Best Affordable Neighborhoods in South San Francisco, CA
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in South San Francisco are Serra Highlands, Lindenville, and El Camino. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in South San Francisco, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of December 29, 2025, the average rent in South San Francisco is $2,936, which is 3.2% 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.
Serra Highlands
Average Rent
$2,795/Month
TransitScore® Rating
0/100
Units Available
20 Rentals
Serra Highlands is an affordable neighborhood in South San Francisco with an average rent price of $2,795. Compare this to the city average of $2,936. Serra Highlands provides easy access to San Francisco State University, Charles F. Hagar Planetarium, and San Francisco International. It’s a somewhat walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 64.
Lindenville
Average Rent
$3,479/Month
TransitScore® Rating
0/100
Units Available
18 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in South San Francisco, Lindenville might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $3,479, while the city’s average stands at $2,936. Lindenville is near South San Francisco Station, San Pedro Valley Park, and San Bruno Towne Center.
El Camino
Average Rent
$3,545/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
5.5%
TransitScore® Rating
0/100
Units Available
30 Rentals
El Camino is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in El Camino is $3,545 while the city average is $2,936. This is a 5.5% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to San Francisco State Univ. Observatory, Pacifica State Beach, and Fairway Plaza. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 82.
Downtown South San Francisco
Average Rent
$3,681/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1%
TransitScore® Rating
1/100
Units Available
40 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great South San Francisco neighborhood on a budget, check out Downtown South San Francisco. The average rent is $3,681, compared to the city average of $2,936. Rent prices have increased by 1%. Downtown South San Francisco is convenient to Candlestick Point State Recreation Area, Buri-Buri Shopping Center, and Southwood Shopping Center. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 88.
Sunshine Gardens
Average Rent
$3,731/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
4.4%
TransitScore® Rating
0/100
Units Available
20 Rentals
Sunshine Gardens is an affordable neighborhood in South San Francisco with an average rent price of $3,731. Compare this to the city average of $2,936. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 4.4%. Sunshine Gardens provides easy access to Fairway Plaza, Winston Manor, and San Bruno Mountain State Park. It’s a somewhat walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 59.
The East Side
Average Rent
$3,754/Month
TransitScore® Rating
0/100
Units Available
37 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 $3,754, while the city’s average stands at $2,936. The East Side is near Candlestick Point State Recreation Area, CuriOdyssey, and Metro Oakland International.
Orange Park
Average Rent
$3,865/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.9%
TransitScore® Rating
0/100
Units Available
17 Rentals
Orange Park is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Orange Park is $3,865 while the city average is $2,936. This is a -0.9% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Pacifica State Beach, San Bruno Station, and San Francisco State University. 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.