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

When you’re looking for a great San Francisco neighborhood on a budget, check out Stonestown. The average rent is $3,000, compared to the city average of $3,192. Rent prices have decreased by 6.1%. Stonestown is convenient to Wawona/46Th Ave /Sf Zoo, 46Th Ave & Vicente St, and Parkmerced Shopping Center. The community is 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

Inner Sunset is an affordable neighborhood in San Francisco with an average rent price of $3,333. Compare this to the city average of $3,192. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 1%. Inner Sunset provides easy access to University of San Francisco, Metro Oakland International, and Irving St & 8Th Ave. It’s a walkable neighborhood 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

If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in San Francisco, Treasure Island might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $3,568, while the city’s average stands at $3,192. In the last year, prices have increased by 1.6%. Treasure Island is near Alcatraz Island, Pier 39, and California College of the Arts.

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

Downtown San Francisco is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Downtown San Francisco is $3,744 while the city average is $3,192. This is a 6.8% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to San Francisco International, Mason And Green, and Metro Oakland International. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 99.

Richmond/Western Addition

Average Rent

$3,751/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

4.5%

TransitScore® Rating

75/100

Units Available

301 Rentals

When you’re looking for a great San Francisco neighborhood on a budget, check out Richmond/Western Addition. The average rent is $3,751, compared to the city average of $3,192. Rent prices have increased by 4.5%. Richmond/Western Addition is convenient to California Academy of Sciences, Irving St & 7Th Ave, and San Francisco Botanical Garden. The community is 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

Bayview is an affordable neighborhood in San Francisco with an average rent price of $3,810. Compare this to the city average of $3,192. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 2.9%. Bayview provides easy access to Children's Creativity Museum, Golden Gate Univ., San Fran., and Revere Ave & 3Rd St. It’s a walkable neighborhood 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.