Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Downtown San Francisco Neighborhood of San Francisco, CA from $800 (89 Rentals)

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

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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1600 Larkin St
1 Bedroom Apartments

1600 Larkin St

1600 Larkin StSan Francisco, CA 94109
  • Utilities Included

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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513-519 Bush St
Studio Apartments

513-519 Bush St

513-519 Bush StSan Francisco, CA 94108
  • Utilities Included
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520 Geary
Studio Apartments

520 Geary

520-524 Geary StSan Francisco, CA 94102
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McAlpin Building
Studio to 1 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
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930 Post
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

930 Post

930 Post StSan Francisco, CA 94109
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675 OFarrell
Studio Apartments

675 OFarrell

675 O'Farrell StSan Francisco, CA 94109

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.

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1051 Post
Studio 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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949 Post St - Age 55+
Studio Apartments

949 Post St - Age 55+

949 Post StSan Francisco, CA 94109
Senior Living
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Burnette Apartments
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Burnette Apartments

815 O'Farrell StSan Francisco, CA 94109
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Geary Manor
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

Geary Manor

760-768 Geary StSan Francisco, CA 94109
  • Utilities Included
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725 Ellis
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

725 Ellis

725 Ellis 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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720 Jones
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

720 Jones

720 Jones StSan Francisco, CA 94109

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.

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1050 Post
Studio 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
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650 Ellis
Studio Apartments

650 Ellis

650 Ellis StSan Francisco, CA 94109
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735 Taylor
Studio Apartments

735 Taylor

735 Taylor StSan Francisco, CA 94109
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Post Arms Apartments
Studio Apartments

Post Arms Apartments

839 Post StSan Francisco, CA 94109
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635 Ellis
Studio Apartments

635 Ellis

635 Ellis StSan Francisco, CA 94109

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!

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626 Powell
Studio Apartments

626 Powell

626 Powell StSan Francisco, CA 94108
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685 Geary
Studio Apartments

685 Geary

685 Geary StSan Francisco, CA 94102

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 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 ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
229 EllisSmall RoomStudio,1BA$1,350
1008 LarkinEfficiency StudioStudio,1BA$1,395
839 LeavenworthStudio 1 BathStudio,1BA$1,695
650 EllisStudio 1 BathStudio,1BA$1,715
St. Francis Terrace LLC.Studio / 1 BathroomStudio,1BA$1,745
735 TaylorEfficiency StudioStudio,1BA$1,745
635 EllisStudio 1 BathStudio,1BA$1,775
Palace Court Apartments LLC.Studio / 1 BathroomStudio,1BA$1,795
781 O'FarrellStudio 1 BathStudio,1BA$1,845
516 EllisStudio 1 BathStudio,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 ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
338 Spear St, Unit Infinity 2024-2025 Lease338 Spear St2BR,2BA$3.94
1175 Clay St1 Bed, 1 bath1BR,1BA$3.63
Pine Grove ApartmentsOne Bedroom1BR,1BA$3.99
1501 ApartmentsOne Bed1BR,1BA$3.50
1035 Sutter1 Bed 1 Bath1BR,1BA$4.04
1030-1042 Polk1 Bed 1 Bath1BR,1BA$4.49
Geary Courtyard0x1Studio ,1BA$4.24
750 O'FarrellStudio 1 BathStudio ,1BA$4.36
516 EllisStudio 1 BathStudio ,1BA$4.61
650 EllisStudio 1 BathStudio ,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.

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Pet Friendly Lifestyle
Downtown San Francisco, San Francisco, CA

Ranked #17

Among neighborhoods in San Francisco, CA for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities

Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score

4.0
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 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.

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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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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.

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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.

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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.