Best Affordable Neighborhoods in San Francisco, CA
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in San Francisco are Lower Nob, Stonestown, and Golden Gate Park. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in San Francisco, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of December 13, 2025, the average rent in San Francisco is $3,136, which is 6.4% 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
$3,005/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
4.1%
TransitScore® Rating
98/100
Units Available
141 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
$3,025/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
6.1%
TransitScore® Rating
36/100
Units Available
23 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in San Francisco, Stonestown might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $3,025, while the city’s average stands at $3,136. In the last year, prices have decreased by 6.1%. Stonestown is near UC San Francisco, Parnassus, City College of San Francisco, and 19Th Ave & Holloway Ave.
Golden Gate Park
Average Rent
$3,164/Month
TransitScore® Rating
73/100
Units Available
10 Rentals
Golden Gate Park is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Golden Gate Park is $3,164 while the city average is $3,136. Residents enjoy convenient access to Judah And 22Nd Avenue, UC San Francisco, Parnassus, and The City Center. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 90.
Civic Center
Average Rent
$3,253/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
6.1%
TransitScore® Rating
100/100
Units Available
283 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.
Nob Hill
Average Rent
$3,362/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
4.1%
TransitScore® Rating
93/100
Units Available
98 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
$3,428/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2.1%
TransitScore® Rating
68/100
Units Available
10 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great San Francisco neighborhood on a budget, check out Bayview. The average rent is $3,428, compared to the city average of $3,136. Rent prices have decreased by 2.1%. Bayview is convenient to California College of the Arts, Potrero Center, and Metro Oakland International. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 80.
Richmond/Western Addition
Average Rent
$3,537/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
4.7%
TransitScore® Rating
75/100
Units Available
335 Rentals
Richmond/Western Addition is an affordable neighborhood in San Francisco with an average rent price of $3,537. Compare this to the city average of $3,136. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 4.7%. Richmond/Western Addition provides easy access to UC San Francisco, Parnassus, Academy of Art University, and UC San Francisco, Mount Zion. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 96.
Western Addition
Average Rent
$3,548/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
12.2%
TransitScore® Rating
84/100
Units Available
29 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.
Fillmore District
Average Rent
$3,548/Month
TransitScore® Rating
83/100
Units Available
21 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in San Francisco, Fillmore District might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $3,548, while the city’s average stands at $3,136. Fillmore District is near Van Ness (Metro), Randall Museum, and The City Center.
SoMa
Average Rent
$3,559/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
9%
TransitScore® Rating
100/100
Units Available
343 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.
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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.