Best Student Accommodation in San Francisco, USA

Popular San Francisco - CA areas amongst university students are The Mission District, Inner Richmond, and Noe Valley. There are a few things to keep in mind while searching for the perfect student area to stay in, including transportation, cost, and amenities.

1. Students living in The Mission District will be near Lone Mountain College, the University of San Francisco School of Law and purpose-built student apartments would cost around $1,200-$1,800/month.

• Travel time from The Mission District to San Francisco’s Downtown by different modes of transportation:

• Bus - 20-40 minutes

• Bike - 20-30 minutes

• Walking - 45-60 minutes

• Car - 15-30 minutes 

2. Students living in San Francisco - CA, Inner Richmond, and purpose-built student flats would cost approximately  $900-$1,500/month. In this area nearby universities include the University of San Francisco and California College of the Arts. 

• Travel time from Inner Richmond to San Francisco’s Downtown by different modes of transportation:

• Bike - 15-25 minutes

• Bus - 15-30 minutes

• Car - 10-20 minutes

• Walking - 30-45 minutes

3. Students living in Noe Valley and purpose-built student rooms would cost around $1,300-$2,000/month. In this area nearby universities include City College of San Francisco and Golden Gate University School of Law, etc.

• Travel time from Noe Valley to San Francisco’s Downtown> by different modes of transportation:

• Bike- 25-35 minutes

• Bus - 20-40 minutes

• Car - 15-25 minutes

• Walking - 40-60 minutes

San Francisco - CA has a variety of student room options, and students can explore different areas in the City in proximity to their universities and budgets. 

Popular student Off-Campus Housings in San Francisco - CA that provide almost every room type are Mission District - 108, Modern Sunnyvale 1BR w/ Gym, Pool & W/D, nr Caltrain,Mission District - 388.

The purpose-built student housing in San Francisco - CA typically includes a variety of amenities included in the bills; it varies according to the provider's terms and conditions. But broadly, we suggest a student should consider budget, needs, and preferences while making decisions. 

Here, we have categorised the room types given below based on preferences and budget to help you in your decision-making.

Type 1: Affordable off-campus student housing in San Francisco - CA: 

These cost around $900-$1,800/month on average and are recommended for students who are comfortable sharing space. Typically, such properties are houses or apartments. 

• Shared room

  • Amenities: Self-contained apartment with multiple bedrooms, shared bathroom, shared kitchen

  • The Mission District avg. Rent: $900-$1,500/ month

  • Inner Richmond avg. Rent: $800-$1,300/ month

  • Noe Valley avg. Rent: $1,100-$1,800/ month

• Triple/ Quadruple rooms

  • Amenities: Private bedroom, Shared bathroom, shared kitchen

  • The Mission District avg. Triple: $800-$1,500/month per person

                                                 Quadruple:  $600-$1,000/month per person

• Inner Richmond avg. Rent: Triple: $700-$1,200/month per person

                                                 Quadruple:  $600-$1,000/month per person

• Noe Valley avg. Rent: Triple: $1,000-$1,800/month per person

                                                 Quadruple:  $600-$1,000/month per person

• Entire place

  • Amenities: Private bedroom, Shared bathroom, shared kitchen

  • The Mission District avg. Rent:  $3,500-$5,000/ month

  • Inner Richmond avg. Rent: $3,000-$4,50 / month

  • Noe Valley avg. Rent: $4,000-$6,00 / month

Type 2: Affordable off-campus student apartments in San Francisco - CA with privacy: These rooms cost around $1,000-$1,800/month 

• Single Room

  • Amenities: Private bedroom, Shared bathroom, shared kitchen

  • The Mission District avg. Rent: $900-$1,500/ month

  • Inner Richmond avg. Rent: $800-$1,300/ month

  • Noe Valley avg. Rent: $1,100-$1,800/ month

  • Recommended student single rooms are Mission District - 108, Mission District - 388, and Chinatown - 29 Stone Street. 

