The 5 best affordable San Francisco apartments this December

2-bedroom in Hayes Valley, $3,950/month ($1,975 per person)

This 2-bedroom Hayes Valley condo is a study in contrasts. The remodeled kitchen features stainless steel appliances, the apartment boats two full bathrooms and storage space abounds. On the other hand, there’s a bizarre free-standing fireplace that belongs in an Alaskan cabin and not in a San Francisco living room. This 2-bedroom is also home to what appears to be the exact extra storage nook that once housed Harry Potter. We’re not wild about the track lighting, nor the weird outdoor space consisting of a square of wood bordered by four walls, but in terms of interior space and amazing location, this spot is a bargain. 

2-bedroom in Hayes Valley, $3,950/month ($1,975 per person)

2-bedroom in Hayes Valley, $3,950/month ($1,975 per person)

3-bedroom in the Outer Richmond, 4,295/month ($1,431 per person)

We’ve fallen in love with this charming cottage near the gorgeous bluffs of Lands End. Close to the fun shops and restaurants of the Outer Richmond, not to mention the Legion of Honor and Ocean Beach, this rental is perfect for either a family or group of smart roommates. Our only concern is the slightly creepy wood-paneled 3^rd bedroom just off the garage, but in terms of privacy from the rest of the house, it can’t be beat. The single family 3-bedroom is home to a wood-burning fireplace, hardwood floors, a remodeled kitchen, garage and backyard. Could it be home to you too?

3-bedroom in the Outer Richmond, 4,295/month ($1,431 per person)

3-bedroom in the Outer Richmond, 4,295/month ($1,431 per person)

Studio in the Tenderloin, $1,895

You’re in luck! There are several studios available at 434 Leavenworth. Don’t let the neighborhood scare you—it’s changing faster than we change our pick for the city’s best hamburger. This building’s spacious studios feature in-unit laundry, hardwood floors and updated kitchens. They’re actually pretty darn adorable. We particularly like the sophisticated exterior and proximity to Union Square, BART and the Civic Center. For a San Francisco singleton determined to live alone, this building is a smart pick.

Studio in the Tenderloin, $1,895

Studio in the Tenderloin, $1,895

2-bedroom house on Telegraph Hill, $3,700/month ($1,850 per person)

This warm and cozy 2-bedroom lies just in the shadow of one of San Francisco’s most treasured icons—Coit Tower. Telegraph Hill is an upscale urban neighborhood popular with wealthy couples and tourists, so finding an affordable apartment amidst the millionaires is like finding a needle in a real estate haystack. You’d think a (relatively) cheap apartment in such an expensive neighborhood would be lacking on the charm, but nope. #8 is as cute as they come. We’re looking forward to an invite over for a drink in that picturesque kitchen, please and thank you.

2-bedroom house on Telegraph Hill, $3,700/month ($1,850 per person)

2-bedroom house on Telegraph Hill, $3,700/month ($1,850 per person)

2-bedroom in Laurel Heights, $3,400/month ($1,700 per person)

USF students take note—there’s an apartment available in the middle of the city in the middle of the school year. This 2-bedroom near campus is basic but large and clean, making it perfect for a pair of bookworms with a heavy homework load. In-building laundry, parking and proximity to public transit make this rental low on luxury but high on convenience. Still want that luxury? High-end shops and restaurants are a few blocks away on bustling and beautiful California Street. Snap this one up before it gets grabbed by a transfer student who doesn’t fully appreciate the unit’s amazing proximity to Trader Joe’s.

2-bedroom in Laurel Heights, $3,400/month ($1,700 per person)

2-bedroom in Laurel Heights, $3,400/month ($1,700 per person)