San Francisco average 1-bed rent: $3,300/mo Year-on-year rent increase: +4.2% AI boom pushes San Francisco rents back up SoMa leads rent growth near tech offices Rent Board sets allowable annual increase Rent increases on most units are capped by California's Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482): 5% plus inflation, max 10% a year. Security deposits are capped at one month's rent for most landlords (AB 12, from July 2024). San Francisco average 1-bed rent: $3,300/mo Year-on-year rent increase: +4.2% AI boom pushes San Francisco rents back up SoMa leads rent growth near tech offices Rent Board sets allowable annual increase Rent increases on most units are capped by California's Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482): 5% plus inflation, max 10% a year. Security deposits are capped at one month's rent for most landlords (AB 12, from July 2024).

United States · Rent guide

San Francisco Rent Guide 2026

Average rent costs by neighbourhood, yearly rent increases and tenant rights in San Francisco. The typical one-bedroom rent is $3,300 per month, up 4.2% year on year.

Average rent by neighbourhood

Neighbourhood	1 bedroom	2 bedrooms	Yearly increase
Pacific Heights	$4,200	$6,200	+3.5%
SoMa	$3,500	$4,800	+5.1%
Mission District	$3,300	$4,600	+4.6%
Sunset District	$2,700	$3,700	+3.9%

Indicative 2026 figures (per month, USD). Compare with real tenant-reported rents on RentScore.

Average rent per square metre in San Francisco

$66 / m² per month

City-wide indicative average, based on a typical 50 m² one-bedroom flat. Central neighbourhoods cost more:

Pacific Heights: $84 / m²
SoMa: $70 / m²
Mission District: $66 / m²
Sunset District: $54 / m²

Deposit laws in San Francisco

Security deposits are capped at one month's rent for most landlords (AB 12, from July 2024).
Deposits must be returned with an itemised statement within 21 days of move-out.
Always get a written inventory with dated photos at move-in to protect your deposit.

How do foreigners and expats without a local credit score find a home in San Francisco with RentScore?

Check the building first: read verified tenant reviews, rent history and street safety on RentScore before you contact a landlord.
Know the fair price: use the neighbourhood averages above and the RentScore rent estimate so you are not overcharged as a newcomer.
Replace the missing credit score: offer an employment contract, recent payslips, a reference from your previous landlord and your RentScore rental history.
Consider a rent guarantee service or a larger (but legal) deposit instead of a local guarantor — never pay more than the legal limit shown above.
Upload your lease to the free RentScore contract check: RentScore flags hidden clauses, unfair rent increases and deposit traps in your own language.
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Tenant rights in San Francisco

Rent increases on most units are capped by California's Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482): 5% plus inflation, max 10% a year.
Security deposits are capped at one month's rent for most landlords (AB 12, from July 2024).
Deposits must be returned with an itemised statement within 21 days of move-out.
Just-cause eviction rules apply after 12 months of tenancy.
Units built before 1979 are covered by the San Francisco Rent Ordinance with lower annual increases.

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