Welcome to San Francisco! Famous for the Golden Gate Bridge, historic cable cars, and a forward-thinking culture, “The City by the Bay” offers a unique living experience full of innovation and stunning views.
If you’re looking to rent an apartment in San Francisco, there are plenty of neighborhoods to choose from. We’ve compiled a list of the best places to rent in San Francisco based on the following factors:
- Rental availability
- Average rent relative to other neighborhoods in the city
- Proximity to points of interest like work hubs, universities, downtown areas, shopping centers, or major parks
- Niche.com’s neighborhood report cards
The five best neighborhoods in San Francisco for renters in 2026 are:
Civic Center
- Average 1-bedroom rent in San Francisco: $3,209/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Civic Center: $2,867/month
- Average 1-bedroom size in Civic Center: 607 square feet
Why Civic Center is good for renters
Civic Center is the cultural and administrative heart of San Francisco, home to beautiful Beaux-Arts buildings like City Hall, the War Memorial Opera House, and the Davies Symphony Hall. Renters here benefit from some of the most accessible transit in the city, with major BART and Muni lines converging. The neighborhood offers a mix of modern high-rises and classic apartment buildings, often at a more approachable price point than its neighbors.
|
Walker's Paradise |
Rider’s Paradise |
Biker’s Paradise |
100Civic Center has a WalkScore® of 100 out of 100. If you prefer to get around on foot, you’ll love it here. |
100Civic Center has a TransitScore® of 100 out of 100. This area has expansive public transportation options. |
90Civic Center has a BikeScore® of 90 out of 100. If you prefer to get around on a bike, you’ll love it here. |
Keep in mind
The area can be very busy during the day with government business and quiet at night. Some parts of the neighborhood face urban challenges common to downtown areas.
Lower Nob
- Average 1-bedroom rent in San Francisco: $3,209/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Lower Nob: $2,680/month
- Average 1-bedroom size in Lower Nob: 550 square feet
Why Lower Nob is good for renters
Lower Nob offers a fantastic location in the heart of Downtown San Francisco. Renters enjoy classic San Francisco architecture, a bustling bar scene, and walkability to Union Square, the Financial District, and Chinatown. It’s the perfect spot for renters who want a quintessential city living experience with plenty of character.
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Walker’s Paradise |
Rider’s Paradise |
Very Bikeable |
100Lower Nob has a WalkScore® of 100 out of 100. If you prefer to get around on foot, you’ll love it here. |
98Lower Nob has a TransitScore® of 98 out of 100. This area has expansive public transportation options. |
70Lower Nob has a BikeScore® of 70 out of 100. You’ll find a variety of bike paths and lanes. |
Keep in mind
Apartments in this area tend to be in older buildings, which can mean smaller layouts and fewer modern amenities. Street parking is extremely limited.
Lower Pacific Heights
- Average 1-bedroom rent in San Francisco: $3,209/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Lower Pacific Heights: $2,961/month
- Average 1-bedroom size in Lower Pacific Heights: 526 square feet
Why Lower Pacific Heights is good for renters
Lower Pacific Heights offers a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere with beautiful Victorian and Edwardian architecture. Renters are drawn to the neighborhood for its serene, tree-lined streets and its proximity to the trendy shops and restaurants on Fillmore Street. It provides a quieter residential feel while still being centrally located and offering easy access to other popular neighborhoods like Marina and Civic Center.
|
Walker’s Paradise |
Excellent Transit |
Very Bikeable |
98Lower Pacific Heights has a WalkScore® of 98 out of 100. If you prefer to get around on foot, you’ll love it here. |
79Lower Pacific Heights has a TransitScore® of 79 out of 100. There are several public transit stops in this area. |
82Lower Pacific Heights has a BikeScore® of 82 out of 100. You’ll find a variety of bike paths and lanes. |
Keep in mind
While more affordable than Pacific Heights, rents are still on the higher side. The neighborhood also has a quieter nightlife compared to more central districts.
