Best Affordable Neighborhoods in South San Francisco, CA
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in South San Francisco are Serra Highlands, El Camino, and Downtown South San Francisco. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in South San Francisco, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of November 14, 2025, the average rent in South San Francisco is $2,944, which is 3.3% 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.
Serra Highlands
Average Rent
$2,595/Month
TransitScore® Rating
0/100
Units Available
18 Rentals
Serra Highlands is an affordable neighborhood in South San Francisco with an average rent price of $2,595. Compare this to the city average of $2,944. Serra Highlands provides easy access to Long-Term Parking, San Francisco State Univ. Observatory, and UC San Francisco, Parnassus. It’s a somewhat walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 64.
El Camino
Average Rent
$3,414/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
4.4%
TransitScore® Rating
0/100
Units Available
25 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in South San Francisco, El Camino might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $3,414, while the city’s average stands at $2,944. In the last year, prices have increased by 4.4%. El Camino is near San Francisco State Univ. Observatory, Candlestick Point State Recreation Area, and San Bruno Mountain State Park.
Downtown South San Francisco
Average Rent
$3,719/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.9%
TransitScore® Rating
1/100
Units Available
39 Rentals
Downtown South San Francisco is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Downtown South San Francisco is $3,719 while the city average is $2,944. This is a 1.9% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to San Bruno Station, San Francisco State Univ. Observatory, and Long-Term Parking. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 88.
Lindenville
Average Rent
$3,733/Month
TransitScore® Rating
0/100
Units Available
18 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great South San Francisco neighborhood on a budget, check out Lindenville. The average rent is $3,733, compared to the city average of $2,944. Lindenville is convenient to City College of San Francisco, San Francisco International, and San Bruno Towne Center. The community is somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 67.
Sunshine Gardens
Average Rent
$3,761/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
4.1%
TransitScore® Rating
0/100
Units Available
16 Rentals
Sunshine Gardens is an affordable neighborhood in South San Francisco with an average rent price of $3,761. Compare this to the city average of $2,944. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 4.1%. Sunshine Gardens provides easy access to Fairway Plaza, Metro Oakland International, and South San Francisco. It’s a somewhat walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 59.
The East Side
Average Rent
$3,818/Month
TransitScore® Rating
0/100
Units Available
35 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in South San Francisco, The East Side might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $3,818, while the city’s average stands at $2,944. The East Side is near Candlestick Point State Recreation Area, San Bruno Towne Center, and West Field Road.
Orange Park
Average Rent
$3,952/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
3.1%
TransitScore® Rating
0/100
Units Available
13 Rentals
Orange Park is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Orange Park is $3,952 while the city average is $2,944. This is a 3.1% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Long-Term Parking, Pacifica State Beach, and Charles F. Hagar Planetarium. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 79.
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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.