
Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Downtown San Francisco Neighborhood of San Francisco, CA from $800 (76 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the Downtown San Francisco area of San Francisco.


706 Kearny St

SF House

666 Jackson St

640 Broadway

949 Post St - Age 55+

The Cornelia Suites

Sutter Street Apartments

1030 Post Street Apartments

420 Ellis St
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.

Pine Grove Apartments

810 Hyde St

730 Leavenworth St

MARK HOPKINS

1600 Larkin St

669 ELLIS Apartments

President Hotel Apartments

947 Bush

513-519 Bush St

Burnette Apartments
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.

520 Geary

McAlpin Building

615 Leavenworth

1750 Franklin St

930 Post

1051 Post

675 OFarrell

621 Taylor

Hyde Park Apartments LLC.

1020 Post
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.

Palace Court Apartments LLC.

839 Leavenworth

Chester Hall Apartments

725 Ellis

St. Stephen's Apartments

124 Mason

1050 Post

720 Jones

650 Ellis

980 Bush
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.

Jones Street Terrace

Post Arms Apartments

1055 Mason

1408 California

626 Powell

676 GEARY Apartments

816 Geary

1025 Post

691 O'Farrell

685 Geary
Smart Renter's Guide: Calculating Affordable Rent & Housing Costs
Wondering how to determine your rental budget? This comprehensive guide covers everything from the 30% rule to hidden fees and effective budgeting strategies.
Downtown San Francisco, San Francisco, CA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Downtown San Francisco?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown San Francisco Studio Apartments | $3,006 | $830 | $5,000 |
| Downtown San Francisco 1 Bedroom Apartments | $4,454 | $1,500 | $9,859 |
| Downtown San Francisco 2 Bedroom Apartments | $6,036 | $2,600 | $9,313 |
| Downtown San Francisco 3 Bedroom Apartments | $8,243 | $6,000 | $10,000+ |
| Downtown San Francisco 4 Bedroom Apartments | $9,986 | $9,761 | $10,000+ |
Browse Apartments in this Neighborhood
There are currently 76 rentals with your search options within a 2 mile radius of the Downtown San Francisco Neighborhood of San Francisco, CA.
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Downtown San Francisco, San Francisco, CA Local Guide
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Cheapest Available Downtown San Francisco Apartments for Rent
 The cheapest available apartment rental in the Downtown San Francisco area of San Francisco, CA is a Studio unit found at SF House priced from $1,300. 949 Post St - Age 55+ has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $1,545. Here are the most affordable Downtown San Francisco apartments for rent in San Francisco, CA:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| SF House | Urban Nest | Studio,1BA | $1,300 |
| 949 Post St - Age 55+ | Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,545 |
| 839 Leavenworth | Studio 1 Bath Apartment | Studio,1BA | $1,645 |
| 650 Ellis | 1 Studio 1 Bath Apartment | Studio,1BA | $1,695 |
| 1030 Post Street Apartments | 1 Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $1,795 |
| 1025 Post | 1 Studio 1 Bath Apartment | Studio,1BA | $1,795 |
| 540 Leavenworth Street | Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,845 |
| Pine Grove Apartments | Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,850 |
| Sutter Street Apartments | Junior 1 Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $1,995 |
| 730 Leavenworth St | Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,995 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Downtown San Francisco, CA
As of January 13, 2026 the best value apartment in the Downtown San Francisco area is the $3.90 price per square foot 1 Bedroom 1 Bath Apartment Model at 1369 Hyde in the in the South Of Market neighborhood starting from $4,295. The second greatest value Downtown San Francisco apartment is the 1 Bedroom 1 Bath Apartment Model at 990 Geary starting at $2,695 with a $3.44 price per square foot in the NOMA neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Downtown San Francisco apartments based on price per square foot:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1369 Hyde | 1 Bedroom 1 Bath Apartment | 1BR,1BA | $3.90 |
| 990 Geary | 1 Bedroom 1 Bath Apartment | 1BR,1BA | $3.44 |
| 798 Post | 1 Bedroom 1 Bath Apartment | 1BR,1BA | $3.64 |
| Pine Grove Apartments | One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $3.99 |
| 839 Leavenworth | Studio 1 Bath Apartment | Studio ,1BA | $2.62 |
| 455 Hyde | 1 Bedroom 1 Bath Apartment | 1BR,1BA | $3.84 |
| The Lofts at One Powell | H2 0X1 | Studio ,1BA | $4.11 |
| Sutter Street Apartments | Junior 1 Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $3.33 |
| 1030 Post Street Apartments | 1 Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $3.42 |
| 650 Ellis | 1 Studio 1 Bath Apartment | Studio ,1BA | $3.89 |
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 ArticleThe 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.
Read ArticleCash 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.
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 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.
Pet Friendly LifestyleDowntown San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
Ranked #17
Among cities in California for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities.
Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score
4.0Pet Friendly
Best Local Schools in Downtown San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
Lau (Gordon J.) Elementary
School data provided by Great Schools
Lifestyle Ratings
This website compares millions of points of data to bring you our detailed rental analysis called 'Lifestyle Ratings' - a comparison of rentals and neighborhoods across the USA, and customized analysis for San Francisco, California. LifeStyle Ratings are the best way to sort through finding a place to live - beyond price and floorplan. This takes in many factors including rankings of the best places for the best proximity to parks and outdoor amenities, luxury amenities, pet-friendly features, places that make kids happy, proximity to transit, walking, and biking. Use Lifestyle Search in the site filter options on this page - and find your Perfect place!
Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Downtown San Francisco Apartments
What is a cheap apartment in Downtown San Francisco?
A cheap apartment is any apartment up to the 30% percentile of cost for the area, which in Downtown San Francisco is under $1,995.
What is the price of a cheap apartment in Downtown San Francisco?
The cheapest apartment in Downtown San Francisco is 1030 Post Street Apartments which is listed at $1,795, while the average apartment in Downtown San Francisco costs $9,761.
What types of apartments are the cheapest in Downtown 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 regular apartments in Downtown 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 Downtown San Francisco?
Cheap apartments in Downtown San Francisco have an average cost of $707 which is $9,054 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in Downtown 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.
Articles, How-To's, and Tips

A Renters Guide for Tips on Writing Your Notice for Not Renewing Your Apartment
Written by: Bob Mallory
Packing up everything you own to move is so stressful for many that ending your apartment lease can feel like a small or unimportant task. Ending your lease involves more than simply turning over your keys on the last day.

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.

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.

How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Everything is a negotiation in real estate!