
Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Downtown San Francisco Neighborhood of San Francisco, CA from $800 (175 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the Downtown San Francisco area of San Francisco.


1010 Bush St, Unit 128

1038-1098 Larkin St

666 Jackson St

SF House

225 Ellis St

640 Broadway, Unit 1

949 Post St - Age 55+

The Cornelia Suites

Sutter Street Apartments
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.

333 Main St

1030 Post Street Apartments

MARK HOPKINS

27 St Louis Alley

1298 Sacramento St

Total Monthly Price
Geary Courtyard

1346 Pine

873 Greenwich St, Unit 873 Greenwich Street, Unit 873 Greenwich Street

Warrington Apartments

Tower 737 Condominium Rentals
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.

Union-Hyde Apartments

1201 Sutter St, Unit SI FL2-ID1741

1449 Powell St

1600 Larkin St

669 ELLIS Apartments

President Hotel Apartments

947 Bush

513-519 Bush St

Burnette Apartments

520 Geary
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.

McAlpin Building

615 Leavenworth

Pine Properties LLC.

930 Post

1750 Franklin St

1051 Post

675 OFarrell

621 Taylor

540 Leavenworth Street

1020 Post
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.

925 Geary Street

Ehren Apartments

Palace Court Apartments LLC.

Hyde Park Apartments LLC.

Chester Hall Apartments

725 Ellis

980 Bush

St. Stephen's Apartments

720 Jones

1050 Post
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.
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 | $3,778 | $1,150 | $5,868 |
| Downtown San Francisco 1 Bedroom Apartments | $4,874 | $898 | $7,872 |
| Downtown San Francisco 2 Bedroom Apartments | $6,631 | $2,600 | $9,620 |
| Downtown San Francisco 3 Bedroom Apartments | $10,182 | $3,500 | $10,000+ |
Browse Apartments in this Neighborhood
There are currently 175 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 SF House priced from $1,300. 225 Ellis St has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $1,400. Here are the most affordable Downtown San Francisco apartments for rent in San Francisco, CA:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| SF House | Urban Nest | Studio,1BA | $1,300 |
| 225 Ellis St | Efficiency Studio | Studio, | $1,400 |
| 949 Post St - Age 55+ | Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,545 |
| 540 Leavenworth Street | Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,575 |
| 925 Geary Street | Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,595 |
| Ehren Apartments | 0BR/1.0BA | Studio,1BA | $1,600 |
| The Cornelia Suites | Cornelia Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,600 |
| Sutter Street Apartments | Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,695 |
| 1030 Post Street Apartments | 1 Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $1,795 |
| 798 Post | Efficiency Studio 1 Bath Apartment | Studio,1BA | $1,845 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Downtown San Francisco, CA
As of April 15, 2026 the best value apartment in the Downtown San Francisco area is the $4.47 price per square foot Golden Gate Model at 1000 Green in the in the NOMA neighborhood starting from $7,379. The second greatest value Downtown San Francisco apartment is the 1 Bedroom, 1 Bathroom Model at NorthPoint Vistas starting at $3,150 with a $2.93 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 Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1000 Green | Golden Gate | 2BR,2BA | $4.47 |
| NorthPoint Vistas | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bathroom | 1BR,1BA | $2.93 |
| Trinity Towers Apartments | 1 Bed, 1 Bath | 1BR,1BA | $3.70 |
| 825 Post | 1 Bedroom 1 Bath Apartment | 1BR,1BA | $4.53 |
| The Lofts at One Powell | H2 0X1 | Studio ,1BA | $4.60 |
| Warrington Apartments | Efficiency | Studio ,1BA | $4.07 |
| Marquette Apartments | 0BR/1.0BA | Studio ,1BA | $3.51 |
| 1030 Post Street Apartments | 1 Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $3.42 |
| Sutter Street Apartments | Studio | Studio ,1BA | $3.77 |
| The Cornelia Suites | Cornelia Studio | Studio ,1BA | $4.43 |
10 Hidden Costs of Renting You Should Budget for Before Signing a Lease
Avoid financial stress when renting. Learn about the 10 most common hidden costs—from pet fees to utilities—you must budget for before you sign a lease.
Read ArticleDon'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.
Read ArticleThe Ultimate Long-Distance Moving Checklist: Tips from a Real Estate Pro
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Read ArticleCash 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.
Read ArticleLocal 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
Read ArticleQuick 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 #20
Among cities in California 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 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 $1,845.
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 $9,550.
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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Maximizing Your Refund: Essential Tax Tips for Renters
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Other than tax professionals, I can’t think of anyone who looks forward to tax season. For everybody else, April is a stressful month to collect information and meet deadlines.

18 Must-Ask Rental Tour Questions That Reveal the Truth about a Property
Written by: Lauren Harrington
Renting your next home can feel thrilling and overwhelming at the same time.

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.