7 Cheapest San Francisco Neighborhoods for Renters in 2025

San Francisco’s cheapest neighborhoods include Lower Nob Hill, Mission Terrace, and Outer Sunset. In this notoriously expensive city, “cheap” and “San Francisco” aren’t typically used in the same sentence. But with a bit of research–and some flexibility in your wish list–you might be surprised to find budget-friendly apartments in San Francisco that totally fit your lifestyle.

Thinking of moving to the City by the Bay in 2025? We’ve combed through the latest data and insights to help you find the perfect San Francisco apartment at the right price.

How We Identified the Cheapest San Francisco Neighborhoods

Data Sources and Methodology

Apartment List’s methodology combines rent data and lifestyle factors (like walk scores and commute times) to surface the most affordable and practical neighborhoods for renters.

• Sources used: Apartment List internal listings (July 2025), Rent.com, and U.S. Census ACS 5-year estimates
• Inflation-adjusted: All figures reflect real 2025 dollars, adjusted for inflation.

How We Define “Cheap” Rent in San Francisco in 2025

To make our list, a neighborhood had to have an average one-bedroom rent at least 15% lower than the citywide average, which is $3,812 as of July 2025. We chose neighborhoods where rents hovered closer to $3,240 and below.

San Francisco Rent Snapshot

Median Rent Trends Compared With National Prices

San Francisco is ranked as the second most expensive US city for renters. In 2025, the median rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in San Francisco is $3,019—that’s 113.5% above the national median of $1,231. As renters continue to flock to the city, so does the demand for more affordable apartments in San Francisco.

Key Factors Pushing Renters to Budget-Friendly San Francisco Neighborhoods

Several economic and lifestyle shifts are driving renters to explore cheaper neighborhoods in San Francisco in 2025:

• Return-to-office mandates: Many tech companies are increasingly implementing hybrid or full-time return-to-office policies, reigniting demand for housing within the city—particularly for well-located units that make commuting easier.
• Lagging new inventory: Vacancies in San Francisco are at their lowest since 2019, but supply is still limited. Construction activity remains below the market’s five-year average, with both San Francisco and the East Bay projecting some of the nation’s lowest new inventory growth in 2025.
• Fewer rent concessions: In desirable and high-demand neighborhoods, landlords are pushing back on incentives such as two free months' rent and large gift cards.
• Economic uncertainty: Rising interest rates mainly hit prospective homeowners, but the ripple effects of the broader economic climate mean renters are scrutinizing every dollar spent on housing and seeking more budget-friendly options.

7 Cheapest San Francisco Neighborhoods for Renters

Here are the seven San Francisco neighborhoods where your dollar stretches furthest in 2025:

Outer Sunset

Best for: Laid-back beach vibes and a break from city hustle

• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $2,274
• Walk score: 83
• Transit score: 57
• Bike score: 77
• Map of Outer Sunset

Outer Sunset is one of San Francisco’s most affordable neighborhoods. It’s known for its foggy mornings, easy beach access, and mellow pace. If you're working remotely or commuting by car, it offers major value.

Lower Nob Hill

Best for: Renters who value a walkable, central location

• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $2,545
• Walk score: 99
• Transit score: 99
• Bike score: 73
• Map of Lower Nob Hill

Lower Nob Hill puts you steps from downtown, the Financial District, and Union Square. It’s packed with bars, cafes, and historic charm at a fraction of the cost of neighboring Nob Hill.

Alamo Square

Best for: Iconic views and easy access to nightlife

• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $2,695
• Walk score: 97
• Transit score: 82
• Bike score: 81
• Map of Alamo Square

Alamo Square offers sweeping city views, charming Victorian homes, and proximity to Divisadero Street’s restaurant scene. It’s a great spot if you want Instagram-worthy views and solid transit options.

Outer Richmond

Best for: Quiet, residential vibes with access to city parks

• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $2,835
• Walk score: 89
• Transit score: 68
• Bike score: 72
• Map of Outer Richmond

Outer Richmond borders the Presidio and Golden Gate Park, making it a dream for weekend adventurers. It’s quiet, residential, and more budget-friendly than Inner Richmond or the Marina.

Inner Richmond

Best for: Foodies and culture enthusiasts

• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $2,909
• Walk score: 95
• Transit score: 70
• Bike score: 87
• Map of Inner Richmond

Inner Richmond offers a foodie paradise with access to both Clement Street eats and Golden Gate Park. It’s family-friendly, transit-accessible, and slightly more affordable than more central options.

