Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Downtown San Francisco Neighborhood of San Francisco, CA from $600 (85 Rentals)

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Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the Downtown San Francisco area of San Francisco.

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.

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1600 Larkin St
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

1600 Larkin St

1600 Larkin StSan Francisco, CA 94109
  • 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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947 Bush
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

947 Bush

947 Bush StSan Francisco, CA 94109
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513-519 Bush St
Studio Apartments

513-519 Bush St

513-519 Bush StSan Francisco, CA 94108
  • Utilities Included
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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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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
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615 Leavenworth
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

615 Leavenworth

615 Leavenworth 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
  • Utilities Included
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930 Post
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

930 Post

930 Post StSan Francisco, CA 94109

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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675 OFarrell
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

675 OFarrell

675 O'Farrell 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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621 Taylor
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

621 Taylor

621 Taylor StSan Francisco, CA 94102
  • Utilities Included
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925 Geary Street
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

925 Geary Street

925 Geary StSan Francisco, CA 94109
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1020 Post
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

1020 Post

1020 Post StSan Francisco, CA 94109
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516 Ellis
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

516 Ellis

500-516 Ellis StSan Francisco, CA 94109
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839 Leavenworth
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

839 Leavenworth

839 Leavenworth StSan Francisco, CA 94109

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.

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725 Ellis
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

725 Ellis

725 Ellis StSan Francisco, CA 94109
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735 Taylor
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

735 Taylor

735 Taylor StSan Francisco, CA 94109
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124 Mason
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

124 Mason

120-124 Mason StSan Francisco, CA 94102
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650 Ellis
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

650 Ellis

650 Ellis StSan Francisco, CA 94109
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720 Jones
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

720 Jones

720 Jones StSan Francisco, CA 94109
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St. Stephen's Apartments
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

St. Stephen's Apartments

1105 Bush StSan Francisco, CA 94109
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980 Bush
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

980 Bush

980 Bush StSan Francisco, CA 94109
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1050 Post
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

1050 Post

1050 Post StSan Francisco, CA 94109
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Jones Street Terrace
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

Jones Street Terrace

729 Jones StSan Francisco, CA 94109
  • Utilities Included

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

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 965 Geary Street priced from $1,295. SF House has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $1,300. Here are the most affordable Downtown San Francisco apartments for rent in San Francisco, CA:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
965 Geary Street0BR/1.0BAStudio,1BA$1,295
SF HouseUrban NestStudio,1BA$1,300
949 Post St - Age 55+StudioStudio,1BA$1,545
839 LeavenworthStudio 1 Bath ApartmentStudio,1BA$1,645
The Cornelia SuitesCornelia Suites StudioStudio,1BA$1,650
735 Taylor1 Efficiency 1 Bath ApartmentStudio,1BA$1,695
650 Ellis1 Studio 1 Bath ApartmentStudio,1BA$1,695
1030 Post Street Apartments1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$1,795
1369 HydeStudio 1 Bath ApartmentStudio,1BA$1,795
540 Leavenworth StreetStudioStudio,1BA$1,845

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Downtown San Francisco, CA

As of November 21, 2025 the best value apartment in the Downtown San Francisco area is the $3.83 price per square foot 3 bedroom Model at Warrington Apartments in the in the South Of Market neighborhood starting from $4,600. The second greatest value Downtown San Francisco apartment is the 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom Apartment Model at 1950 Franklin starting at $3,945 with a $3.78 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 ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
Warrington Apartments3 bedroom3BR,2BA$3.83
1950 Franklin1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom Apartment1BR,1BA$3.78
965 Geary Street1BR/1.0BA1BR,1BA$2.79
634 Powell1 Bedroom 1 Bath Apartment1BR,1BA$4.45
Pine Grove ApartmentsOne Bedroom1BR,1BA$3.99
839 LeavenworthStudio 1 Bath ApartmentStudio ,1BA$2.62
1030 Post Street Apartments1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$3.42
925 Geary Street1 Bedroom 1 Bath1BR,1BA$4.14
730 Leavenworth StStudioStudio ,1BA$4.30
650 Ellis1 Studio 1 Bath ApartmentStudio ,1BA$4.01

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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Quick 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.

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Pet Friendly Lifestyle
Downtown San Francisco, San Francisco, CA

Ranked #16

Among cities in California for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities.

Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score

4.0
Pet Friendly

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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 the Cheapest Studio apartment in Downtown San Francisco?

Currently the most affordable Cheap Studio Apartment in Downtown San Francisco is at 965 Geary Street listed at $1,295.

How much is rent for a Cheap One Bedroom Downtown San Francisco Apartment?

The lowest price for a Cheap One Bedroom Downtown San Francisco Apartment is $1,795 at 1030 Post Street Apartments.

What is the lowest price for a Cheap Two Bedroom Downtown San Francisco Apartment for rent?

Today's best deal for a Cheap Two Bedroom Apartment in Downtown San Francisco is starting from $2,150 at 965 Geary Street.

What is the most affordable Downtown San Francisco Three Bedroom Apartment?

The best deal on a cheap Downtown San Francisco Three Bedroom Apartment rental is at Warrington Apartments and starts from $4,600.

Expert Rental Resources

Helpful Apartment Articles, How-To's and Tips

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.

decorative image for A San Francisco Local Expert’s Guide to the Top Budget-Friendly Bay Area Neighborhoods to Rent article

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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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.