Cheapest Neighborhoods in San Francisco, CA
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in San Francisco are Lakeside, Merced Manor-Parkmerced, and Treasure Island. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in San Francisco, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of July 30, 2026, the average rent in San Francisco is $3,563, which is 12% 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.
Lakeside
Average Rent
$3,064/Month
Units Available
10 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great San Francisco neighborhood on a budget, check out Lakeside. The average rent is $3,064, compared to the city average of $3,563. Lakeside is convenient to San Francisco International, UC San Francisco, Parnassus, and Golden Gate Park.
Merced Manor-Parkmerced
Average Rent
$3,064/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
18%
Units Available
10 Rentals
Merced Manor-Parkmerced is an affordable neighborhood in San Francisco with an average rent price of $3,064. Compare this to the city average of $3,563. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 18%. Merced Manor-Parkmerced provides easy access to City College of San Francisco, San Francisco Zoo, and San Francisco State Univ. Observatory.
Treasure Island
Average Rent
$3,657/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2.7%
Units Available
29 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 $3,657, while the city’s average stands at $3,563. In the last year, prices have increased by 2.7%. Treasure Island is near San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, The Embarcadero And Greenwich Outbound, and Alcatraz Island.
Lower Nob
Average Rent
$3,701/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
8.7%
Units Available
97 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.
Union Square
Average Rent
$4,103/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
3.6%
Units Available
23 Rentals
Union Square is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Union Square is $4,103 while the city average is $3,563. This is a 3.6% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to 631 Grant Ave, San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, and San Francisco Centre.
Nob Hill
Average Rent
$4,133/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
4.1%
Units Available
84 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.
Presidio
Average Rent
$4,166/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
3.9%
Units Available
10 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great San Francisco neighborhood on a budget, check out Presidio. The average rent is $4,166, compared to the city average of $3,563. Rent prices have increased by 3.9%. Presidio is convenient to Irving And 4Th Avenue, UC San Francisco, Parnassus, and Irving St & 8Th Ave.
Chinatown
Average Rent
$4,196/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
5.3%
Units Available
24 Rentals
Chinatown is an affordable neighborhood in San Francisco with an average rent price of $4,196. Compare this to the city average of $3,563. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 5.3%. Chinatown provides easy access to California St & Grant Ave, California College of the Arts, and Children's Creativity Museum.
Civic Center
Average Rent
$4,314/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
13.3%
Units Available
222 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.
Western Addition
Average Rent
$4,467/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
17.3%
Units Available
30 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.
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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.