• Flatshare 

  • Amenities: Private Bedroom in a shared house or flat, shared bathroom, shared kitchen

  • The Mission District avg. Rent: $700-$1,200/ month per person

  • Inner Richmond avg. Rent: $600-$1,000/ month per person

  • Noe Valley avg. Rent: $900-$1,400 / month per person

• Double Rooms

  • Amenities: One bedroom with double bed, shared bathroom, shared kitchen

  • The Mission District avg. Rent:  $900-$1,500/ month per person

  • Inner Richmond avg. Rent: $800-$1,300/ month per person 

  • Noe Valley avg. Rent: $1,100-$1,800/ month per person 

Room Type 3: San Francisco - CA Off-campus student rooms with privacy, quiet space, and near the Downtown cost around $1,500-$2,500/month. 

• Student Flats 

  • Amenities: Private bedroom, private bathroom, private kitchen

  • The Mission District avg. Rent:  $1,200-$3,000/ month

  • Inner Richmond avg. Rent: $1,000-$2,500 / month

  • Noe Valley avg. Rent: $1,500-$3,500/ month

  • Browse through San Francisco - CA student flats such as Folsom Street Apartments. 

• Student En-Suite Rooms 

  • Amenities: Single bedroom, Private bathroom, shared kitchen

  • The Mission District avg. Rent: $1,700 - $2,200/ month

  • Inner Richmond avg. Rent: $1,800 - $2,500/ month

  • Noe Valley avg. Rent: $2,000 - $3,000/ month

  • Browse through students' en-suits in San Francisco - CA, such as Chinatown - 29 Stone Street. 

• Student Studios

  • Amenities: private bedroom, Private bathroom, private kitchen

  • The Mission District avg. Rent: $2,000 - $2,500/ month

  • Inner Richmond avg. Rent: $2,300 - $2,800/ month

  • Noe Valley avg. Rent: $2,600 - $3,200/ month

Room Type 4: Students who prefer amenities over budget

Student Penthouse in San Francisco- CA costs around $1,500 to $3,000/month.

These are suitable for students who prefer to have private bedrooms, a private balcony, a terrace, privacy, spacious rooms, and a top floor which is more over budget.

It varies depending on students’ lifestyle choices, but overall keeping your San Francisco - CA student housing rent apart, some additional expenses such as Food expenses cost + Transportations cost + US$140 - US$440> are overlooked. We have curated a list of such necessary items along with some tips to help you reduce cost of living in San Francisco- CA as a student:

1. Food Expenses: $400 - $600/month on average. 

   • We suggest buying groceries that cost around  $400 /month and cooking your own meals. 

   • Shop from grocery stores such as which offer student discounts on groceries items such as.

     • Trader Joe's : Store available in San Francisco - CA which frequently have sales and special offers, making it easy to score good deals on essentials like produce, frozen food, and pantry staples.

     • Target store : Store available in San Francisco - CA which runs weekly sales and promotions on groceries alongside other household essentials, including food and also offers RedCard for additional discounts.

     • Aldi : Store available in San Francisco - CA which is popular for rock-bottom prices on grocery items..

     • Walmart: Store available in San Francisco - CA which offers student-focused Walmart Student program for free shipping on groceries orders over US$35 and access to exclusive discounts.

     • Costco : Store available in San Francisco - CA which offers student membership-based discounts on a bulk buying groceries, including fresh produce, meat, and pantry staples.

     • San Francisco - CA Food Banks: Offers groceries/food for free or lowest prices possible. To find such local food banks and their eligibility  criteria visit Feeding America's website or by calling 211.

2. Transportation Expenses: $139-$339/month on average. Tips to save some money on daily transportation in San Francisco - CA while living as a college student. According to your preferences, University distance from your residence you may choose whichever option suits you.

