Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Downtown San Francisco Neighborhood of San Francisco, CA from $800 (76 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
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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
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Burnette Apartments
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Burnette Apartments

815 O'Farrell 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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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
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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 2 Bedroom Apartments

930 Post

930 Post 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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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
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1020 Post
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

1020 Post

1020 Post StSan Francisco, CA 94109

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.

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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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St. Stephen's Apartments
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

St. Stephen's Apartments

1105 Bush 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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1050 Post
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

1050 Post

1050 Post 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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650 Ellis
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

650 Ellis

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

980 Bush

980 Bush 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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Jones Street Terrace
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

Jones Street Terrace

729 Jones StSan Francisco, CA 94109
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Post Arms Apartments
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

Post Arms Apartments

839 Post StSan Francisco, CA 94109
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1055 Mason
Studio Apartments

1055 Mason

1055 Mason StSan Francisco, CA 94108
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1408 California
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

1408 California

1400-1408 California StSan Francisco, CA 94109
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626 Powell
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

626 Powell

626 Powell StSan Francisco, CA 94108
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676 GEARY Apartments
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

676 GEARY Apartments

672-682 Geary StSan Francisco, CA 94102
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816 Geary
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

816 Geary

816 Geary StSan Francisco, CA 94109
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1025 Post
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

1025 Post

1025 Post StSan Francisco, CA 94109
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691 O'Farrell
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

691 O'Farrell

683-691 Ofarrell StSan Francisco, CA 94109
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685 Geary
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

685 Geary

685 Geary StSan Francisco, CA 94102

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 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 ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
SF HouseUrban NestStudio,1BA$1,300
949 Post St - Age 55+StudioStudio,1BA$1,545
839 LeavenworthStudio 1 Bath ApartmentStudio,1BA$1,645
650 Ellis1 Studio 1 Bath ApartmentStudio,1BA$1,695
1030 Post Street Apartments1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$1,795
1025 Post1 Studio 1 Bath ApartmentStudio,1BA$1,795
540 Leavenworth StreetStudioStudio,1BA$1,845
Pine Grove ApartmentsStudioStudio,1BA$1,850
Sutter Street ApartmentsJunior 1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$1,995
730 Leavenworth StStudioStudio,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 ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
1369 Hyde1 Bedroom 1 Bath Apartment1BR,1BA$3.90
990 Geary1 Bedroom 1 Bath Apartment1BR,1BA$3.44
798 Post1 Bedroom 1 Bath Apartment1BR,1BA$3.64
Pine Grove ApartmentsOne Bedroom1BR,1BA$3.99
839 LeavenworthStudio 1 Bath ApartmentStudio ,1BA$2.62
455 Hyde1 Bedroom 1 Bath Apartment1BR,1BA$3.84
The Lofts at One PowellH2 0X1Studio ,1BA$4.11
Sutter Street ApartmentsJunior 1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$3.33
1030 Post Street Apartments1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$3.42
650 Ellis1 Studio 1 Bath ApartmentStudio ,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.

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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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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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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 #17

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 $1,995.

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

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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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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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!