In a city with one of the most expensive rental markets in the nation, what qualifies as “affordable” may raise some eyebrows outside of San Francisco. But if you’re determined to find a budget rental in the 7×7, the Outer Sunset is worth considering.
Online rental marketplace Apartment List published a ranking of the most affordable neighborhoods for renters in San Francisco, and the Outer Sunset ranked #1 for its average one-bedroom rental price. It also ranked among the safest and most affordable neighborhoods on a list by Spacewise.
Renting in the Outer Sunset
Apartment List found that a 2025 one-bedroom apartment in SF’s Outer Sunset averages $2,274 per month, which they say is 40% below the city’s average. Other rankings and rental sites note that you can often find more square footage for your dollar when compared with more central SF neighborhoods.
The neighborhood comprises mostly low-rise homes and small buildings, many built between the 1920s-1940s. It’s common to rent in-law units or shared flats in larger houses.
The trade-off
When compared with the fast pace of more central SF neighborhoods, the Outer Sunset has more of a low-key beachtown vibe with close access to both Ocean Beach and Golden Gate Park.
With its proximity to SF’s western waterfront, the Outer Sunset is also notoriously foggy with cool temperatures, moreso even than the rest of the city. Fog can linger well into the midday, especially in the summer, so it’s worth checking for insulation and heating options when renting.
The area also has noticeably slower public transit access compared to busier areas of SF. While the Muni N Judah line can get you downtown, its frequency and speed is less dependable, so many residents either work remotely or own cars.
Even though the Outer Sunset offers a more slow-paced lifestyle, there’s still a great assortment of cute cafes, restaurants, boutiques, and parks to explore. Read our guide to the Outer Sunset for a deep dive.