Average Rent in San Francisco, CA↓ Rents falling 1.2% YoY🔺 3rd priciest in CA

San Francisco, CA has rental prices ranging from $2,275/month to $4,399/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $2,780/month — 99% above the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $133,780/year, spending $2,780/month on a 1-bedroom represents 25% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How San Francisco Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $3,318/month, San Francisco ranks #3 most expensive of the 51 cities tracked in California — pricier than 100% of all US cities in our data.

The San Francisco Rental Market

The San Francisco, CA area has a population of about 4,653,593 and 45% of households renting rather than owning. That renter share runs above the US average of ~34%, pointing to a competitive rental market where vacancies clear quickly and rents are less negotiable.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in San Francisco, CA have fallen by $41/month (1.2%) over the past year, from $3,359 to $3,318. Rents have remained relatively stable year over year, indicating a balanced rental market in the area.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in San Francisco, CA without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $111,200. The local median household income of $133,780 exceeds that threshold by $22,580, making San Francisco relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Rent vs. Buy

The median home value in San Francisco, CA is $1,393,773, giving a price-to-rent ratio of 35.0. With a break-even horizon of approximately 35 years, renting is likely the more financially prudent option for most residents unless they plan to stay long-term.

Economy & Jobs

San Francisco, CA has an unemployment rate of 4.4%, 0.5 percentage points above the national average of 3.9%. A higher unemployment rate can moderate rental demand over time, which may help keep rent growth in check compared to tighter job markets.

Safety

Crime statistics for San Francisco, CA show a violent crime rate of 526.59 per 100,000 residents (elevated) and a property crime rate of 2372.93 per 100,000 residents (moderate). As with any metro area, crime rates vary widely by neighborhood — prospective renters are encouraged to research specific areas within San Francisco before signing a lease.

Neighborhoods

Home values — and by extension rent levels — vary significantly across San Francisco's neighborhoods. Among the highest-value areas are Tenderloin ($498,591 median home value), Showplace Square ($519,743 median home value), Lower Nob Hill ($595,371 median home value). Rental prices typically follow home value patterns, with premium neighborhoods commanding higher rents than outer areas. Renters on a tighter budget may find better value in less central neighborhoods or in adjacent metros with lower overall rent levels.

Is San Francisco, CA Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Rent or Buy in San Francisco?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Living in San Francisco

Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.