Most Affordable Neighborhoods in San Francisco, CA
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in San Francisco are Lower Nob, Richmond District, and Stonestown. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in San Francisco, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of October 9, 2025, the average rent in San Francisco is $3,092, which is 5.2% 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
$2,908/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
3.8%
TransitScore® Rating
98/100
Units Available
167 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.
Richmond District
Average Rent
$2,932/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1%
TransitScore® Rating
69/100
Units Available
10 Rentals
Richmond District is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Richmond District is $2,932 while the city average is $3,092. This is a 1% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Judah And 25Th Avenue, Judah St & 23Rd Ave, and Metro Oakland International. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 94.
Stonestown
Average Rent
$2,992/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
9.2%
TransitScore® Rating
36/100
Units Available
33 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great San Francisco neighborhood on a budget, check out Stonestown. The average rent is $2,992, compared to the city average of $3,092. Rent prices have decreased by 9.2%. Stonestown is convenient to San Francisco International, University of San Francisco, and 46Th Ave & Vicente St. The community is car-dependent with a WalkScore® of 16.
Bayview
Average Rent
$3,183/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
5.7%
TransitScore® Rating
68/100
Units Available
19 Rentals
Bayview is an affordable neighborhood in San Francisco with an average rent price of $3,183. Compare this to the city average of $3,092. In the past year, rent prices have decreased by 5.7%. Bayview provides easy access to Carroll Station Outbound, Randall Museum, and City College of San Francisco. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 80.
Nob Hill
Average Rent
$3,183/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
4%
TransitScore® Rating
93/100
Units Available
128 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
$3,191/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
4.4%
TransitScore® Rating
100/100
Units Available
285 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.
Golden Gate Park
Average Rent
$3,308/Month
TransitScore® Rating
73/100
Units Available
16 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in San Francisco, Golden Gate Park might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $3,308, while the city’s average stands at $3,092. Golden Gate Park is near The City Center, UC San Francisco, Parnassus, and Judah And 15Th Avenue.
Downtown San Francisco
Average Rent
$3,347/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
4.5%
TransitScore® Rating
92/100
Units Available
251 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 $3,347 while the city average is $3,092. This is a 4.5% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Children's Creativity Museum, Golden Gate Univ., San Fran., and Chinatown - Rose Pak Station. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 99.
Richmond/Western Addition
Average Rent
$3,440/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
4.1%
TransitScore® Rating
75/100
Units Available
380 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great San Francisco neighborhood on a budget, check out Richmond/Western Addition. The average rent is $3,440, compared to the city average of $3,092. Rent prices have increased by 4.1%. Richmond/Western Addition is convenient to Irving St & 8Th Ave, Irving And 4Th Avenue, and Irving St & 7Th Ave. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 96.
Western Addition
Average Rent
$3,451/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
12.5%
TransitScore® Rating
84/100
Units Available
33 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.