Most Affordable Neighborhoods in San Francisco, CA
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in San Francisco are Lower Nob, Nob Hill, and Western Addition. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in San Francisco, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of April 22, 2025, the average rent in San Francisco is $3,000, which is 3% 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
$2,815/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.8%
TransitScore® Rating
98/100
Units Available
207 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
$3,091/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.8%
TransitScore® Rating
93/100
Units Available
175 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.
Western Addition
Average Rent
$3,158/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.2%
TransitScore® Rating
84/100
Units Available
39 Rentals
Western Addition combines affordability with a rich history highlighted by its classic Victorian homes. The neighborhood’s diverse culinary scene includes both traditional and contemporary dining options, and its proximity to public transit ensures easy access to the rest of San Francisco.
Civic Center
Average Rent
$3,194/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
3.2%
TransitScore® Rating
100/100
Units Available
341 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
$3,377/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
4%
TransitScore® Rating
92/100
Units Available
369 Rentals
Downtown San Francisco is an affordable neighborhood in San Francisco with an average rent price of $3,377. Compare this to the city average of $3,000. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 4%. Downtown San Francisco provides easy access to North Point Plaza Taylor & Bay, Mason And Broadway, and Aquarium of The Bay. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 99.
Richmond/Western Addition
Average Rent
$3,454/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.9%
TransitScore® Rating
75/100
Units Available
477 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in San Francisco, Richmond/Western Addition might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $3,454, while the city’s average stands at $3,000. In the last year, prices have increased by 1.9%. Richmond/Western Addition is near California Academy of Sciences, University of San Francisco, and Japanese Tea Garden.
SoMa
Average Rent
$3,476/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
6.2%
TransitScore® Rating
100/100
Units Available
382 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
$3,503/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2%
TransitScore® Rating
100/100
Units Available
39 Rentals
Chinatown is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Chinatown is $3,503 while the city average is $3,000. This is a 2% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to California And Grant, California And Stockton, and Powell And Washington. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 100.
Cathedral Hill/Intermission
Average Rent
$3,561/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2.9%
TransitScore® Rating
100/100
Units Available
118 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.
Treasure Island
Average Rent
$3,653/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
8.3%
TransitScore® Rating
35/100
Units Available
66 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great San Francisco neighborhood on a budget, check out Treasure Island. The average rent is $3,653, compared to the city average of $3,000. Rent prices have decreased by 8.3%. Treasure Island is convenient to San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, Academy of Art University, and San Francisco International. The community is car-dependent with a WalkScore® of 41.
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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.