
Cheap Apartments for Rent in San Francisco, CA from $600 (96 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in San Francisco.


Total Monthly Price
1314 43rd Ave, Unit 3

666 Jackson St

SF House

Total Monthly Price
901 Fairfax Ave

3500 23rd St

Total Monthly Price
855 La Playa St, Unit 152

640 Broadway, Unit 1

145 Leavenworth St

949 Post St
What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much
Learn the official definition (spending 30% or more of your gross income on housing) and how to calculate your exact rent-to-income ratio. This guide offers expert tips on factoring in total housing costs (including utilities and fees) and budgeting accurately to avoid unnecessary financial strain.

706 Kearny St

Yerba Buena Commons

The Cornelia Suites

Sutter Street Apartments

Total Monthly Price
524 37th Ave

1030 Post Street Apartments

Total Monthly Price
38 San Gabriel Ave

The Kelsey Civic Center

Steamboat Point Apartments

730 Stanyan
Your Guide to Co-Signers: The Risks, Rewards, and Everything in Between
Thinking about getting a co-signer for your rental application? We break down what a co-signer is, the potential benefits, and the serious risks for both parties. Find out if it's the right choice for you.

2550 Irving

Columbia Apartments

1600 Larkin St

La Fnix at 1950

669 ELLIS Apartments

555 EDDY Apartments

President Hotel Apartments

947 Bush

Freedom West Homes

Oasis Apartments
Cash or credit? Understanding the Importance of Credit Score in Real Estate and Renting
Discover how your credit score impacts your ability to lease or buy a home. Learn how credit scores are determined, how to check yours, and strategies to improve it for real estate success.

Madonna Residences

513-519 Bush St

1100 Ocean Avenue

Burnette Apartments

145 Fell

520 Geary

McAlpin Building

615 Leavenworth

Hyde Park Apartments LLC.

620 Eddy St
Roommate Matching: Finding the Right Fit and Avoiding Pitfalls
When searching for a roommate, follow this list of essential steps and set clear expectations to create a solid foundation for a harmonious living situation.

930 Post

665 Eddy

Larkin Street Apartments

Pine Properties LLC.

675 OFarrell

1051 Post

1750 Franklin St

980 Bush

621 Taylor

372 7th Ave
Bay Living Like a Local: The Insider's Guide to Life and Renting in San Francisco, CA
Unlock the personality of Renting and Living in the City by the Bay. Learn where to eat the best tacos, find hidden views, and embrace the charming contradictions of San Francisco life.
San Francisco, CA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in San Francisco?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cheap San Francisco Studio Apartments | $3,316 | $1,200 | $5,918 |
| Cheap San Francisco 1 Bedroom Apartments | $4,229 | $898 | $8,864 |
| Cheap San Francisco 2 Bedroom Apartments | $5,344 | $1,732 | $10,000+ |
| Cheap San Francisco 3 Bedroom Apartments | $6,383 | $1,500 | $10,000+ |
| Cheap San Francisco 4 Bedroom Apartments | $6,070 | $3,200 | $10,000+ |
| San Francisco 5 Bedroom Apartments | $12,807 | $7,000 | $10,000+ |
Browse Top Apartments in San Francisco
See all Apartments in San FranciscoExplore San Francisco