• Rent Bicycles: A few companies offer Docked Bike Sharing, Dockless Bike Sharing at discounted prices for students. Also, the students can look for Campus Bike Rental Programs offered by their university. Search for such companies near your student accommodation.

• Buses & Metro Passes: Many transit agencies offer student discounts on transportation fares. Generally you can visit PassFinder or American Public Transportation Association (ATA) website to find student discount passes and their Terms and Conditions.. 

• Trains: Amtrak Intercity trains connect major cities across the country, and can be a good option for weekend tours. It offers student discounts for people aged between 12-25 years.

• Ridesharing: Alternative to taxis, companies like Uber and Lyft offer student discounts.Just ensure if their services are available in San Francisco - CA

• Carpooling: Some universities and colleges offer carpool matching programs for students.

• Electric Scooters: These are a flexible option for short trips within the city. Many companies such as Bird, Lime, Spin, Lyft, Skip, Voi, Tier, Bolt, Neuron offer student discounts or reduced fares for certain plans.Just ensure if their services are available in San Francisco - CA.

3. Kitchen Essentials: cost you around between US$140 - US$440 approximately. However, it depends upon your student room regardless of on-campus and off-campus apartments if kitchen essentials are included in the rent or not. Check the property page you are interested in, is recommended. Cost may vary according to the City.

   • Basic cookware set (pots, pans, skillet): $30-$100

   • Utensils (spatulas, spoons, forks, knives): $20-$50

   • Plates, bowls, mugs: $20-$40

   • Cutting board, knives: $20-$50

   • Small appliances (microwave, toaster, coffee maker): $50-$200

   • Tips for international students to save money on Kitchen essentials

     • Thrift stores and consignment shops

     • Reuse utensils of former students leaving the city. Join international student groups or ask your friends for someone who is ready to give away their utensils or lend you.

     • Online marketplaces are helpful to buy items at affordable prices and buying second hand items. Ensuring to personally check the item is recommended.

     • Check if your university has any College campus rentals programs for Kitchen utensils.

     • Search for Appliance rental companies nearby in the city to rent out the Kitchen essentials.

     • Cook in groups: If you are a group of students moving together, Divide the selected rental utensils bill with them. It will reduce the cost way more than expected.

4. Bedding, Bathroom, Cleaning Essentials: would cost you around US$250 - US$1000 approximately.

   • Bedding Essentials would cost you around US$220 - US$850 approximately.

including

• Mattress and box spring: $150-$500 (Some properties already include it in rent, checking before buying yourself is recommended )

• Comforter: $30-$200 (Some properties already include it in rent, checking before buying yourself is recommended )

• Sheets: $20-$50

• Pillows: $10-$50

• Blanket: $10-$50

• Bathroom Essentials would cost you around US$36 - US$160 approximately.

Including

• Toothbrush: $2-$10

• Toothpaste: $2-$10

• Bar soap: $1-$5

• Body wash: $3-$15

• Shampoo and conditioner: $5-$20

• Razor: $5-$15

• Shaving cream: $3-$10

• Towel: $5-$20

• Bathrobe: $10-$50

• Cleaning Essentials: would cost you around US$30 - US$80 approximately.

Including the items shared below. Generally cleaning essentials are required for the living in studio apartments and private rooms.

• Dish soap: $1-$5

• Sponges: $1-$5 for a pack of 2-3

• Trash bags: $5-$10 for a large roll

• Laundry detergent: $5-$15 for a small bottle

• Cleaning wipes: $2-$5 for a pack

• All-purpose cleaner: $3-$10

• Toilet bowl cleaner: $2-$5

• Mop and bucket: $10-$20

• Tips for international students to save money on Bedding & Bathroom essentials

  • Shop during sales, promotions on special occasions

  • Buy in Bulk from the stores which offer student discounts.

  • Reuse Bedding essentials of former students leaving the city. Join international student groups or ask your friends for someone who is ready to give away their bedding essentials.