Most Affordable Neighborhoods in San Francisco, CA
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in San Francisco are Lower Nob, Bayview/Visitacion Valley, 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 January 17, 2025, the average rent in San Francisco is $2,913, which is 0.8% 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
$2,915/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.6%
TransitScore® Rating
98/100
Units Available
234 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.
Bayview/Visitacion Valley
Average Rent
$3,068/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.6%
TransitScore® Rating
72/100
Units Available
71 Rentals
Bayview/Visitacion Valley is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Bayview/Visitacion Valley is $3,068 while the city average is $2,913. This is a -0.6% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Bayview Plaza, Williams Station Outbound, and Randall Museum. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 82.
Civic Center
Average Rent
$3,108/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.2%
TransitScore® Rating
100/100
Units Available
336 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.
Nob Hill
Average Rent
$3,116/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.7%
TransitScore® Rating
93/100
Units Available
199 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.
Downtown San Francisco
Average Rent
$3,310/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.8%
TransitScore® Rating
92/100
Units Available
402 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great San Francisco neighborhood on a budget, check out Downtown San Francisco. The average rent is $3,310, compared to the city average of $2,913. Rent prices have increased by 0.8%. Downtown San Francisco is convenient to Mason And Broadway, Crocker Galleria, and Mason And Pacific. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 99.
SoMa
Average Rent
$3,314/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.6%
TransitScore® Rating
100/100
Units Available
370 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.
Lower Pacific Heights
Average Rent
$3,360/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.8%
TransitScore® Rating
79/100
Units Available
48 Rentals
Lower Pacific Heights is a budget-friendly neighborhood that doesn't compromise on amenities. It's home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes, providing residents with everything they need within walking distance. The area also features several parks, offering a green retreat in the heart of the city.
Richmond/Western Addition
Average Rent
$3,387/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.6%
TransitScore® Rating
75/100
Units Available
555 Rentals
Richmond/Western Addition is an affordable neighborhood in San Francisco with an average rent price of $3,387. Compare this to the city average of $2,913. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 0.6%. Richmond/Western Addition provides easy access to Metro Oakland International, Market & Noe Center, and University of San Francisco. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 96.
Chinatown
Average Rent
$3,434/Month
TransitScore® Rating
100/100
Units Available
44 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in San Francisco, Chinatown might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $3,434, while the city’s average stands at $2,913. In the last year, prices have increased by 0%. Chinatown is near Powell And Sacramento, California And Grant, and San Francisco International.
Potrero
Average Rent
$3,559/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.6%
TransitScore® Rating
73/100
Units Available
71 Rentals
Potrero is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Potrero is $3,559 while the city average is $2,913. This is a 1.6% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Trinity Place, 20Th Street Station, and Mariposa Station. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 93.
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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.