San Francisco, CA Local Guide

- San Francisco Neighborhoods
- Nearby Cities
- ZIP codes
- Local Counties
- School Districts
Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in San Francisco, CA
Pricing Updated: 05/31/2026Current apartment rentals in the San Francisco, CA area range in price from $674 to $259,501 with an overall median price of $5,365. The three San Francisco neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are Highland Park at $1,280, Paradise Park at $1,750, and Ivy Hill at $1,695. Here is today’s list of the top 10 neighborhoods with the lowest median pricing for San Francisco Apartments for rent:
| Neighborhood | Median Price | Min Price | Available Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| Highland Park | $1,315 | $1,280 | 1 |
| Paradise Park | $1,750 | $1,750 | 1 |
| Ivy Hill | $1,795 | $1,695 | 2 |
| Upper Bal | $1,895 | $1,599 | 2 |
| Patten | $1,900 | $1,900 | 1 |
| Country Club | $1,900 | $1,900 | 1 |
| Orinda Woods | $1,900 | $1,900 | 1 |
| Shafter | $1,945 | $1,895 | 2 |
| Allendale | $1,950 | $1,695 | 4 |
| Bartlett | $1,950 | $1,950 | 2 |
Cheapest Available San Francisco Apartments for Rent
 The cheapest available apartment rental in San Francisco, CA is a Studio unit found at SF House in the South Of Market neighborhood priced from $1,300. ArtHaus Mandela in the MacArthur Maze neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $1,398. Here is today’s list of the most affordable San Francisco apartments for rent:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| SF House | Urban Nest | Studio,1BA | $1,300 |
| ArtHaus Mandela | Floor Plan C Studio 1BA | Studio,1BA | $1,398 |
| Larkin Street Apartments | Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,495 |
| 949 Post St | Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,545 |
| 145 Leavenworth St | Studio, 1 full | Studio,1BA | $1,545 |
| The Cornelia Suites | Cornelia Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,600 |
| 839 Leavenworth | Studio 1 Bath Apartment | Studio,1BA | $1,665 |
| TL Residences | Studio, 1 full | Studio,1BA | $1,695 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in San Francisco, CA
As of May 31, 2026 the best value apartment in the San Francisco area is the $2.12 price per square foot Loft C Model at 5th Street Lofts in the in the West Oakland neighborhood starting from $2,865. The second greatest value San Francisco apartment is the APPLY NOW FOR FUTURE AVAILABILITY! - Spacious a... Model at Highpoint Terrace starting at $3,700 with a $2.78 price per square foot in the Visitacion Valley neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for San Francisco apartments based on price per square foot:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5th Street Lofts | Loft C | Studio ,1BA | $2.12 |
| Highpoint Terrace | APPLY NOW FOR FUTURE AVAILABILITY! - Spacious a... | 2BR,2BA | $2.78 |
| 866 Pine St, Unit B | 866 Pine St | 4BR,1.5BA | $2.56 |
| 1010 Chester St, Unit Lower Unit | 1010 Chester St | 3BR,2BA | $2.96 |
| 162 Santa Fe Ave | 312 Richmond Avenue | 2BR,1BA | $2.46 |
| 1215 Skyline Dr, Unit 1215 Skyline Dr, Daly City, CA 94015 | 1215 Skyline Dr | 3BR,2BA | $3.06 |
| 2120 Pacific Ave | No Current Availability | Studio ,1BA | $2.65 |
| 901 Fairfax Ave | 901 Fairfax Ave | 1BR,1BA | $2.19 |
| 38 San Gabriel Ave | 38 San Gabriel Ave | 1BR,1BA | $3.00 |
| Larkin Street Apartments | Studio | Studio ,1BA | $2.70 |
Don't Settle: How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money
Discover the insider tips from an attorney and real estate agent on how to negotiate your next apartment lease. Find out what's on the table and what's not, so you can save money and get the best terms possible.
Read ArticleLocal Guide To the Best Student Friendly Neighborhoods to Rent Near Colleges in San Francisco
A Local Experts guide to the Best Student Friendly Neighborhoods Near Colleges in the Bay area for affordable living. Find your perfect San Francisco Student apartment, condo, or rental home today at ApartmentHomeliving.com
Read ArticleReal Estate and Rental Term Glossary | ApartmentHomeLiving.com Renter University
From the letter A all the way to the letter Z, the Real Estate and Rental Term Glossary from the content team at ApartmentHomeLiving.com provides our visitors and shoppers with a little clarity and helpful guidance in navigating the real estate world through definitions and explainers for the top subjects and terms that someone may come across during the leasing, buying, or selling process.
Read ArticleQuick Rent Budget Calculator
How much rent can you afford?
The common "Rule of Thumb" is that rent should be no more than 30% of your income. How much is that? Enter your monthly income and click "Calculate My Budget" to find out.
San Francisco Overview
In the year 1849, many Americans began moving to San Francisco in their pursuit of gold. While these men never found much of this precious metal, they found something that would become even more valuable: a city that would become known as “The Paris of the West.” It is a wonderful nickname, but San Francisco needs no comparison as its vibrant citizens would be happy to tell you. Many revolutions in the name of love and harmony were brought to life in this city and it is filled with happy people. In fact, San Francisco is highly regarded as one of the greatest cities to live in due to its focus on harmony and happiness for its residents. The city is alive with breathtaking views and sophisticated culture. San Francisco is a prosperous community in many regards, and witnessing this all-American city will brighten the heart of tourists and citizens alike, which makes finding a home in one of the many available San Francisco apartments or rental homes a must.
Why live in San Francisco, CA?
San Francisco is one of the most beloved and unique cities in America. It is draped in gorgeous scenery and filled with a loving vibe from many people. From its introduction to American history, San Francisco has always been something completely different than the typical American city. It has always offered something that people want and changes the world for the better with its beliefs and culture. In a city founded on peace and love and located on the jaw-droppingly gorgeous Pacific coast, it is easy to see why San Francisco has cemented its name as one of the most iconic American cities. With a variety of options for apartments in San Francisco, finding a place to live here can be a breeze.
Remember the 3 Rules of Real Estate:Location, Location, Location!
Explore San Francisco, CA Rentals by Map
See the most popular apartments and homes in San Francisco, CA
San Francisco, CA Area Reviews
Shannon
February 25, 2025Gorgeous parks and a wonderful place for those who appreciate culture, great food, and incredible ocean views. The arts and culture scene here is world-class!
Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap San Francisco Apartments
What is a cheap apartment in San Francisco?
A cheap apartment is any apartment up to the 30% percentile of cost for the area, which in San Francisco is under $1,695.
What is the price of a cheap apartment in San Francisco?
The cheapest apartment in San Francisco is 1030 Post Street Apartments which is listed at $1,795, while the average apartment in San Francisco costs $5,365.
What types of apartments are the cheapest in San Francisco?
Student, low-income, and by-the-bed apartments are typically the cheapest rentals in most cities, though they require qualifying criteria to rent. There are 4,504 regular apartments in San Francisco that we think qualify as ‘cheap apartments’ that do not have special requirements to apply to rent.
How do the prices of cheap apartments compare to the average apartment in San Francisco?
Cheap apartments in San Francisco have an average cost of $744 which is $4,621 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in San Francisco.
Expert Rental Resources
The rental experts at ApartmentHomeLiving.com provide you with top advice, tools, and tips for understanding the leasing process and finding the perfect rental. Here are a few helpful rental and leasing articles from our experts to guide you on your search.
Helpful Local Expert Guides

