Best Affordable Neighborhoods in San Francisco, CA

Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in San Francisco are Lower Nob, Stonestown, and Inner Sunset. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in San Francisco, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of January 28, 2026, the average rent in San Francisco is $3,192, which is 5.9% 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

$2,959/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

4.2%

TransitScore® Rating

98/100

Units Available

113 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

$3,000/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

6.1%

TransitScore® Rating

36/100

Units Available

22 Rentals

Stonestown is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Stonestown is $3,000 while the city average is $3,192. This is a -6.1% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to San Francisco State Univ. Observatory, Wawona/46Th Ave /Sf Zoo, and Parkmerced Shopping Center. The neighborhood is considered car-dependent with a WalkScore® of 16.

Inner Sunset

Average Rent

$3,333/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

1%

TransitScore® Rating

68/100

Units Available

15 Rentals

When you’re looking for a great San Francisco neighborhood on a budget, check out Inner Sunset. The average rent is $3,333, compared to the city average of $3,192. Rent prices have increased by 1%. Inner Sunset is convenient to Japanese Tea Garden, Irving St & 8Th Ave, and Diamond Heights Shopping Center. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 97.

Nob Hill

Average Rent

$3,353/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

1.8%

TransitScore® Rating

93/100

Units Available

74 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

$3,453/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

5.4%

TransitScore® Rating

100/100

Units Available

250 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.

Treasure Island

Average Rent

$3,568/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

1.6%

TransitScore® Rating

37/100

Units Available

46 Rentals

Treasure Island is an affordable neighborhood in San Francisco with an average rent price of $3,568. Compare this to the city average of $3,192. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 1.6%. Treasure Island provides easy access to Middle Harbor Shoreline Park, Golden Gate Univ., San Fran., and San Francisco International. It’s a car-dependent neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 42.

SoMa

Average Rent

$3,731/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

9.6%

TransitScore® Rating

100/100

Units Available

307 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.

Downtown San Francisco

Average Rent

$3,744/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

6.8%

TransitScore® Rating

92/100

Units Available

187 Rentals

If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in San Francisco, Downtown San Francisco might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $3,744, while the city’s average stands at $3,192. In the last year, prices have increased by 6.8%. Downtown San Francisco is near North Point Plaza Taylor & Bay, Mason And Jackson, and Alcatraz Island.

Richmond/Western Addition

Average Rent

$3,751/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

4.5%

TransitScore® Rating

75/100

Units Available

301 Rentals

Richmond/Western Addition is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Richmond/Western Addition is $3,751 while the city average is $3,192. This is a 4.5% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to UC San Francisco, Parnassus, San Francisco International, and Metro Oakland International. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 96.

Bayview

Average Rent

$3,810/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

2.9%

TransitScore® Rating

68/100

Units Available

15 Rentals

When you’re looking for a great San Francisco neighborhood on a budget, check out Bayview. The average rent is $3,810, compared to the city average of $3,192. Rent prices have increased by 2.9%. Bayview is convenient to Buena Vista Park, Golden Gate Univ., San Fran., and Metro Oakland International. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 80.

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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.