Most Affordable Neighborhoods in San Francisco, CA
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in San Francisco are Lower Nob, Stonestown, 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 May 3, 2025, the average rent in San Francisco is $3,006, which is 3.4% 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.
Lower Nob
Average Rent
$2,830/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.8%
TransitScore® Rating
98/100
Units Available
187 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.
Stonestown
Average Rent
$2,948/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.2%
TransitScore® Rating
36/100
Units Available
37 Rentals
Stonestown is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Stonestown is $2,948 while the city average is $3,006. This is a 0.2% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to San Francisco State Univ. Observatory, San Francisco State University, and Metro Oakland International. The neighborhood is considered car-dependent with a WalkScore® of 16.
Nob Hill
Average Rent
$3,081/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.8%
TransitScore® Rating
93/100
Units Available
165 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
$3,245/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
4.9%
TransitScore® Rating
100/100
Units Available
313 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
$3,386/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
4.4%
TransitScore® Rating
92/100
Units Available
344 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great San Francisco neighborhood on a budget, check out Downtown San Francisco. The average rent is $3,386, compared to the city average of $3,006. Rent prices have increased by 4.4%. Downtown San Francisco is convenient to Golden Gate Univ., San Fran., San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, and Academy of Art University. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 99.
Richmond/Western Addition
Average Rent
$3,388/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.2%
TransitScore® Rating
75/100
Units Available
450 Rentals
Richmond/Western Addition is an affordable neighborhood in San Francisco with an average rent price of $3,388. Compare this to the city average of $3,006. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 1.2%. Richmond/Western Addition provides easy access to The City Center, California Academy of Sciences, and Market & Noe Center. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 96.
Chinatown
Average Rent
$3,543/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2%
TransitScore® Rating
100/100
Units Available
37 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 $3,543, while the city’s average stands at $3,006. In the last year, prices have increased by 2%. Chinatown is near San Francisco Centre, Aquarium of The Bay, and Powell And California.
SoMa
Average Rent
$3,554/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
8.3%
TransitScore® Rating
100/100
Units Available
389 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.
Bayview/Visitacion Valley
Average Rent
$3,599/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
6.9%
TransitScore® Rating
72/100
Units Available
60 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 $3,599 while the city average is $3,006. This is a 6.9% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to 30Th Street And Dolores, Buena Vista Park, and UC San Francisco, Mission Bay. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 82.
Cathedral Hill/Intermission
Average Rent
$3,617/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
3.5%
TransitScore® Rating
100/100
Units Available
111 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.
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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.