Rental Costs & Trends in San Francisco
Understanding average local rent prices and market trends can make a big difference in your housing search. Knowing what the typical rent costs are for different unit sizes and neighborhoods helps you:
- Compare listings with confidence – so you can recognize when a price is fair or inflated.
- Plan your budget realistically – including factoring in utilities, transportation, and other living costs.
- Spot red flags – if a place seems too cheap, it could indicate issues like unsafe conditions, scams, or hidden fees.
All in all, being informed about current rental trends puts you in a stronger position to make smart, confident decisions as you search for housing.
Average Rent in San Francisco
As of July 2025, the average rent in San Francisco, CA is $3,033 per month. This is 85% higher than the national average rent price of $1,636/month, making San Francisco one of the most expensive cities in the US. When you rent an apartment in San Francisco, you can expect to pay about $2,342 per month for a studio, $3,033 for a one-bedroom apartment, and around $4,173 for a two-bedroom apartment. If you opt for a three-bedroom rental, you could pay $5,701 or more.
$3,033/month Average Rent |
579 Sq Ft Average Apartment Size |
+4.3% Increase in the Last Year |
| Unit Type | Avg. Monthly Rent | Avg. Sq Ft |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $2,348 | 407 Sq Ft |
| 1 Bedroom | $3,043 | 581 Sq Ft |
| 2 Bedroom | $4,184 | 873 Sq Ft |
| 3 Bedroom | $5,732 | 1,100 Sq Ft |
How much has average rent changed in San Francisco?
In the past year, rent has increased by 4.3%, which averages out to $131 more per month.
Market Trends Over Time
Last Updated July 2025
Rent Ranges in San Francisco
Above $2,000
Last Updated July 2025
📍 Rent by Neighborhood: Affordable Areas Near USF
Looking to stay close to campus and save money? These neighborhoods offer some of the most affordable rents in the city:
| Neighborhood | Avg. Rent | Avg. Sq Ft |
|---|---|---|
| Merced Manor–Parkmerced | $2,779 | 738 Sq Ft |
| Lakeside | $2,808 | 757 Sq Ft |
| Stonestown | $2,939 | 723 Sq Ft |
Other nearby neighborhoods (less budget-friendly but popular with renters):
| Neighborhood | Avg. Rent | Avg. Sq Ft |
|---|---|---|
| Lower Nob | $3,265 | 610 Sq Ft |
| Western Addition | $3,330 | 665 Sq Ft |
| Bayview | $3,357 | 900 Sq Ft |
| Fillmore District | $3,378 | 656 Sq Ft |
| Lower Pacific Heights | $3,443 | 667 Sq Ft |
| Civic Center | $3,457 | 622 Sq Ft |
| Nob Hill | $3,547 | 664 Sq Ft |
📈 Rent Ranges Across the City
| Rent Range | % of Listings |
|---|---|
| Below $700/month | 3% |
| $700 – $1,000/month | 5% |
| $1,001 – $1,500/month | 8% |
| $1,501 – $2,000/month | 10% |
| Above $2,000/month | 74% |
Most available listings are well above $2,000/month, which makes shared housing and budgeting even more important.
🧮 What Income Do You Need to Afford Rent?
A common rule is to spend no more than 30% of your monthly income on housing.
| Average Rent | Suggested Monthly Income | Suggested Annual Income |
|---|---|---|
| $3,043 | $10,143 | $121,716 |
🧠 Tip for Students: If you’re living with roommates or using financial aid, consider dividing rent and utility costs to make things more manageable.
🏡 Cost of Living Breakdown (Compared to U.S. Average)
| Expense Category | SF vs. U.S. Avg |
|---|---|
| Housing | +161.0% |
| Groceries | +21.4% |
| Utilities | +58.3% |
| Transportation | +43.1% |
| Overall | +65.3% |
🛠️ Tips for the USF Community
- Roommate Finder: Use USF's off-campus housing platform to connect with others looking to split rent.
- Budgeting Tools: Take advantage of rent calculators to determine what’s affordable based on your situation.
- Public Transit: Consider neighborhoods on Muni or BART lines to cut down on car-related costs.
- Explore Campus Resources: USF may offer financial wellness counseling and off-campus housing guidance.