In a nutshell
- We don’t only know San Francisco inside out, but we also know how to find the best affordable hotels in San Francisco—so you don’t have to choose between saving money and staying somewhere nice.
- Our top pick for an affordable hotel in downtown San Francisco is the Washington Square Inn.
- If you’re looking for cheap places to stay in San Francisco, you’ll often find good value around Union Square and the Civic Center. We like The Grove Inn.
- For even more extras at a lower price, check out options just outside the city, like the Executive Inn and Suites, which is one of the best budget hotels nearby.
- You’ll also save a lot by visiting outside peak season, usually from November through February.
Cheap Places to Stay in San Francisco
How much does a hotel room in San Francisco cost on average?
Maybe you’ve landed here because your jaw dropped while searching for a hotel in San Francisco.
We get it—$300 per night for a hotel in San Francisco during high season is completely normal. And we’re not even talking about fancy luxury hotels with over-the-top extras, just standard places you’d expect to find anywhere.
So, does that mean your city trip to San Francisco is off the table? Absolutely not!
There are plenty of cheap hotels in San Francisco. You’ll just need to be a little flexible—whether that means staying in a smaller room, picking a budget hotel in San Francisco that’s a bit outside the center, or simply letting us do the research for you.
The good news? We’ve already done it. And we only recommend hotels we’d book for ourselves. For us, “cheap” doesn’t mean run-down—it means affordable, comfortable, and worth it.
What do we mean by good and cheap hotels in San Francisco?
The hotels we recommend in this guide aren’t the very cheapest hotels in San Francisco, but they are the best budget hotels where you’ll actually feel at home.
Why not just pick the lowest price? Because for us, a hotel is more than a bed. We want to feel welcome and relaxed after a day of exploring—not like we’ve ended up in a dump. That’s why we’ve chosen places that hit the sweet spot: affordable and enjoyable.
So, what do we mean by good and affordable hotels in San Francisco?
- Clean rooms and friendly staff—basic, but essential.
- A convenient location, not always right downtown, but no more than 30 minutes by public transport.
- Rooms may be on the smaller side, which is pretty common in cheap hotels in San Francisco.
- Modern, bright interiors that feel welcoming, without being overly stylish design hotels.
- Extras like a pool or gym can pop up, especially in budget hotels outside the center, but they’re not a must.
- Don’t expect breathtaking views—these are affordable hotels in San Francisco, not penthouses.
- Breakfast is often not included, especially in smaller inns, so plan accordingly.
General tips for cheap hotels in San Francisco
Besides finding the best affordable hotels in downtown San Francisco, there are a few simple tricks to cut costs. Here are our top tips for cheap places to stay in San Francisco:
- Book early: Prices are often lower the earlier you book, and the best cheap hotels in San Francisco or budget-friendly room categories sell out quickly.
- Travel in the off-season: June to August is the most expensive time to visit. From December to February, it may be chilly, but hotels can easily be over $100 cheaper—perfect if you’re looking for the best affordable hotels in San Francisco.
- Avoid big conventions: Events like the Game Developers Conference fill hotels months in advance and drive prices way up. Check the calendar before you book and skip those dates if you can.
- Compare days of the week: Prices can swing by $50 depending on the day. Weekends are often cheaper, so it pays to check different dates when looking for cheap places to stay in San Francisco.
Best Affordable Hotels in Downtown San Francisco
A nice hotel in the city center that’s also affordable—sounds too good to be true, right? Well, yes and no. If you do your homework, you can definitely score some real bargains on cheap hotels in San Francisco.
What can you expect from an affordable hotel in downtown San Francisco?
- modern design
- clean rooms
- a central location
- rooms that are usually not very big
- hotels outside the center are often still cheaper
- no extras like a pool or gym
These are our top 3 budget hotels in San Francisco:
Washington Square Inn: A charming, small inn right by Telegraph Hill. Rooms start at around $100 in the low season and stay under $200 even in high season—one of the best cheap hotels in the area.
