Top Places To Live In San Francisco On A Smaller Budget

Golden Gate City is expensive, but you can still find places to live in San Francisco on a smaller budget. The Outer Sunset, Excelsior, Bayview, and Visitacion Valley are some neighborhoods that offer a lower cost of living while still being relatively safe and convenient. These neighborhoods offer a diverse community, with access to parks, restaurants, and public transportation. However, it’s important to note that even in these areas, housing prices may still be higher than in other US cities. You can find a great deal in SF with affordable movers San Francisco offers. Let’s talk about it.

The Outer Sunset

The Outer Sunset is a neighborhood in San Francisco that offers a more affordable cost of living compared to other areas in the city. Located on the west side of San Francisco, the Outer Sunset is a residential neighborhood that is known for its foggy weather and ocean views. The neighborhood offers a relaxed atmosphere, with easy access to Golden Gate Park and Ocean Beach. Housing options in the Outer Sunset range from single-family homes to apartments, with prices generally lower than in other areas in San Francisco. The neighborhood also offers a variety of restaurants, cafes, and small businesses. Overall, the Outer Sunset is a great option for those looking for a more laid-back lifestyle with easy access to outdoor activities.

Houses next to each other in one of the areas where you can live in San Francisco on a smaller budget
There are some great neighborhoods where you can live in San Francisco on a smaller budget

Excelsior is a place where you can live in San Francisco on a smaller budget

Excelsior is another affordable neighborhood recommended by residential movers San Francisco has to offer. Located in the southern part of San Francisco, Excelsior is a diverse neighborhood with a strong community spirit. The neighborhood is known for its mix of residential homes, small businesses, and local parks. Housing options in Excelsior range from single-family homes to apartments, with prices generally lower compared to other neighborhoods in San Francisco. Excelsior also offers easy access to public transportation. This makes it a convenient option for commuters. Overall, Excelsior is a great choice for those looking for an affordable neighborhood with a tight-knit community feel.

Bayview

Bayview is a neighborhood located on the southeastern side of San Francisco. It offers more affordable housing options. Historically an industrial area, Bayview has undergone a revitalization in recent years, with new businesses and housing developments. The neighborhood is diverse, with a mix of residential homes and commercial areas. Bayview offers easy access to public transportation and is conveniently located near the San Francisco International Airport .

Housing options in Bayview range from single-family homes to apartments, with prices generally lower compared to other areas in San Francisco. The neighborhood also offers a variety of parks, including Heron’s Head Park , which is known for its scenic waterfront views. Overall, Bayview is a great option for those looking for a more affordable neighborhood with easy access to public transportation and outdoor activities.

View of different houses in San Francisco
Enjoy residential homes or commercial areas

Visitacion Valley

Visitacion Valley is another area recommended by senior movers San Francisco offers. This neighborhood is located on the southeastern side of San Francisco with affordable housing options. The neighborhood is a mix of residential homes and commercial areas, with easy access to public transportation. Visitacion Valley is known for its scenic views of the bay and its proximity to Candlestick Point State Recreation Area . Housing options in Visitacion Valley range from single-family homes to apartments, with prices generally lower compared to other areas in San Francisco.

The neighborhood also offers a variety of restaurants and small businesses. While Visitacion Valley has historically had issues with crime, the neighborhood has undergone revitalization efforts in recent years, making it a safer and more desirable place to live. Overall, Visitacion Valley is a great option for those planning to live in San Francisco on a smaller budget.

Diversity and community

The neighborhoods of Outer Sunset, Excelsior, Bayview, and Visitacion Valley are known for their diversity and strong sense of community. These neighborhoods are home to a mix of different ethnicities, cultures, and lifestyles. This makes them inclusive and welcoming places to live. Each neighborhood has its own unique character and charm. However, they all share a spirit of community that is reflected in their small businesses, local events, and neighborhood associations.

The residents of these neighborhoods often take pride in their community and work together to make it a better place to live. This sense of community can be seen in the many neighborhood events and activities, such as street fairs, farmers’ markets, and community cleanups. Overall, the diversity and community spirit of these neighborhoods make them great places to call home.

Housing costs

Compared to other neighborhoods mentioned above offer more affordable housing options. Housing prices in these neighborhoods range from single-family homes to apartments, with lower prices compared to more expensive areas in the city.

