AI-Scored Rankings • Updated 2026-04-03

Best Apartments in San Francisco, CA — Scored by AI

ListWise scores every San Francisco neighborhood on safety, walkability, schools, commute time, and rental value. See which areas actually match your lifestyle — not just what's cheapest.

$3,400/mo
Median Rent
873,965
Population
8
Neighborhoods Scored
University of California San Francisco
Top Employer
Local Insights

Why San Francisco? What Renters Need to Know

San Francisco's median rent is around $3,400 for a one-bedroom apartment, making it one of the most expensive rental markets in the US. Pacific Heights and Noe Valley command $4,000-$5,000+, while the Richmond District offers relatively more affordable options around $3,000.

Quick Facts

Population 873,965
Median Rent $3,400/mo
Top Employer University of California San Francisco
Neighborhoods 8 scored by AI
Rent vs. National$3,400 vs $1,500 national median

Rent Comparison

San Francisco median rent is $1,900 above the national median of $1,500/mo.

Largest Employer

The largest employer in San Francisco is University of California San Francisco, making the Mission District area and nearby neighborhoods popular for commuters looking to minimize travel time.

Top Neighborhoods

Top Neighborhoods in San Francisco

Ranked by ListWise's composite AI score. Top 3 shown free — unlock all 8 for the full picture.

#1

Mission District

Score: 82/100
Safety B-
Walk Score 98
Avg Rent $3,100
Schools 6/10
#2

Noe Valley

Score: 93/100
Safety A-
Walk Score 91
Avg Rent $4,100
Schools 9/10
#3

Hayes Valley

Score: 88/100
Safety B+
Walk Score 97
Avg Rent $3,600
Schools 7/10

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#4

The Castro

Score: 87/100
Safety B+
Walk Score 96
Avg Rent $3,400
Schools 7/10
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#5

Richmond District

Score: 85/100
Safety B+
Walk Score 89
Avg Rent $3,000
Schools 8/10
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#6

SoMa

Score: 72/100
Safety C
Walk Score 95
Avg Rent $3,200
Schools 5/10
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#7

Bernal Heights

Score: 89/100
Safety B+
Walk Score 82
Avg Rent $3,300
Schools 8/10
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#8

Pacific Heights

Score: 95/100
Safety A
Walk Score 88
Avg Rent $5,200
Schools 10/10
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See All 8 San Francisco Neighborhoods Ranked

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How It Works

How ListWise Scores San Francisco Apartments

1

Tell Us Your Priorities

Rank what matters: safety, schools, walkability, commute, budget, nightlife. Every San Francisco renter is different.

2

AI Scores Every Listing

We pull real-time data from MLS, crime stats, school ratings, transit APIs, and walk score databases for San Francisco.

3

Get Your Ranked List

Receive a PDF + Excel report with San Francisco properties ranked by YOUR priorities. Delivered within 24 hours.

FAQ

Frequently Asked About San Francisco

What is the average rent in San Francisco?

San Francisco's median rent is around $3,400 for a one-bedroom apartment, making it one of the most expensive rental markets in the US. Pacific Heights and Noe Valley command $4,000-$5,000+, while the Richmond District offers relatively more affordable options around $3,000.

Is San Francisco still a good place for tech workers?

Despite some companies relocating, San Francisco remains a top tech hub with major employers including Salesforce, Twitter/X, Airbnb, and dozens of startups. Remote-work flexibility has also made the city more accessible without requiring daily office commutes.

Which neighborhoods in San Francisco are safest?

Pacific Heights, Noe Valley, and the Richmond District are consistently rated among the safest neighborhoods in the city. They offer low crime rates, strong community ties, and well-maintained public spaces.

How walkable is San Francisco?

San Francisco is one of the most walkable major cities in the US, with a citywide Walk Score of 88. Most central neighborhoods score 90+, and the city's MUNI transit system provides dense coverage across all districts.

What are the downsides of living in San Francisco?

High cost of living, visible homelessness in certain areas, and limited housing supply are the most commonly cited challenges. The city also faces ongoing debates about public safety and school quality that prospective residents should research carefully.

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Data is for informational purposes only. Verify all information independently before making housing decisions.