Cheap Apartments for Rent in San Francisco, CA from $600 (104 Rentals)

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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.

property at 420 Ellis St

420 Ellis St

San FranciscoCA94102
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The Kelsey Civic Center
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

The Kelsey Civic Center

240 Van Ness AveSan Francisco, CA 94102
  • Utilities Included

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.

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730 Stanyan
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

730 Stanyan

700-730 Stanyan StSan Francisco, CA 94117
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1600 Larkin St
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

1600 Larkin St

1600 Larkin StSan Francisco, CA 94109
  • Utilities Included
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La Fnix at 1950
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

La Fnix at 1950

1950 Mission StSan Francisco, CA 94103
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555 EDDY Apartments
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

555 EDDY Apartments

555 Eddy StSan Francisco, CA 94109
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947 Bush
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

947 Bush

947 Bush StSan Francisco, CA 94109

Where to Live, Where to Work: Your Guide to Top Neighborhoods to Rent Near San Francisco's 5 Best Employers

Maximize your work-life balance in San Francisco. Discover the ideal neighborhoods for renting, from SoMa to Nob Hill, for employees of the city's 5 leading companies.

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Freedom West Homes
1 to 4 Bedroom Apartments

Freedom West Homes

820 McAllister StSan Francisco, CA 94102
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Oasis Apartments
Studio Apartments

Oasis Apartments

351 Turk StSan Francisco, CA 94102
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Madonna Residences
Studio Apartments

Madonna Residences

350 Golden Gate AveSan Francisco, CA 94102
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513-519 Bush St
Studio Apartments

513-519 Bush St

513-519 Bush StSan Francisco, CA 94108
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1100 Ocean Avenue
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

1100 Ocean Avenue

1100-1140 Ocean AveSan Francisco, CA 94112
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965 Geary Street
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

965 Geary Street

965 Geary StSan Francisco, CA 94109
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Burnette Apartments
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Burnette Apartments

815 O'Farrell StSan Francisco, CA 94109
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145 Fell
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

145 Fell

145 Fell StSan Francisco, CA 94102
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520 Geary
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

520 Geary

520-524 Geary StSan Francisco, CA 94102
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McAlpin Building
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

McAlpin Building

427-439 Stockton StSan Francisco, CA 94108
  • Utilities Included

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.

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615 Leavenworth
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

615 Leavenworth

615 Leavenworth StSan Francisco, CA 94109
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620 Eddy St
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

620 Eddy St

620 Eddy StSan Francisco, CA 94109
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930 Post
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

930 Post

930 Post StSan Francisco, CA 94109
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665 Eddy
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

665 Eddy

665 Eddy StSan Francisco, CA 94109
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1750 Franklin St
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

1750 Franklin St

1750 Franklin StSan Francisco, CA 94109
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1051 Post
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

1051 Post

1051 Post StSan Francisco, CA 94109
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675 OFarrell
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

675 OFarrell

675 O'Farrell StSan Francisco, CA 94109
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621 Taylor
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

621 Taylor

621 Taylor StSan Francisco, CA 94102
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372 7th Ave
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

372 7th Ave

372 7th AveSan Francisco, CA 94118
Student Housing
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4005 California
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

4005 California

4005 California StSan Francisco, CA 94118

The Art of the Rental Viewing: What to look for during a property tour

Touring a rental? This guide helps you know exactly what to look for, from safety features to hidden flaws, so you can confidently sign your lease or keep searching.

San Francisco, CA Local Guide

Photo of Justin Habersaat - Editing Staff
Written By:
Justin Habersaat
Editing Staff

Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in San Francisco, CA

Pricing Updated: 12/15/2025

Current apartment rentals in the San Francisco, CA area range in price from $272 to $29,950 with an overall median price of $5,866. The three San Francisco neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are City Center at $1,850, Elmhurst Park at $1,900, and Cherryland at $2,025. Here is today’s list of the top 10 neighborhoods with the lowest median pricing for San Francisco Apartments for rent:

NeighborhoodMedian PriceMin PriceAvailable Units
City Center$1,850$1,8501
Elmhurst Park$1,900$1,9001
Cherryland$2,025$2,0251
School$2,112$1,8493
Highland Park$2,147$2,0002
Bella Vista$2,295$2,2951
Ivy Hill$2,295$1,1993
Iron Triangle$2,300$1,5006
North Hayward$2,400$1,76416
Linda Mar Valley$2,400$2,4001

