Average Rent in San Francisco 2026
The average rent in San Francisco, CA is $3,200 for a 1-bedroom, $4,000 for a 2-bedroom, and $5,200 for a 3-bedroom apartment in 2026. The cost of living in San Francisco is 90% above the national average. To afford a 1-bedroom apartment here using the 30% rule, you need an annual income of at least $128,000.
San Francisco Rent Prices by Bedroom
1 Bedroom
$3,200
per month
2 Bedrooms
$4,000
per month
3 Bedrooms
$5,200
per month
Cost of Living in San Francisco
190
Cost of Living Index (100 = national average)
San Francisco's cost of living index is 190, which is 90% above the national average. This index factors in housing, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and utilities. A higher number means you need more income to maintain the same standard of living compared to the national average.
San Francisco at a Glance
Population
808K
Median Income
$119,136
COL Index
190
Rent Control
Yes
How Much Income Do You Need to Rent in San Francisco?
The widely accepted guideline is to spend no more than 30% of your gross income on rent. Here is the minimum annual income you need to afford an apartment in San Francisco by bedroom count:
1-Bedroom
$3,200/mo rent
$128,000/yr
2-Bedroom
$4,000/mo rent
$160,000/yr
3-Bedroom
$5,200/mo rent
$208,000/yr
Based on the 30% rule: monthly rent should not exceed 30% of gross monthly income.
How Much You Save with a Roommate in San Francisco
Save $1,200/month
by splitting a 2-bedroom with a roommate
Solo 1BR
$3,200
per month
Split 2BR
$2,000
per person/month
Annual Savings
$14,400
per year
Instead of paying $3,200 for a 1-bedroom on your own, splitting a 2-bedroom ($4,000) with one roommate brings your share to $2,000. That is $14,400 per year you could put toward savings, investments, or paying down debt.
Rent Control in San Francisco
San Francisco has rent control or rent stabilization
San Francisco has strong rent control protections. The SF Rent Ordinance covers most rental units built before June 13, 1979. Annual rent increases are limited to 60% of the regional CPI increase. California's AB 1482 provides additional statewide protections for newer buildings.
Rent Calculators for San Francisco Renters
Use these free calculators to plan your San Francisco rental budget, split rent with roommates, and check if you qualify for an apartment.
Rent Affordability Calculator
Find out how much rent you can afford based on your income.
Fair Rent Split Calculator
Split rent fairly by room size, features, and income.
Rent-to-Income Calculator
Check if you meet the 3x rent rule landlords require.
Renter Budget Calculator
Build a 50/30/20 budget around your rent payment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in San Francisco
Is San Francisco expensive to rent in?
San Francisco is one of the most expensive rental markets in the world. A 1-bedroom averages $3,200 per month in 2026, roughly 90% above the national average. The city's limited housing supply and high-paying tech sector continue to drive up rents.
How much income do you need to rent in San Francisco?
Using the 30% rule, you need a gross monthly income of about $10,667 ($128,000 annually) to afford a $3,200/month 1-bedroom. Many landlords require proof of 2.5x-3x the monthly rent in gross income.
How much can you save by splitting rent with a roommate in San Francisco?
Splitting a 2-bedroom ($4,000/month) with one roommate brings your share to $2,000, saving $1,200 per month or $14,400 per year compared to a solo 1-bedroom.
Planning to rent in San Francisco?