Where To Stay On A Budget In San Francisco, California - Updated 2024

Hannah
Hannah 
Updated
| 4 min read

Home to a breathtaking array of incredible attractions, eclectic neighborhoods, and picturesque recreation areas, San Francisco is a destination that always amazes travelers. Fill your days checking out the city’s famous landmarks as you cross the burnished red steel of Golden Gate Bridge, tour the infamous prison on Alcatraz Island, chow down on fresh seafood at Fisherman’s Wharf, or opt for a quiet afternoon lounging on Baker Beach. Explore the fascinating exhibits in museums like Exploratorium, then get lost in nature hiking to Twin Peaks or meandering along Presidio Trails. From Chinatown to Mission District, San Francisco is famed for its foodie culture so you can conquer any craving when hunger strikes. With so much to see, do, and try, spend your money on attractions, not your accommodation. This list includes a roundup of finance-friendly accommodations so you will know where to stay on a budget in San Francisco, California.

We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status. recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on February 07, 2024.

1. Quaint private room in historic house (from USD 60)

This lovely room rental provides a comfortable guest experience. Situated in a historic house in Pacific Heights neighborhood, this room rental is sunny, private, and pleasant. It can also accommodate up to two guests. The room has its own private entrance and is equipped with a queen-sized bed, and kitchen amenities including a refrigerator, a microwave, a hot plate, and a coffee maker. Guests also have their own bathroom. The property is close to Fillmore District which brims with dining, shopping, and entertainment options. A 30-night stay is required.

Stayed at this property?
SF, California, United States
PRIVATE VACATION HOME 2 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
beautiful room in a great neighborhood the room is literally surrounded by windows and has a quaint balcony
it has its own private entry and bathroom which is fantastic
which makes the room bright and enjoyable
Host:
the owner is super nice and very responsive
Location:
its location also makes it easy to walk to restaurants the market and catch the bus
great place great location great owner
Read more reviews
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2. Detached garden studio apartment (from USD 62)

A sunny and airy property, this delightful guest apartment is a wonderful accommodation for solo travelers. The detached studio cottage is situated in a peaceful garden setting and is filled with modern amenities and comfortable furnishings. The studio is equipped with a queen-sized bed, a comfortable seating area, a dining table, a compact bathroom, and a small kitchenette with a few appliances. Free wifi is included, and guests have access to a washer and dryer inside the host’s nearby garage. A stay of 30 nights is required for booking.

Stayed at this property?
SF, California, United States
Apartment 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
i definitely reccomend this cozy studio with a beautiful bright patio space
Host:
i had a fantastic long term stay nicole was very helpful and kind
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3. Private room close to Ocean Beach (from USD 44)

This private room brims with comfort and charm. The private bedroom is part of a three-bedroom apartment located across the street from beautiful Ocean Beach and is close to Golden Gate Park. The guest bedroom has a double bed and its own private entrance from the apartment’s back deck. This rental is perfect for solo travelers. Guests also have access to the apartment’s shared bathroom, fully equipped kitchen, in-unit washer and dryer, and internet access. There is also free 24-hour street parking available in the neighborhood.

Stayed at this property?
San Francisco, California, United States
99 reviews   Wifi Available
PRIVATE ROOM IN RENTAL UNIT 1 Bed 1 Guest 1 Bedroom 1 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 1

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the room and house was a described and the roommates were pleasant
nice sheets on bed
the bed was super comfortable
we had a comfortable stay
otherwise it was quiet and comfortable which was satisfying
Cleanliness:
nice clean place very friendly
it's clean and well organized
bed was clean and comfortable room and especially bathroom were not cleaned
the house and room was very clean and nice
not a fancy place but clean and comfortable
Host:
matthew was great host and he was quick to respond to any questions we had
matthew was very friendly and accommodating
he's a great host
matthew was super communicative and responded to all questions quickly and politely
matthew was very friendly informative and relaxed
Location:
the location is amazing
very nice location close to the beach
great location by the beach & close to cafes on judah
great location next to ocean
the area is great prime location for the beach and an easy ride downtown
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4. Sunny studio close to Delores Park (from USD 125)

Cozy furnishings and a fantastic location close to Delores Park make this apartment a delightful place to stay in San Francisco. The studio apartment is colorful and bright. It can provide accommodation for up to two guests. Inside the apartment is a fully equipped kitchen, a comfy seating area, a double bed, and a modern bathroom. The property is equipped with wifi and parking space. The property is also within walking distance to several public transits as well as shopping centers and other restaurants in Mission District.

