Best Affordable Neighborhoods in San Francisco, CA
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in San Francisco are Lower Nob, Stonestown, and Civic Center. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in San Francisco, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of November 24, 2025, the average rent in San Francisco is $3,107, which is 5.6% 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
$2,991/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
3.7%
TransitScore® Rating
98/100
Units Available
144 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
$3,008/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
9.1%
TransitScore® Rating
36/100
Units Available
30 Rentals
Stonestown is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Stonestown is $3,008 while the city average is $3,107. This is a -9.1% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Stonestown Galleria, Wawona/46Th Ave /Sf Zoo, and 46Th Ave & Vicente St. The neighborhood is considered car-dependent with a WalkScore® of 16.
Civic Center
Average Rent
$3,190/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
5.5%
TransitScore® Rating
100/100
Units Available
270 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.
Fillmore District
Average Rent
$3,191/Month
TransitScore® Rating
83/100
Units Available
19 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great San Francisco neighborhood on a budget, check out Fillmore District. The average rent is $3,191, compared to the city average of $3,107. Fillmore District is convenient to Academy of Art University, Van Ness (Metro), and Van Ness And California. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 100.
Nob Hill
Average Rent
$3,278/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
4.1%
TransitScore® Rating
93/100
Units Available
102 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
Average Rent
$3,369/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
3%
TransitScore® Rating
68/100
Units Available
16 Rentals
Bayview is an affordable neighborhood in San Francisco with an average rent price of $3,369. Compare this to the city average of $3,107. In the past year, rent prices have decreased by 3%. Bayview provides easy access to Mission At Cesar Chavez, Bayview Plaza, and San Francisco International. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 80.
Western Addition
Average Rent
$3,376/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
7.7%
TransitScore® Rating
84/100
Units Available
28 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.
Hayes Valley
Average Rent
$3,427/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2%
TransitScore® Rating
94/100
Units Available
10 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 $3,427, while the city’s average stands at $3,107. In the last year, prices have increased by 2%. Hayes Valley is near Market And Laguna/Guerrero, Randall Museum, and Academy of Art University.
SoMa
Average Rent
$3,464/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
7.7%
TransitScore® Rating
100/100
Units Available
310 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
$3,516/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
7.9%
TransitScore® Rating
92/100
Units Available
224 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 $3,516 while the city average is $3,107. This is a 7.9% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Mason And Jackson, San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, and California College of the Arts. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 99.
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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.