Cheapest Available San Francisco Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in San Francisco, CA is a 1 Bed unit found at FOUND Study San Francisco in the South Of Market neighborhood priced from $700. 2550 Irving in the Sunset District neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $776. Here is today’s list of the most affordable San Francisco apartments for rent:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
FOUND Study San FranciscoPrivate Room1BR,1BA$700
2550 IrvingStudioStudio,1BA$776
731-753 & 743 Polk Street; 807 Ellis Street (1359rc)0BR/1.0BAStudio,1BA$895
The Sophie MaxwellStudioStudio,1BA$1,273
965 Geary Street0BR/1.0BAStudio,1BA$1,295
SF HouseUrban NestStudio,1BA$1,300
ArtHaus MandelaDStudio,1BA$1,448
ArtHaus MagnoliaCStudio,1BA$1,500
949 Post St - Age 55+StudioStudio,1BA$1,545

Best Value Apartments for Rent in San Francisco, CA

As of December 15, 2025 the best value apartment in the San Francisco area is the $2.41 price per square foot 1370 20th Ave Model at 1370 20th Ave, Unit 1370 in the in the Sunset District neighborhood starting from $4,200. The second greatest value San Francisco apartment is the Floorplan P Model at Ashton starting at $4,425 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 ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
1370 20th Ave, Unit 13701370 20th Ave2BR,2.5BA$2.41
AshtonFloorplan P2BR,2BA$2.78
5th Street LoftsLoft CStudio ,1BA$2.03
2120 Pacific AveNo Current AvailabilityStudio ,1BA$2.65
1 Bed 1 Bath in Historical Building2BR/1.0BA2BR,1BA$2.56
TOURNAHU INVESTMENT PROPERTIESTOUR HOMES1BR,1BA$2.53
965 Geary Street1BR/1.0BA1BR,1BA$2.53
839 LeavenworthStudio 1 Bath ApartmentStudio ,1BA$2.62
2550 Irving1 BR1BR,1BA$2.71
731-753 & 743 Polk Street; 807 Ellis Street (1359rc)0BR/1.0BAStudio ,1BA$2.69

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.

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The Ultimate Long-Distance Moving Checklist: Tips from a Real Estate Pro

Moving is tough, especially long-distance. Learn how to minimize stress & expenses with proven strategies from a real estate pro, covering everything from logistics to finances.

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Local 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

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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.

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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

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Getting Around San Francisco, CA

Walk Score®

95 / 100

Walker’s Paradise

Daily errands do not require a car

Bike Score®

81 / 100

Very Bikeable

Biking is convenient for most trips

Transit Score®

83 / 100

Excellent Transit

Transit is convenient for most trips

San Francisco, CA Area Reviews

  • Parks
  • Entertainment
  • Local Vibes
  • Restaurants
  • Location
  • Traffic
  • Public Transportation
  • Outdoor Access
  • Cost of Living
  • Safety

Shannon

February 25, 2025

Gorgeous 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 $1,545.

What is the price of a cheap apartment in San Francisco?

The cheapest apartment in San Francisco is FOUND Study San Francisco which is listed at $700, while the average apartment in San Francisco costs $5,866.

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 9,035 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 $906 which is $4,960 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

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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.

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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.

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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.

Articles, How-To's, and Tips

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Renting with Roommates: Realistic Expectations for Shared Lease

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Given the high costs for housing, I have found that many people are looking for a roommate to share expenses. These arrangements can increase opportunities for more desirable and larger spaces.

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Apartment Common Area Rules: What Renters Need to Know

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Back in the day when I rented one of my first apartments, the property didn’t even have laundry in the building. Now, rental properties are often competing against each other to provide the best amenities.

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How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Everything is a negotiation in real estate! 

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The Rental Move-In Inspection Checklist: A Guide for Renters

Written by: Trey Huguley

The move-in inspection checklist is a crucial tool for both tenants and landlords. This checklist, provided by the team at ApartmentHomeLiving.com, helps document the condition of an apartment at the time of move-in.