Stayed at this property?
San Francisco, California, United States
55 reviews   Wifi Available
ENTIRE RENTAL UNIT 1 Bed 2 Guests 2 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 2

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
spent 3 months (one person) at this amazing apartment and nothing negative to say
Cleanliness:
very big and clean studio with nice neighborhood
the apartment was very clean spacious and the bed was comfortable
clean apartment comfortable bed well-equipped kitchen
unit was clean spacious and exactly as described in the listing
Host:
property manager was extremely responsive
overall i enjoyed myself in the apartment and very much appreciated the welcoming vibe of the hosts
lorenzo was a very responsive and friendly host whenever i needed to clarify anything about the apartment
communication with peter the manager was very easy and helpful
Location:
amazing location in the city
wonderful neighborhood right next to dolores park
very centric a few steps away from amazing dolores park and a few more to the castro
lorenzo's place offered a great location close to the j train delores park and the castro nightlife district
found it very easy to walk around the area
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5. Private room for solo travelers (from USD 53)

This private room rental is simple, compact, and cozy. The tiny bedroom is located in a Victorian house in Historical Haight-Ashbury. It can accommodate a single guest. The property is equipped with wifi and two communal bathrooms. Many restaurants, shops, attractions, and public transportation options are within walking distance of the property.

Stayed at this property?
San Francisco, California, United States
700 reviews   Wifi Available
PRIVATE ROOM IN HOME 1 Bed 1 Guest 1 Bedroom 2 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 1

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
recommended if you need an inexpensive and comfortable place to sleep in a nice and buzzy area
good small room for one person (room number 5)
the room was small as advertised but was perfect for one
josh is an easy communicator and the small cozy room is comfortable
small and a comfortable space
Cleanliness:
room and shared bathroom were both clean and comfortable
bathroom was clean and stocked with soap etc
easy communication very clean and incredible location
the room was super clean and the bed was comfortable
the bathroom was nice and clean definitely would stay here again
Host:
the host with quick and efficient to response
amazingly helpful staff and quick response to boot
excellent and communicative host
great host very nice place
josh was a great host and very accommodating
Location:
easy walk from bus stop thru a beautiful park
great location and comfy bed
location was great and very walkable
otherwise the location is great
great location off haight street in the heart of the neighborhood
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6. Spacious room close to restaurant options

This private room rental is spacious and bright. It can accommodate up to two guests. Inside the bedroom is a queen-sized bed, a dresser, and a work desk. The room is also equipped with internet access. Guests also have access to the communal bathroom and kitchen. The property has an unparalleled location close to Union Square and is close to many nightlife and dining options.

Stayed at this property?
San Francisco, California, United States
600 reviews   Wifi Available
PRIVATE ROOM IN RENTAL UNIT 1 Bed 2 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 2

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
kitchen and free coffee were really helpful
room has a nice view
the sink in the room was useful
you can easily get to the building and to the room with just the code that's great too
Cleanliness:
clean room and bathroom
very clean and well kept
apartment was clean and comfortable
nice room clean the shared bathroom and shower were clean as well
place was clean and the bed was comfortable
Host:
really nice place and great host thank you
the host is very responsive when messaging him
the host is nice and was good at texting me back
otherwise good for the price and overall the host was always available to help
lloyd was very helpful and friendly
Location:
great spot close to downtown
close to attractions nearby
the location was great too
very convenient place great location
great place close to downtown san fran
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7. Private room in artsy townhouse

This private room rental provides a cozy stay. Situated in a colorful townhouse, this bedroom rental can accommodate up to three guests and is filled with comfortable furnishings for a quiet stay in the city. In addition to the private bedroom, guests have access to the townhouse’s shared living space, kitchen, bathroom, and washer and dryer. The apartment offers free street parking and is located in Portola District. Public transit options are close by.

