Most Affordable Neighborhoods in San Francisco, CA
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in San Francisco are Lower Nob, Nob Hill, and Bayview/Visitacion Valley. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in San Francisco, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of February 19, 2025, the average rent in San Francisco is $2,940, which is 1.7% 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
$2,872/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.3%
TransitScore® Rating
98/100
Units Available
213 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
$3,022/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.8%
TransitScore® Rating
93/100
Units Available
183 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.
Bayview/Visitacion Valley
Average Rent
$3,102/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
3.1%
TransitScore® Rating
68/100
Units Available
53 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 $3,102, while the city’s average stands at $2,940. In the last year, prices have increased by 3.1%. Bayview/Visitacion Valley is near Carroll Station Outbound, Candlestick Point State Recreation Area, and San Jose Ave & Randall St.
Civic Center
Average Rent
$3,108/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.2%
TransitScore® Rating
100/100
Units Available
331 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
$3,355/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.5%
TransitScore® Rating
92/100
Units Available
385 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 $3,355 while the city average is $2,940. This is a 1.5% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to California College of the Arts, Exploratorium, and Golden Gate Univ., San Fran.. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 99.
SoMa
Average Rent
$3,357/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.2%
TransitScore® Rating
100/100
Units Available
391 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.
Richmond/Western Addition
Average Rent
$3,391/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2.6%
TransitScore® Rating
75/100
Units Available
533 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great San Francisco neighborhood on a budget, check out Richmond/Western Addition. The average rent is $3,391, compared to the city average of $2,940. Rent prices have increased by 2.6%. Richmond/Western Addition is convenient to California Academy of Sciences, Judah And 9Th Avenue, and Ucsf. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 96.
Chinatown
Average Rent
$3,429/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.2%
TransitScore® Rating
100/100
Units Available
40 Rentals
Chinatown is an affordable neighborhood in San Francisco with an average rent price of $3,429. Compare this to the city average of $2,940. In the past year, rent prices have decreased by 0.2%. Chinatown provides easy access to Powell And California, California And Grant, and California College of the Arts. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 100.
Union Square
Average Rent
$3,457/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.9%
TransitScore® Rating
100/100
Units Available
45 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in San Francisco, Union Square might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $3,457, while the city’s average stands at $2,940. In the last year, prices have increased by 1.9%. Union Square is near Randall Museum, Market And Montgomery, and Market And 2Nd.
Potrero
Average Rent
$3,575/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2%
TransitScore® Rating
73/100
Units Available
73 Rentals
Potrero is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Potrero is $3,575 while the city average is $2,940. This is a 2% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Candlestick Point State Recreation Area, Children's Creativity Museum, and Mariposa Station Outbound. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 93.
Ready to make your move to San Francisco? Check out the rent specials, price drops, and great deals on ApartmentFinder.com!
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.