FareRent?

Average Rent in San Francisco, CA

San Francisco rents have moderated from peak levels but remain among the highest in the nation. The city has extremely strong tenant protections, and rent control covers most apartments built before 1979.

+1.5%YoY
Studio
$2,400
1-Bedroom
$2,900
2-Bedroom
$3,800
3-Bedroom
$4,700

Market Overview

Year-over-Year Change+1.5%
Vacancy Rate6.5%
Renter Population62%
Median Income$119,136/yr
Rent-to-Income Ratio29.2%
Cost of Living Index190 (US avg: 100)

Market Condition

Balanced Market

Market is relatively balanced between landlords and tenants.

Tenant Protections

  • Rent control for pre-1979 buildings
  • Just Cause eviction ordinance (16 causes)
  • Tenant buyout agreement regulations
  • Ellis Act protections
  • Security deposit limited to 2 months (unfurnished)

HUD Fair Market Rent (2025)

Fair Market Rent (FMR) is set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for the San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA metro area.

Studio
$1,925
1-Bed
$2,285
2-Bed
$2,812
3-Bed
$3,590
4-Bed
$3,985

Rent by Neighborhood in San Francisco

SOMA

Tech hub with modern apartments, nightlife, and proximity to downtown.

Walk Score: 92Safety: 5/10
1-Bed
$3,200
2-Bed
$4,200
3-Bed
$5,200

Mission District

Vibrant Latino culture, street art, incredible food scene.

Walk Score: 95Safety: 6/10
1-Bed
$2,700
2-Bed
$3,500
3-Bed
$4,300

Marina

Upscale waterfront neighborhood with boutiques and Golden Gate views.

Walk Score: 88Safety: 8/10
1-Bed
$3,100
2-Bed
$4,000
3-Bed
$5,000

Sunset District

Quiet residential area near Ocean Beach with diverse dining options.

Walk Score: 65Safety: 8/10
1-Bed
$2,200
2-Bed
$2,900
3-Bed
$3,500

Richmond District

Diverse neighborhood near Golden Gate Park with excellent Asian restaurants.

Walk Score: 70Safety: 8/10
1-Bed
$2,300
2-Bed
$3,000
3-Bed
$3,700

Buildings in San Francisco

View All

SoMa Tower

SoMa
3.8
200 units
$3,400
1-bed avg

Mission Street Lofts

Mission District
4.0
50 units
$2,900
1-bed avg

Pacific Heights Manor

Pacific Heights
4.6
18 units
$3,200
1-bed avg

Hayes Valley Green

Hayes Valley
4.1
75 units
$3,100
1-bed avg

Tips for Renting in San Francisco

  • 1SF rent control covers most apartments built before June 1979 - always verify
  • 2Annual rent increases are capped at 60% of CPI for rent-controlled units
  • 3Landlords cannot evict without 'just cause' in SF - know the 16 just causes
  • 4You can petition for a rent reduction if services are decreased

Check Your Rent in San Francisco

Enter your current rent to see if you are getting a fair deal.

Use Rent Checker

Compare Other Cities

New York City
$3,450
1-bed avg
Los Angeles
$2,350
1-bed avg
Chicago
$1,750
1-bed avg
Houston
$1,200
1-bed avg

FareRent provides data for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or real estate advice. Rent estimates are based on available market data and may not reflect your exact situation. Always verify independently before making housing decisions.