
Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Downtown San Francisco Neighborhood of San Francisco, CA from $800 (89 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the Downtown San Francisco area of San Francisco.


124 Waverly Pl

666 Jackson St

1008 Larkin

580 Ofarrell St

Private bedroom in 5 bed/3.5 bath Home
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.

Private bedroom in 5 bed/3.5 bath Home

1490 Pine St

839 Leavenworth

Private bedroom in 5 bed/3.5 bath Home

654 Jackson St

1030 Post Street Apartments

Pine Grove Apartments
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.
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.
Navigating the Rental Market: Tips for First-Time Renters
Entering the rental market? Learn these simple tips and strategies to avoid common pitfalls and make confident choices. Rent with peace of mind.
Downtown San Francisco - One of the Best Affordable Neighborhoods in San Francisco
Named as one of the Best Affordable Neighborhoods to rent in San Francisco by our San Francisco, CA Local Expert Shannon Hilson. See how it ranks!
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 | $2,680 | $875 | $6,310 |
Downtown San Francisco 1 Bedroom Apartments | $4,086 | $1,400 | $7,720 |
Downtown San Francisco 2 Bedroom Apartments | $6,429 | $1,400 | $10,000+ |
Downtown San Francisco 3 Bedroom Apartments | $8,070 | $2,600 | $10,000+ |
Downtown San Francisco 4 Bedroom Apartments | $19,500 | $10,000 | $10,000+ |
Browse Apartments in this Neighborhood
There are currently 89 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 229 Ellis priced from $1,350. 1008 Larkin has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $1,395. Here are the most affordable Downtown San Francisco apartments for rent in San Francisco, CA:
Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
---|---|---|---|
229 Ellis | Small Room | Studio,1BA | $1,350 |
1008 Larkin | Efficiency Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,395 |
839 Leavenworth | Studio 1 Bath | Studio,1BA | $1,695 |
650 Ellis | Studio 1 Bath | Studio,1BA | $1,715 |
St. Francis Terrace LLC. | Studio / 1 Bathroom | Studio,1BA | $1,745 |
735 Taylor | Efficiency Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,745 |
635 Ellis | Studio 1 Bath | Studio,1BA | $1,775 |
Palace Court Apartments LLC. | Studio / 1 Bathroom | Studio,1BA | $1,795 |
781 O'Farrell | Studio 1 Bath | Studio,1BA | $1,845 |
516 Ellis | Studio 1 Bath | Studio,1BA | $1,845 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Downtown San Francisco, CA
As of June 24, 2025 the best value apartment in the Downtown San Francisco area is the $3.94 price per square foot 338 Spear St Model at 338 Spear St, Unit Infinity 2024-2025 Lease in the in the South Of Market neighborhood starting from $4,600. The second greatest value Downtown San Francisco apartment is the 1 Bed, 1 bath Model at 1175 Clay St starting at $2,900 with a $3.63 price per square foot in the South Of Market 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. |
---|---|---|---|
338 Spear St, Unit Infinity 2024-2025 Lease | 338 Spear St | 2BR,2BA | $3.94 |
1175 Clay St | 1 Bed, 1 bath | 1BR,1BA | $3.63 |
Pine Grove Apartments | One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $3.99 |
1501 Apartments | One Bed | 1BR,1BA | $3.50 |
1035 Sutter | 1 Bed 1 Bath | 1BR,1BA | $4.04 |
1030-1042 Polk | 1 Bed 1 Bath | 1BR,1BA | $4.49 |
Geary Courtyard | 0x1 | Studio ,1BA | $4.24 |
750 O'Farrell | Studio 1 Bath | Studio ,1BA | $4.36 |
516 Ellis | Studio 1 Bath | Studio ,1BA | $4.61 |
650 Ellis | Studio 1 Bath | Studio ,1BA | $4.33 |
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.
Pet Friendly LifestyleDowntown San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
Ranked #17
Among neighborhoods in San Francisco, CA 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 the Cheapest Studio apartment in Downtown San Francisco?
Currently the most affordable Cheap Studio Apartment in Downtown San Francisco is at 229 Ellis listed at $1,350.
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 $1,895 at O'Farrell Associates LLC..
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 $2,495 at Palace Court Apartments LLC..
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 20 Romolo and starts from $5,015.
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.

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.

Roommate Matching: Finding the Right Fit and Avoiding Pitfalls
Written by: Cheryl Bowman
A fantastic way to save money and enjoy a built-in community is to share an apartment. However, a bad roommate situation can turn your dream rental into a nightmare.

The Art of the Rental Viewing: What to look for during a property tour
Written by: Marie Brown
You’ve scrolled through countless listings, walked through a blur of rentals, and finally found what feels like the one. The pictures? Fantastic. The neighborhood seems just right.

Know Your Budget: Calculating What You Can Realistically Afford When Renting
Written by: Lauren Harrington
Renting an apartment or house isn’t just about looking through online ads, choosing a few apartments or homes you want to tour, filling out an application, and putting down a deposit. Those things are all necessary and important.