition. The average rent is $3,436, compared to the city average of $2,976. Rent prices have increased by 2.8%. Richmond/Western Addition is convenient to UC San Francisco, Parnassus, Steinhart Aquarium, and San Francisco Botanical Garden. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 96.
Cathedral Hill/Intermission
Average Rent
$3,444/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.8%
TransitScore® Rating
100/100
Units Available
124 Rentals
Cathedral Hill/Intermission is a budget-friendly neighborhood that's rich in culture. The area is home to several churches and cathedrals, adding a unique charm to the neighborhood. However, despite its cultural richness, the neighborhood remains affordable for renters.
SoMa
Average Rent
$3,486/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
5.3%
TransitScore® Rating
100/100
Units Available
372 Rentals
Known for its art scene, SoMa offers a unique renting experience with low living costs. The area is home to several museums and art galleries, providing cultural enrichment right at your doorstep. With its mix of residential and commercial properties, SoMa offers a balanced lifestyle for its residents.
Chinatown
Average Rent
$3,551/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.3%
TransitScore® Rating
100/100
Units Available
38 Rentals
Chinatown is an affordable neighborhood in San Francisco with an average rent price of $3,551. Compare this to the city average of $2,976. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 0.3%. Chinatown provides easy access to California College of the Arts, San Francisco International, and California And Stockton. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 100.
Bayview/Visitacion Valley
Average Rent
$3,597/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
3.3%
TransitScore® Rating
72/100
Units Available
60 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in San Francisco, Bayview/Visitacion Valley might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $3,597, while the city’s average stands at $2,976. In the last year, prices have increased by 3.3%. Bayview/Visitacion Valley is near Mission At Cesar Chavez, Diamond Heights Shopping Center, and Williams Station Outbound.
Union Square
Average Rent
$3,597/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2.2%
TransitScore® Rating
100/100
Units Available
45 Rentals
Union Square is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Union Square is $3,597 while the city average is $2,976. This is a 2.2% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Aquarium of The Bay, Buena Vista Park, and Academy of Art University. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 100.
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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.