Orchard Garden Hotel: Spacious, bright rooms in an unbeatable spot at the entrance to Chinatown. The rooftop terrace is the highlight. Prices start at about $140 in winter and go up to $250 during peak season—still a solid option for an affordable hotel in San Francisco.
Hotel Triton: Stylish, modern rooms with a prime location near Union Square. Rooms start at $160 in the low season, making it one of the best affordable hotels in downtown San Francisco, though rates climb higher in peak season.
Cheap Neighborhoods to Stay in San Francisco
Fisherman’s Wharf, Haight-Ashbury, and Nob Hill – of course, everyone dreams of staying in these famous San Francisco neighborhoods. But that popularity also makes them some of the most expensive areas in the city, and cheap hotels in San Francisco here are booked up fast.
The good news is that there are plenty of other great neighborhoods that are central, convenient, and often overlooked. You’ll find some of the best affordable hotels in San Francisco around Union Square and the Civic Center. These areas are right in the middle of things and have lots of budget hotels in San Francisco to choose from.
If you’re willing to explore a little further, neighborhoods like SoMa or the Mission District also offer cheap places to stay in San Francisco. Just keep in mind that while you can find the occasional affordable hotel in San Francisco here, the quality of budget options can be hit or miss compared to the best cheap hotels closer to downtown.
Union Square
Union Square is right in the heart of the city, and surprisingly, you can still find some cheap places to stay here. The area is very commercial, with plenty of shopping centers, tall buildings, and restaurants.
From here, you can reach Fisherman’s Wharf in about 20 minutes by public transport, and Chinatown is just a short walk away.
Keep in mind that Union Square is busy and lively around the clock—you won’t find much peace and quiet. It’s also right next to the Tenderloin, a neighborhood with a large homeless population, so it’s good to be aware of your surroundings.
Our hotel tips for Union Square:
The Bartlett Hotel and Guesthouse: A small, simple hotel just steps from Union Square. There’s a bar on site and lots of restaurants nearby. Rooms start at around $100 per night in winter, making it one of the best cheap hotels in the area.
King George: A straightforward hotel with clean, spacious rooms. It’s great value for money, with prices around $100 in low season and about $150 in high season—perfect if you’re looking for an affordable hotel in downtown San Francisco.
The Urban: A fun mix of hotel and hostel. You’ll have your own private room, but bathrooms are shared, and there’s a cozy lounge area. Even in summer, rooms are just over $100, making it one of the best budget hotels in San Francisco for travelers who don’t mind keeping things simple.
Civic Center
The Civic Center is an architectural highlight of San Francisco. Here you’ll find impressive government buildings like the City Hall, elegant concert halls, and several museums.
Because the Civic Center sits right on two of the city’s main streets, you can get almost anywhere in San Francisco in under 30 minutes—making it a great spot if you’re looking for affordable hotels in downtown San Francisco.
Our hotel tips for the Civic Center:
Edwardian Hotel: A charming guesthouse with small but thoughtfully decorated rooms. Perfect central location right on Market Street. Rates range from $80 in low season to about $130 in high season—great value if you want a cheap hotel in San Francisco.
Casa Loma: A budget-friendly option surrounded by restaurants and cafés, just a 5-minute walk from the Painted Ladies. Some rooms start at around $60, making it one of the best cheap hotels in San Francisco for travelers on a tighter budget.
The Grove Inn: A cozy inn with beautiful bay window rooms, typical of San Francisco’s architecture. The quiet neighborhood has plenty of dining options, and prices start at about $130 per night. A lovely choice if you’re after an affordable hotel in San Francisco with character.
Cheap Hotels in San Francisco's Suburbs
As we’ve just shown, you can definitely score some great bargains in the city. But if you’re looking for even cheaper hotels in San Francisco, the best place to search is in the suburbs.