Here are the median home values and rents for a 1-bedroom apartment in each of the neighborhoods we mentioned:

Outer Sunset:

  • Median home value: around $1.7 million
  • Median rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: around $2,700 per month

Excelsior:

  • Median home value: around $1.3 million
  • Median rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: around $2,500 per month

Bayview:

  • Median home value: around $1.1 million
  • Median rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: around $2,300 per month

Visitacion Valley:

  • Median home value: around $1 million
  • Median rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: around $2,200 per month

It’s important to note that these prices are subject to change and may vary based on the specific location and type of housing. If you decide to move to one of them, make sure to find the best moving services San Francisco can offer.

Colorful houses in San Francisco
These neighborhoods offer lower prices compared to more expensive areas in the city

Where to live in San Francisco on a smaller budget?

In conclusion, if you are looking to live in San Francisco on a smaller budget, the neighborhoods of Outer Sunset, Excelsior, Bayview, and Visitacion Valley are great options to consider. These neighborhoods offer access to parks, restaurants, and public transportation, while also providing more affordable housing options compared to other areas in the city.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that the cost of living in San Francisco can still be relatively high compared to other cities, and prices in these neighborhoods may still be expensive compared to other parts of the US. Overall, these neighborhoods offer a good balance of affordability and convenience , making them a desirable choice for those looking to call San Francisco home.

 

Recent Posts


Smiling young couple carrying labeled moving boxes in an apartment building hallway.
July 28, 2025
Discover how apartment moving works and get practical tips for a smooth, stress-free relocation. Make your next move easier with our expert advice.
Historic Mission San Rafael Arcángel in downtown San Rafael, California, with Spanish-style architec
July 21, 2025
Discover the top things to do in San Rafael, California — from historic landmarks and outdoor adventures to local art, dining, and underrated places.
Man carrying boxes into an elevator apartment building.
July 14, 2025
Learn how apartment moving works and use our week-by-week packing timeline to plan a smooth, stress-free move. Expert tips for stairs, elevators, and parking!
Downtown Dallas skyline with Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge at sunset, iconic Dallas Texas landmark view.
July 7, 2025
Planning a move to Dallas–Fort Worth? Discover 10 practical tips to help you settle in, find the best neighborhoods, and make your relocation stress-free!
Zapt Movers' Trucks
June 30, 2025
Local Moving vs. Long-Distance Moving: Learn the key differences, costs, and how to choose the right mover for your next move in California or Texas.
Image by Maximillian Conacher | Unsplash
June 23, 2025
Discover the best neighborhoods in Belmont, CA. Learn about schools, safety, amenities, and find the perfect place to call home in Belmont.
Smiling young couple carrying labeled moving boxes in an apartment building hallway.
July 28, 2025
Discover how apartment moving works and get practical tips for a smooth, stress-free relocation. Make your next move easier with our expert advice.
Historic Mission San Rafael Arcángel in downtown San Rafael, California, with Spanish-style architec
July 21, 2025
Discover the top things to do in San Rafael, California — from historic landmarks and outdoor adventures to local art, dining, and underrated places.
Man carrying boxes into an elevator apartment building.
July 14, 2025
Learn how apartment moving works and use our week-by-week packing timeline to plan a smooth, stress-free move. Expert tips for stairs, elevators, and parking!
Downtown Dallas skyline with Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge at sunset, iconic Dallas Texas landmark view.
July 7, 2025
Planning a move to Dallas–Fort Worth? Discover 10 practical tips to help you settle in, find the best neighborhoods, and make your relocation stress-free!
Zapt Movers' Trucks
June 30, 2025
Local Moving vs. Long-Distance Moving: Learn the key differences, costs, and how to choose the right mover for your next move in California or Texas.
Image by Maximillian Conacher | Unsplash
June 23, 2025
Discover the best neighborhoods in Belmont, CA. Learn about schools, safety, amenities, and find the perfect place to call home in Belmont.
Avoid These Common Moving Mistakes for a Stress-Free Move
June 16, 2025
Avoid common moving mistakes that can make your relocation stressful and expensive. Check out 10 things you should never do when moving, and how to avoid them.
Map of Brisbane, CA
June 9, 2025
Looking for the perfect small town near San Francisco? Discover 7 reasons why living in Brisbane, California offers the best mix of nature, community, and convenience.
Moving boxes in a room
June 2, 2025
Relocating your business? Discover the main differences between commercial and residential moves, and learn how to minimize downtime, protect data, and coordinate a smooth transition.
8 Practical Ways to Minimize the Impact of Moving on Your Daily Life
May 26, 2025
Discover 8 smart strategies to reduce stress during your move. Learn how to stay organized, stick to routines, and make the moving process smoother with these simple tips.