Bernal Heights

Best for: Art lovers and a tight-knit community feel

• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $2,947
• Walk score: 92
• Transit score: 78
• Bike score: 69
• Map of Bernal Heights

Bernal Heights offers cozy hillside views, quirky boutiques, and a strong sense of community. It’s popular with creatives, pet owners, and anyone seeking a neighborhood with charm.

Noe Valley

Best for: Quick access to tech hubs and residential vibes

• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $3,030
• Walk score: 94
• Transit score: 75
• Bike score: 75
• Map of Noe Valley

Noe Valley balances family-friendly streets with solid transit and dining options. It’s a sweet spot for tech workers and couples looking for calm without giving up convenience.

Tips to Secure an Affordable Apartment in San Francisco

Rent is high in San Francisco, but that doesn’t mean you have to pay top dollar. These tips could save you hundreds—or potentially thousands—a year.

Take Advantage of Rent Concessions and Move-In Specials

A rent concession is a temporary discount landlords use to fill vacancies faster. Think: one month free on a 12-month lease.

To figure out what you’re really paying, calculate the net effective rent. For example, if rent is $3,000/month and you get one month free, you’ll pay $33,000 over the year. That’s $2,750/month on average. Not bad.

Common rent concessions include:

• Free rent: A month (or two) on the house.
• Waived fees: No app fees, amenity fees, or pet deposits.
• Bonus perks: Free parking, gym credits, in-unit laundry.
• Flexible terms: Landlords might cut deals for slightly longer or shorter leases. \

These deals aren’t always advertised, so it’s worth asking about upfront—especially if the unit’s been sitting vacant for a while.

Leverage Rent Control Knowledge in Negotiations

Rent control won’t lower your starting rent, but it can help you keep it steady. In San Francisco, buildings built before June 13, 1979 are usually rent controlled, which means annual rent hikes are capped.

Unlike newer units where rent can spike with the market, rent-controlled apartments offer more long-term affordability.

Pro tip: Ask the landlord for the building’s certificate of occupancy or look it up through the SF Department of Building Inspection. If it’s rent controlled, that’s a powerful bargaining chip—especially if the landlord’s trying to price it like a newer build.

Use Smart Filters and Alerts on Apartment List

In an ultra-competitive market like San Francisco, finding the right apartment at the right price is everything. With Apartment List, you can personalize your search by setting clear budget caps, preferred commute times, and must-have amenities to instantly weed out the places that won’t fit.

Use map-based filters to pinpoint cheaper pockets outside hot zones, and turn on real-time alerts to stay on top of price changes, availability updates, and limited-time rent specials.

FAQs: Cheapest San Francisco Neighborhoods

Are these neighborhoods safe for families?

Outer Sunset, Outer Richmond, Inner Richmond, Bernal Heights, Noe Valley, and Alamo Square are all considered safe for families in San Francisco, offering low crime, strong communities, amenities, and access to good schools and green space.

How long is the commute to downtown from each area?

Downtown San Francisco, more commonly known as the Financial District, is the city’s business center. Here’s what your commute may look like depending on the neighborhood, assuming you’re commuting by car:

Outer Sunset

• Peak hours: 45–55 minutes
• Off-peak: 30–35 minutes

Lower Nob Hill

• Peak hours: 30–40 minutes
• Off-peak: 20–25 minutes

Alamo Square

• Peak hours: 15–25 minutes
• Off-peak: 10–15 minutes

Outer Richmond

• Peak hours: 45–55 minutes
• Off-peak: 30–35 minutes

Inner Richmond

• Peak hours: 40–50 minutes
• Off-peak: 25–30 minutes

Bernal Heights

• Peak hours: 35–45 minutes
• Off-peak: 20–25 minutes

Noe Valley

• Peak hours: 35–45 minutes
• Off-peak: 25–30 minutes

Do San Francisco rent-control laws apply to these apartments?

San Francisco rent control laws apply to buildings constructed before June 13, 1979, so some units in these neighborhoods may qualify. New developments do not.

Where can I find income-restricted or subsidized units?

Start your search on DAHLIA, San Francisco’s official housing portal run by the Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development. You can browse and apply for income-restricted rentals and ownership opportunities citywide.

Non-profit organizations like Mercy Housing regularly list available below-market-rate units, so keep this resource in your back pocket.

Can I negotiate rent in San Francisco right now?

Yes. If you have great credit or a steady income, you may be able to negotiate your rent in San Francisco. Landlords may knock off fees, reduce your deposit, or even lower rent for longer leases. With a mix of confidence, timing, and research, you can keep your budget in check.