Mission Dolores
- Average 1-bedroom rent in San Francisco: $3,209/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Mission Dolores: $3,272/month
- Average 1-bedroom size in Mission Dolores: 534 square feet
Why Mission Dolores is good for renters
Centered around the popular park of the same name, Mission Dolores is a lively neighborhood known for its incredible food scene and rich culture. Renters love having Mission Dolores Park as their front yard for picnics, as well as being steps away from the countless taquerias, cafes, and boutiques in the greater Mission District. The area is well-connected by public transit, making it easy to get around the city.
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Walker’s Paradise |
Rider’s Paradise |
Biker’s Paradise |
99Mission Dolores has a WalkScore® of 99 out of 100. If you prefer to get around on foot, you’ll love it here. |
98Mission Dolores has a TransitScore® of 98 out of 100. This area has expansive public transportation options. |
96Mission Dolores has a BikeScore® of 96 out of 100. If you prefer to get around on a bike, you’ll love it here. |
Keep in mind
The neighborhood's popularity means the rental market is competitive and prices are above the city average. The park and surrounding streets are very active and can be noisy, especially on sunny weekends.
SoMa
- Average 1-bedroom rent in San Francisco: $3,209/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in SoMa: $3,333/month
- Average 1-bedroom size in SoMa: 626 square feet
Why SoMa is good for renters
SoMa (South of Market) is a large, diverse district known for its industrial lofts and role as a hub for the tech industry. Renters here are close to major attractions like Oracle Park, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, and numerous startups and corporate headquarters. The neighborhood offers an energetic, fast-paced urban lifestyle with a wide variety of dining and entertainment options.
|
Walker’s Paradise |
Rider’s Paradise |
Biker’s Paradise |
99SoMa has a WalkScore® of 99 out of 100. If you prefer to get around on foot, you’ll love it here. |
100SoMa has a TransitScore® of 100 out of 100. This area has expansive public transportation options. |
97SoMa has a BikeScore® of 97 out of 100. If you prefer to get around on a bike, you’ll love it here. |
Keep in mind
SoMa is a sprawling neighborhood, and the atmosphere can change significantly from one block to the next. Its commercial and industrial roots mean it can feel less residential than other areas.
Ready to Make the Move?
If San Francisco has caught your eye, take the next step with Apartments.com! Whether you’re dropping in for a short-term lease or hoping to set down roots, Apartments.com has the tools to help you find the perfect place. Navigate housing across neighborhoods with our customized search engine and use our customizable filters to narrow your search by price, amenities, and floor plan.
Wherever you are and wherever you’re going, the options are endless with Apartments.com.
Methodology
Rent and cost of living data are sourced from the Apartments.com Rent Trends pages and Cost of Living Calculator. WalkScore®, TransitScore®, and BikeScore® ratings are sourced from the Apartments.com Area Guides.
FAQs
Is San Francisco a good place to live?
Yes, San Francisco is a great place to live for renters who thrive in a diverse, innovative, and fast-paced urban environment. The city offers unparalleled career opportunities, stunning natural beauty, and a world-class culinary scene, appealing to those who appreciate culture and an active lifestyle.
Is San Francisco an expensive place to live?
Yes, San Francisco is one of the most expensive cities in the United States. The cost of living is 61.9% higher than the national average, with housing being the single largest factor. Daily expenses such as groceries, utilities, and transportation are also significantly pricier than in most other American cities.
If you’re on a tight budget but want to live in San Francisco, there are plenty of affordable neighborhoods to start your search.
What’s the average rent in San Francisco?
The average rent in San Francisco is $3,209/month, as of February 2026. This is 97% higher than the national average rent of $1,626/month.
What salary do you need to live in San Francisco?
According to our cost of living data, a comfortable salary for a single adult with no dependents to cover housing, utilities, groceries, and goods and services in San Francisco would be around $131,000 before tax.
