Best Affordable Neighborhoods in San Francisco, CA
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in San Francisco are Stonestown, Lower Nob, and Nob Hill. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in San Francisco, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of March 15, 2026, the average rent in San Francisco is $3,245, which is 7.4% 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.
Stonestown
Average Rent
$3,018/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
9.2%
TransitScore® Rating
36/100
Units Available
28 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great San Francisco neighborhood on a budget, check out Stonestown. The average rent is $3,018, compared to the city average of $3,245. Rent prices have decreased by 9.2%. Stonestown is convenient to 19Th Ave & Holloway Ave, Parkmerced Shopping Center, and San Francisco International. The community is car-dependent with a WalkScore® of 16.
Lower Nob
Average Rent
$3,070/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
4.2%
TransitScore® Rating
98/100
Units Available
111 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
$3,338/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
3.3%
TransitScore® Rating
93/100
Units Available
88 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.
Chinatown
Average Rent
$3,430/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2.7%
TransitScore® Rating
100/100
Units Available
20 Rentals
Chinatown is an affordable neighborhood in San Francisco with an average rent price of $3,430. Compare this to the city average of $3,245. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 2.7%. Chinatown provides easy access to San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, California St & Grant Ave, and San Francisco International. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 100.
Civic Center
Average Rent
$3,502/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
6.5%
TransitScore® Rating
100/100
Units Available
228 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.
Hayes Valley
Average Rent
$3,559/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.5%
TransitScore® Rating
94/100
Units Available
13 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in San Francisco, Hayes Valley might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $3,559, while the city’s average stands at $3,245. In the last year, prices have increased by 0.5%. Hayes Valley is near Academy of Art University, Buena Vista Park, and Market And Haight/Gough.
Treasure Island
Average Rent
$3,595/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.7%
TransitScore® Rating
37/100
Units Available
44 Rentals
Treasure Island is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Treasure Island is $3,595 while the city average is $3,245. This is a 1.7% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Children's Creativity Museum, Academy of Art University, and California College of the Arts. The neighborhood is considered car-dependent with a WalkScore® of 42.
Bayview
Average Rent
$3,754/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
5.7%
TransitScore® Rating
68/100
Units Available
17 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great San Francisco neighborhood on a budget, check out Bayview. The average rent is $3,754, compared to the city average of $3,245. Rent prices have increased by 5.7%. Bayview is convenient to Golden Gate Univ., San Fran., Randall Museum, and California College of the Arts. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 80.
Western Addition
Average Rent
$3,760/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
10.1%
TransitScore® Rating
84/100
Units Available
29 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.
Lower Pacific Heights
Average Rent
$3,792/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
6%
TransitScore® Rating
79/100
Units Available
24 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.
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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.