Most Affordable Neighborhoods in San Francisco, CA

Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in San Francisco are Golden Gate Park, Richmond District, and Lower Nob. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in San Francisco, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of August 7, 2025, the average rent in San Francisco is $3,060, which is 5.2% 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.

Golden Gate Park

Average Rent

$2,612/Month

TransitScore® Rating

73/100

Units Available

10 Rentals

When you’re looking for a great San Francisco neighborhood on a budget, check out Golden Gate Park. The average rent is $2,612, compared to the city average of $3,060. Golden Gate Park is convenient to Judah And 22Nd Avenue, Judah And 15Th Avenue, and Metro Oakland International. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 90.

Richmond District

Average Rent

$2,757/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

0.4%

TransitScore® Rating

69/100

Units Available

11 Rentals

Richmond District is an affordable neighborhood in San Francisco with an average rent price of $2,757. Compare this to the city average of $3,060. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 0.4%. Richmond District provides easy access to California Academy of Sciences, The City Center, and San Francisco International. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 94.

Lower Nob

Average Rent

$2,873/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

0.8%

TransitScore® Rating

98/100

Units Available

165 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

Average Rent

$3,033/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

6%

TransitScore® Rating

68/100

Units Available

19 Rentals

If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in San Francisco, Bayview might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $3,033, while the city’s average stands at $3,060. In the last year, prices have decreased by 6%. Bayview is near Heron's Head Park, Children's Creativity Museum, and Metro Oakland International.

Stonestown

Average Rent

$3,051/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

13.3%

TransitScore® Rating

36/100

Units Available

25 Rentals

Stonestown is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Stonestown is $3,051 while the city average is $3,060. This is a -13.3% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Sf State, Golden Gate Park, and San Francisco State University. The neighborhood is considered car-dependent with a WalkScore® of 16.

Nob Hill

Average Rent

$3,136/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

3.4%

TransitScore® Rating

93/100

Units Available

126 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

$3,208/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

4.3%

TransitScore® Rating

100/100

Units Available

315 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.

Lower Pacific Heights

Average Rent

$3,245/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

3.9%

TransitScore® Rating

79/100

Units Available

25 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.

Russian Hill

Average Rent

$3,274/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

1%

TransitScore® Rating

83/100

Units Available

19 Rentals

When you’re looking for a great San Francisco neighborhood on a budget, check out Russian Hill. The average rent is $3,274, compared to the city average of $3,060. Rent prices have increased by 1%. Russian Hill is convenient to Ghirardelli Square, University of San Francisco, and Academy of Art University. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 98.

Inner Sunset

Average Rent

$3,382/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

0.9%

TransitScore® Rating

68/100

Units Available

10 Rentals

Inner Sunset is an affordable neighborhood in San Francisco with an average rent price of $3,382. Compare this to the city average of $3,060. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 0.9%. Inner Sunset provides easy access to Market & Noe Center, Judah And 9Th Avenue, and Golden Gate Park. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 97.

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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.