
Cheap Studio Apartments for Rent in San Francisco, CA from $1,200 (80 Rentals)


SF House

949 Post St

145 Leavenworth St

706 Kearny St

Yerba Buena Commons

The Cornelia Suites

Sutter Street Apartments

The Kelsey Civic Center

730 Stanyan
Genius Ideas and Studio Layout Tips That Maximize Every Square Inch
Transform your studio apartment layout and maximize storage. Get proven ideas from a 20-year property expert to make any small space stylish and functional.

2550 Irving

Columbia Apartments

La Fnix at 1950

669 ELLIS Apartments

President Hotel Apartments

947 Bush

Oasis Apartments

Madonna Residences

513-519 Bush St

Burnette Apartments
Expert Solutions for Creating the Perfect Work-From-Home Apartment Layouts
Create a productive work-from-home apartment setup, even in a small space or studio. Discover layout ideas, desk solutions, and organization tips that actually work.

145 Fell

McAlpin Building

615 Leavenworth

Hyde Park Apartments LLC.

620 Eddy St

980 Bush

1750 Franklin St

520 Geary

Pine Properties LLC.

1051 Post
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.

675 OFarrell

Larkin Street Apartments

930 Post

1241 Bush St

621 Taylor

Empire Court Apartments

Crescent Cove Apartments

72 Gough

Jekyll Apartments LLC.

57 Taylor
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.

1020 Post

3270 21st

538-540 43rd Ave

665 Eddy

Cosmopolitan Apartments

750 Guerrero

Palace Court Apartments LLC.

839 Leavenworth

Chester Hall Apartments

132 6th Street
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.
San Francisco, CA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in San Francisco?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco Studio Apartments | $3,330 | $1,200 | $9,308 |
| San Francisco 1 Bedroom Apartments | $4,170 | $898 | $8,798 |
| San Francisco 2 Bedroom Apartments | $5,293 | $1,747 | $10,000+ |
| San Francisco 3 Bedroom Apartments | $6,325 | $1,500 | $10,000+ |
| San Francisco 4 Bedroom Apartments | $6,075 | $3,200 | $10,000+ |
| San Francisco 5 Bedroom Apartments | $12,458 | $7,000 | $10,000+ |
Explore San Francisco

San Francisco, CA Local Guide
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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.
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 $1,665.
What is the price of a cheap apartment in San Francisco?
The cheapest apartment in San Francisco is SF House which is listed at $1,300, while the average apartment in San Francisco costs $5,562.
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 6,314 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 $722 which is $4,840 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.