San Francisco is expensive, but some neighborhoods offer better value than others. From the tech-heavy SOMA to the historic Mission, each area has its own character and price point. This guide breaks down the best neighborhoods by budget.
Jump to Your Budget
Under $2,500/month
Finding a decent studio or 1BR under $2,500 in SF proper is challenging but possible. You'll be looking at less trendy neighborhoods or smaller units.
Tenderloin
Central SFMost affordable in central SF. Walking distance to downtown, civic center, and tech offices. Can be gritty—research specific blocks carefully.
Outer Sunset
Western SFQuiet, foggy, near Ocean Beach. Great for surfers and nature lovers. Longer commute downtown but excellent value and neighborhood feel.
Outer Richmond
Northwest SFNear Golden Gate Park and Land's End. Amazing Asian food. Foggy but peaceful. Good value for families and those who don't need to be downtown.
Excelsior
Southern SFWorking-class neighborhood with strong community. Near BART (Balboa Park). Good for those who work in the South Bay. More space for less money.
$2,500-$3,500/month
This budget opens up more centrally-located neighborhoods with better transit access.
Inner Sunset
Central West SFGreat neighborhood feel with shops and restaurants on 9th Ave. Near UCSF and Golden Gate Park. N-Judah provides direct downtown access.
Outer Mission
South Central SFMore affordable than Inner Mission. Near Glen Park BART. Residential feel with diverse community. Good access to highway 280 for South Bay commuters.
Bernal Heights
South SFHilly with amazing views. Village-like feel with local shops on Cortland Ave. Near 24th St Mission BART. Popular with young families.
Potrero Hill
East SFSunny microclimate (one of SF's warmest). Great views, walkable to Dogpatch and SOMA. Near tech companies. Village feel on 18th Street.
$3,500-$4,500/month
This budget opens up the most popular and centrally-located neighborhoods.
The Mission
Central SFSF's trendiest neighborhood. Amazing food, nightlife, murals. Sunny (SF's warmest). Two BART stations. Vibrant but gentrifying quickly.
Castro
Central SFHistoric LGBTQ+ neighborhood. Charming Victorian architecture. Great restaurants and bars. Near Muni metro. Sunny and walkable.
Hayes Valley
Central SFTrendy boutiques, amazing restaurants. Near Opera and Symphony. Very walkable. Limited parking. Popular with young professionals.
SOMA
South of MarketTech hub with modern high-rises. Near Oracle Park, museums, and clubs. Can feel industrial in parts. Great transit access.
$4,500+/month
Premium neighborhoods with the best views, quietest streets, and most prestigious addresses.
Marina
Northern SFFlat streets, beautiful views of the Bay and Golden Gate. Upscale bars and restaurants on Chestnut. Popular with young professionals.
Pacific Heights
Northern SFSF's most prestigious neighborhood. Stunning Victorian mansions. Fillmore Street shopping. Amazing views. Very exclusive.
Noe Valley
Central SFFamily-friendly with cute shops on 24th Street. Sunny microclimate. Near J-Church Muni. Victorian homes. Very desirable.
Russian Hill
Northern SFFamous for Lombard Street. Stunning Bay views. Near Polk Street shopping. Hilly but beautiful. Cable car access.
Research SF Buildings
Found a neighborhood you like? Search any address to see building information and history.
Search SF BuildingsTips for Choosing a Neighborhood
- Visit at different times — Day, night, weekday, weekend. Neighborhoods feel different.
- Test your commute — Actually ride Muni or BART during rush hour.
- Check the microclimates — The Sunset is foggy; the Mission is sunny. Weather varies dramatically.
- Walk the blocks — SF neighborhoods can change block by block.
- Consider roommates — A 2BR split is often better value than a studio.