As the city continues to grow, finding the cheapest neighborhoods in San Francisco remains a top priority for renters looking to balance cost and convenience. Whether you’re a first-time renter, or just looking to increase your savings, exploring apartments in San Francisco can help you find a community that fits your lifestyle and budget.
In this Rent. article, we’ll explore some of the most affordable neighborhoods in San Francisco, complete with neighborhood highlights and key details to help you find your perfect home.
Here’s a quick look at some of the most budget-friendly neighborhoods in San Francisco and what you can expect to pay for a one-bedroom apartment in each area.
| Neighborhood | Average 1-bedroom rent |
| Polk Gulch | $2,695 |
| Mission District | $2,745 |
| Yerba Buena | $2,801 |
| Parkmerced | $2,913 |
| Lower Pacific Heights | $2,929 |
| Presidio Heights | $2,995 |
| Lower Nob Hill | $3,011 |
| Mosso | $3,040 |
| Western Addition | $3,045 |
| Mission Dolores | $3,085 |
1. Polk Gulch
Average 1-bedroom rent: $2,695
Average 2-bedroom rent: $3,795
Neighborhood highlights: Classic bars, walkable streets, lively nightlife
Sandwiched between Nob Hill and Russian Hill, Polk Gulch has a mix of classic Edwardian apartment buildings and smaller walk-ups. Often, these apartments have lower rents than the more famous neighbors in San Francisco. Additionally, the area has a lively bar and restaurant scene. For example, Macondray is a cozy cocktail spot with a hidden patio, and Swan Oyster Depot is a must-visit for fresh seafood. It’s also one of the most transit-friendly areas, with multiple Muni bus lines and an easy walk to BART at Civic Center.
2. Mission District
Average 1-bedroom rent: $2,745 | YoY change: -16%
Average 2-bedroom rent: $3,900 | YoY change: 27%
Neighborhood highlights: Murals, taquerias, Dolores Park
The Mission District has a blend of culture, history, and some of the best food in the city. Renters can find a range of options here, from older Victorian flats to more modern apartment complexes. The neighborhood is packed with great eats like La Taqueria which is famous for its Mission-style burritos. It’s also one of the sunniest spots in the city, perfect for hanging out at Dolores Park on the weekends.
3. Yerba Buena
Average 1-bedroom rent: $2,801 | YoY change: 4%
Average 2-bedroom rent: $4,030 | YoY change: 4%
Neighborhood highlights: SF MoMA, tech hub, high-rise living
Yerba Buena is often overlooked as a residential neighborhood. However, it’s a surprisingly affordable option for renters who want to live right in the middle of the city. The area is known for its high-rise apartments, many of which have newer amenities and lower price points compared to SoMa or the Financial District. It’s home to some of the city’s best cultural attractions, including the SFMOMA, the Contemporary Jewish Museum, and Yerba Buena Gardens. Public transit is a huge perk—BART, Muni, and even Caltrain are all within easy reach.
4. Parkmerced
Average 1-bedroom rent: $2,913 | YoY change: -1%
Average 2-bedroom rent: $3,195 | YoY change: -14%
Neighborhood highlights: Near SF State, green spaces, modern apartments
Located near San Francisco State University, Parkmerced is made up of mostly high-rise apartment buildings and townhouses .The biggest draw is the access to green space. Lake Merced is right next door with miles of trails for walking, running, or biking. You won’t find the same level of nightlife or trendy restaurants here, but you’re close to Stonestown Galleria for shopping and dining. Also, the Muni’s M-Ocean View line connects you directly to downtown.
5. Lower Pacific Heights
Average 1-bedroom rent: $2,929 | YoY change: -5%
Average 2-bedroom rent: $4,083 | YoY change: -2%
Neighborhood highlights: Japantown, boutique shopping, historic architecture
Lower Pacific Heights gives you all the charm of Pacific Heights without the high rent. The neighborhood has a mix of classic Victorian and Edwardian apartments, plus a few modern buildings with more budget-friendly units. Fillmore Street is the heart of the neighborhood, lined with boutique shops, great restaurants, and cafes like Jane on Fillmore. The area is also within walking distance of Japantown, where you’ll find incredible ramen at Marufuku and unique bookstores like Kinokuniya.
6. Presidio Heights
Average 1-bedroom rent: $2,995
Average 2-bedroom rent: $4,195
Neighborhood highlights: Quiet streets, Presidio trails
Presidio Heights is in a quieter part of the city, with tree-lined streets and easy access to The Presidio. At The Presidio, you’ll find some of the best hiking trails and scenic overlooks in San Francisco. While the area doesn’t have a booming nightlife scene, it makes up for it with great neighborhood spots like As Quoted and Garibaldis. Public transit is solid, with several Muni lines running through. Plus, you’re just a short walk from the shopping district on Sacramento Street.
7. Lower Nob Hill
Average 1-bedroom rent: $3,011 | YoY change: 25%
Average 2-bedroom rent: $3,845 | YoY change: 0%
Neighborhood highlights: Classic SF charm, cable car access, trendy dining
Lower Nob Hill has a dense, urban feel. It has classic San Francisco apartment buildings and a mix of old-school bars, trendy restaurants, and some of the best hole-in-the-wall eateries in the city. You’re within walking distance of Union Square, but the neighborhood itself has plenty to offer. For example, the historic Bourbon & Branch speakeasy and Liholiho Yacht Club, one of SF’s best spots for Hawaiian-inspired food. Public transit is a major perk. BART and multiple Muni lines are nearby, making it one of the easiest places to live without a car.
8. Mosso
Average 1-bedroom rent: $3,040
Average 2-bedroom rent: $3,920
Neighborhood highlights: Modern apartments, rooftop lounges, downtown access
Mosso is a newer residential pocket within SoMa. Many of the rentals here are in sleek, high-rise buildings with amenities like rooftop lounges and gyms. It’s home to The Market, a high-end food hall with fresh groceries, coffee, and quick eats, plus you’re within walking distance of some of the best nightlife in the city. Mosso is also one of the best-connected areas for transit, with BART, Caltrain, and Muni stops all within reach. If you want a newer apartment in a central, transit-friendly neighborhood, Mosso is a great option.
9. Western Addition
Average 1-bedroom rent: $3,045 | YoY change: 17%
Average 2-bedroom rent: $2,995 | YoY change: -29%
Neighborhood highlights: Jazz heritage, Alamo Square, diverse dining
Western Addition has a rich history and a strong sense of community. It’s one of the most culturally diverse parts of the city, home to the historic Fillmore District, where you’ll find legendary jazz venues like The Boom Boom Room. The neighborhood also borders Alamo Square Park, famous for the Painted Ladies and its unbeatable skyline views.
10. Mission Dolores
Average 1-bedroom rent: $3,085
Average 2-bedroom rent: $4,195 | YoY change: -7%
Neighborhood highlights: Iconic Dolores Park, historic Mission San Francisco
Mission Dolores is a great place if you want to be close to the Mission District but in a slightly quieter, more residential setting. The neighborhood is centered around Mission Dolores Park, which is packed on sunny weekends with people picnicking, playing music, and soaking up the rare SF sunshine. You’ll still find plenty of great restaurants and coffee shops, like Four Barrel Coffee and Bi-Rite Creamery, but the area feels a little less hectic than the heart of the Mission. It’s also highly walkable and bike-friendly, with BART and multiple Muni lines in the area.
Methodology: All neighborhoods listed are based on San Francisco’s Rental Market Trends on Rent.com. Average rental data and annual change data are sourced from February 2025.