Out here, you’ll often find rooms starting at just $100 per night in the low season—sometimes even less.
Compared to many cheap hotels in the city center, suburban options usually give you more for your money. For a lower price, you can stay at a hotel with a pool, gym, a decent restaurant, and even a stylish lounge. Some of the best budget hotels in San Francisco are actually just outside the city.
The downside is obvious: you’ll need to take public transport into the center every day. That costs time, a bit of patience, and money for tickets. But overall, staying in a cheap hotel in San Francisco’s suburbs usually means saving a lot more than booking an affordable hotel in downtown San Francisco.
Oakland
Strictly speaking, Oakland isn’t a suburb of San Francisco—it’s a sizeable city in its own right. And a pretty big one too. Still, Oakland often sits in the shadow of its famous neighbor across the bay.
While Oakland doesn’t have the same must-see landmarks as San Francisco, it does offer plenty of restaurants, cafés, and hotels and is worth a day trip from San Francisco.
From downtown Oakland, you can be in San Francisco in just 15 minutes by car or public transport. The ride itself is part of the experience—you’ll cross the Oakland Bay Bridge with stunning views of the city skyline.
Executive Inn & Suites Oakland: A modern hotel with a pool, located right on Oakland’s waterfront. The only downside is the freeway nearby, but otherwise it’s a solid choice. Rooms start at $130 in low season and go up to about $220 in high season.
Signature Inn Oakland: Simple, classic motel style with hip decor, clean rooms, and secure parking for your rental car. Room rates are between $110 and $210, depending on the season—great if you’re looking for one of the best budget hotels outside San Francisco.
San Bruno
San Bruno is a suburb south of San Francisco and a rather quiet area, as it’s mostly made up of residential neighborhoods. Still, you’ll find a few cozy cafés and restaurants here.
The biggest plus of San Bruno is its location—just a 3-minute drive from San Francisco International Airport. If you’re flying in or out, it doesn’t get much more convenient.
From here, you can reach downtown San Francisco in about 15 minutes by car or 25 minutes by public transport.
Bayhill Inn: A modern, nicely furnished motel with good restaurants within walking distance—ideal for a short stay. Prices are very affordable, even in summer, making it a great option if you’re looking for a cheap hotel in San Francisco’s suburbs.
La Quinta: A classic hotel chain offering a pool and a breakfast that’s better than average by American standards. There’s also a free airport shuttle. Rooms typically cost between $100 and $150, which makes it one of the best budget hotels near the airport.
Hotel Aluxor SFO: Spacious, bright rooms, free airport transfers, and plenty of parking. Even in summer, you can stay here for under $200, which is a solid choice if you’re after the best affordable hotels in San Francisco’s surrounding area.
The Best Hostels in San Francisco
Hostels are easily the cheapest places to stay in San Francisco. If you’re focused on saving money and want to stay central, they’re a great alternative to hotels—just be ready to compromise a little on comfort.
A bed in a dormitory typically costs around $35 to $50 per night. And compared to other cities, San Francisco has some surprisingly stylish hostels that are clean, well-designed, and modern.
Most hostels also offer private rooms with either shared or private bathrooms. But we wouldn’t really recommend them. These rooms often cost as much as budget hotels in San Francisco, and you still get that backpacker vibe—which isn’t for everyone.
HI Fisherman’s Wharf: A hostel chain that operates worldwide. We have tried many of them ourselves and have always been satisfied: cozy, well-equipped, and the location is perfect for sightseeing in San Francisco.
Nap York San Francisco: Cool sleeping capsules instead of ordinary dormitories. Much more privacy than a typical hostel dorm. It’s a unique and very modern concept.
Amsterdam Hostel: Great location for sightseeing near Union Square. Trendy decor, not your typical, plain hostel room.
Samesun San Francisco: Modern rooms and a very friendly atmosphere. The hostel is close to Fisherman’s Wharf and many shops, restaurants, and cafés.