Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Downtown San Francisco Neighborhood of San Francisco, CA from $800 (174 Rentals)

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

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.

property at 422 Ellis St

$1,695 - $1,995

Studio Rentals

Available Now

422 Ellis St

San FranciscoCA94102
property at 420 Ellis St

$1,395 - $1,995

Studio Rentals

Available Now

420 Ellis St

San FranciscoCA94102
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Geary Courtyard
Rent Specials
$2,356 - $2,606
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$2,356 - $2,606

Total Monthly Price
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Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

Geary Courtyard

639 Geary StSan Francisco, CA 94102
Affordability
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  • Customer Reviewed
  • Utilities Included

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
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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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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

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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615 Leavenworth
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

615 Leavenworth

615 Leavenworth 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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Pine Properties LLC.
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

Pine Properties LLC.

1739 Pine StSan Francisco, CA 94109
Student Housing
  • Utilities Included
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980 Bush
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

980 Bush

980 Bush StSan Francisco, CA 94109
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930 Post
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

930 Post

930 Post 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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675 OFarrell
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

675 OFarrell

675 O'Farrell 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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1020 Post
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

1020 Post

1020 Post StSan Francisco, CA 94109

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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839 Leavenworth
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

839 Leavenworth

839 Leavenworth StSan Francisco, CA 94109
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725 Ellis
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

725 Ellis

725 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
  • Utilities Included
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124 Mason
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

124 Mason

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

650 Ellis

650 Ellis StSan Francisco, CA 94109

Bay Living Like a Local: The Insider's Guide to Life and Renting in San Francisco, CA

Unlock the personality of Renting and Living in the City by the Bay. Learn where to eat the best tacos, find hidden views, and embrace the charming contradictions of San Francisco life.

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 SF House priced from $1,300. 949 Post St 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 ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
SF HouseUrban NestStudio,1BA$1,300
949 Post StStudioStudio,1BA$1,545
The Cornelia SuitesCornelia StudioStudio,1BA$1,600
839 LeavenworthStudio 1 Bath ApartmentStudio,1BA$1,665
650 Ellis1 Studio 1 Bath ApartmentStudio,1BA$1,745
Hyde Park Apartments LLC.Large StudioStudio,1BA$1,795
1030 Post Street Apartments1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$1,795
OSM Trade StreetStudioStudio,1BA$1,795
798 PostEfficiency Studio 1 Bath ApartmentStudio,1BA$1,845
925 Geary StreetStudioStudio,1BA$1,895

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Downtown San Francisco, CA

As of May 30, 2026 the best value apartment in the Downtown San Francisco area is the $4.67 price per square foot 2 Bedroom 2 Bath Apartment + Office Model at 1369 Hyde in the in the South Of Market neighborhood starting from $6,695. The second greatest value Downtown San Francisco apartment is the 1 Bedroom, 1 Bathroom Model at NorthPoint Vistas starting at $4,200 with a $4.00 price per square foot in the Downtown San Francisco 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.
1369 Hyde2 Bedroom 2 Bath Apartment + Office2BR,2BA$4.67
NorthPoint Vistas1 Bedroom, 1 Bathroom1BR,1BA$4.00
Warrington ApartmentsEfficiencyStudio ,1BA$4.07
1030 Post Street Apartments1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$3.42
Nob Hill Associates LLC.1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$5.21
Geary Courtyard0x1Studio ,1BA$5.03
Hyde Park Apartments LLC.Large StudioStudio ,1BA$4.33
925 Geary StreetStudioStudio ,1BA$5.07
The Cornelia SuitesCornelia StudioStudio ,1BA$4.85
949 Post StStudioStudio ,1BA$5.15

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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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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Real 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.

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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 #18

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 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 $1,895.

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 $11,995.

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 3 regular apartments in Downtown San Francisco that we think qualify as ‘cheap apartments’ that do not have special requirements to apply to rent.

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

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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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.

decorative image for Where to Live, Where to Work: Your Guide to Top Neighborhoods to Rent Near San Francisco's 5 Best Employers article

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.

decorative image for Bay Living Like a Local: The Insiders Guide to Life and Renting in San Francisco, CA article

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

decorative image for Neighborhood and Market Insights: How to Choose the Right Area to Rent   article

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.

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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.

decorative image for Expert Solutions for Creating the Perfect Work-From-Home Apartment Layouts  article

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.

decorative image for What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much article

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.