Stayed at this property?
San Francisco, California, United States
448 reviews  
Private room in townhouse 1 Bed 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
wi-fi was good too
check- in is very comfortable the room was ok
the place is very homey and gas a comfortable sleeping set-up
inside the house she offered a lot of kitchen tools powerful washer dryer vacuum
good location great view from the street nice room very good check in instructions
Cleanliness:
it's very clean cozy and quiet
room was clean and plenty of space
room was clean and same with the bathroom
the only thing that could’ve been a little better is the cleanliness of the bathroom
the house was clean and the decor was creative and tasteful
Host:
she is a really good recommendable host
excellent host really helpful and nice place
had limited interaction with hosts but they were very nice when we did
she was also very helpful would definitely recommend her as a host bonus: the cats are adorable
she is a wonderful host and puts a lot of thought in treating her guests well
Location:
great location for my trip
convenient and comfortable place located near a beautiful park
michelle’s place is so unique good location to the city
easy to travel downtown with the bus easy to park your car
nice location with accurate details
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8. Bright and modern private room

This private room rental, which is near Golden Gate Bridge, has a sophisticated style. The bedroom is airy, modern, and bright, and can accommodate up to two guests. Inside the room is a queen-sized bed, a sofa, and a work desk. Guests also have access to the apartment’s communal kitchen, full bathroom, and internet connection. Located in the neighborhood of Inner Richmond, the property is close to many attractions including Golden Gate Park, Presidio Park, De Young Museum, and Academy of Science Museum. Many public transportation options nearby.

Stayed at this property?
San Francisco, California, United States
574 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
PRIVATE ROOM IN HOME 1 Bed 2 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 2

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the amenities such as the washroom and shower are super easy to use
bed was really comfortable and the room is huge so fits two people with plenty of space
the memory foam bed is super comfy and the blankets are soft
my room was spacious internet fast overall clean including common areas
the room in budi’s place was perfect
Cleanliness:
the room was clean and comfortable
they needed a deep clean
otherwise the room is clean and bed is comfortable
everything was clean the bed was really comfortable and the room is very spacious
budi's house is really clean and beautiful
Host:
budi was a nice host
budi is a wonderful host
budi was a fantastic host
nice host gave good tips
budi is an awesome host
Location:
location in pretty good spot close to presidio and golden gate park
cute and comfy room at a great location
nice place with great location
the location is great quiet area
nice location near asian restaurants/shops and the golden gate park
Read more reviews

9. Compact sunroom in Richmond District

A charming and compact accommodation for couples or solo travelers, this private sunroom rental is located in the vibrant Richmond District. The simple accommodation consists of two single beds, a private bathroom, a microwave, and a mini-refrigerator. Guests can also lounge in the property’s back yard equipped with patio furniture. The property is situated within walking distance of Ocean Beach and Golden Gate Park as well as many shops and restaurants.

Stayed at this property?
San Francisco, California, United States
8 reviews   Wifi Available
Tiny home 2 Beds 1 Guest 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 1

Top guest reviews
Location:
we had a good time staying here it was close to restaurants and commute
Read more reviews

Explore San Francisco and save your budget

With its beautiful natural scenery, outstanding attractions, brilliant beaches, recreation areas, and vibrant neighborhoods, there are endless opportunities for entertainment in San Francisco. In a notoriously pricey city, these wallet-friendly accommodations can stretch your budget so you can spend your money on whatever else you’d like. Start planning your trip today, and enjoy this list of where to stay on a budget in San Francisco, California.

Stayed at this property?
Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Hannah is a freelance writer, list making aficionado, and world traveler currently based in Germany. She is an avid explorer, and believes in creating new experiences to put on her bucket list to...Read more

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