A San Francisco Local Expert’s Guide to the Top Budget-Friendly Bay Area Neighborhoods to Rent
Written by: Shannon Hilson
If you’re anything like me, the thought of San Francisco is synonymous with concepts like creativity, character, and quirky local style.

Local Guide To the Best Student Friendly Neighborhoods to Rent Near Colleges in San Francisco
Written by: Shannon Hilson
Naturally, going away to college or university is super exciting in and of itself. It’s the prelude to the rest of your life, not to mention an unforgettable experience all its own.

Where to Live, Where to Work: Your Guide to Top Neighborhoods to Rent Near San Francisco's 5 Best Employers
Written by: Shannon Hilson
Deciding to move to San Francisco for work is a huge deal. San Fran is exciting and just weird enough to let you know you’re in for an amazing adventure, right from day one.

Bay Living Like a Local: The Insiders Guide to Life and Renting in San Francisco, CA
Written by: Shannon Hilson
San Francisco is so much more than just postcard-perfect views of cable cars and the Golden Gate Bridge.
Articles, How-To's, and Tips

Neighborhood and Market Insights: How to Choose the Right Area to Rent
Written by: Robin Stewart
Apartment-hunting can be a gargantuan task. Renters have a wish list of items—some luxuries, some necessities—but finding what you seek in the right place is perhaps the most important part of the journey.

A Seasoned Property Manager's Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Deposit Back
Written by: Lauren Harrington
I’m going to talk with you as a seasoned property manager and friend. So, let’s start with your security deposit. I want you to think about this guide as insider information. You deserve your deposit back.

Expert Solutions for Creating the Perfect Work-From-Home Apartment Layouts
Written by: Lauren Harrington
This article is based on first-hand experience managing apartment communities and helping renters adapt to their spaces after moving in.

What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much
Written by: Lauren Harrington
This article draws from first-hand renter experiences and recurring financial challenges reported after moving in.