The 10 best Airbnbs in San Francisco — starting as low as $83 per night

February 19, 2021

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San Francisco is a beautiful and culturally diverse city, but it’s also notoriously pricey.
Airbnbs provide a safer option for travelers compared with hotels, and are often a better value.
We found highly-rated San Francisco Airbnbs at accessible price points, ranging from $83 to $304.

San Francisco is one of the most beautiful and culturally diverse cities in the US, with its distinctive skyline, expansive parks, lively arts and food scene, and world-famous sights like the Golden Gate Bridge. It’s also famously expensive, awash in tech money in recent decades.

While real estate for sale here comes with eye-popping price tags, those prices can be much more accessible for short-term listings for visitors choosing private vacation home rentals. Beyond the affordability factor, travelers are also turning to Airbnbs for coronavirus safety; experts agree private rentals pose a lower risk than hotels in the pandemic, given the limited number of face-to-face encounters with other travelers. Plus, Airbnb’s Enhanced Cleaning Initiative overhauled host cleaning protocols for guests’ safety and reassurance, so they remain a popular choice among travelers.

Like San Francisco itself, the homes for rent in this market are eclectic and diverse. Some units are in historic Victorian buildings the city is famous for (hello “Full House” credits sequence). Others offer iconic views over the city’s hills, green spaces, and urban views. Keep in mind most are small by the standards of other American cities known for their sprawl; after all, San Francisco is just seven square miles.

If San Francisco is just one stop on a tour of the West Coast, be sure to check out our guide to the best Airbnbs in California, too.

Additionally, while the vaccines are rolling out at last, and there is reason for travel optimism, remember that the virus remains uncontrolled around the US and there are risks associated with any travel. We recommend following CDC, WHO, and other reputable organizations’ safety guidelines. Wear a mask, maintain social distancing, and practice good hand hygiene, wherever you go.

We compiled a list of the best San Francisco Airbnbs, based on the following criteria:

All listings are for private units in keeping with current expert recommendations for distancing; several of these spaces are attached to homes, but all are entirely separate spaces with private entrances at a minimum.
Every listing is highly rated, with a minimum rating of 4.92 out of a possible 5 or higher; some are included in Airbnb’s elevated Plus category and all are listed with Superhosts.
We looked for standout stays with exceptional features, such as iconic city views, historic architecture, and prime locations.
We included listings at a range of price points to suit different budgets. Choices range from starting price points of $83 to $304 per night.
Listings include affordable options within the city for solo travelers, couples, and families from the same household, as well as larger and more amenity-rich options.

Here are the best Airbnbs in San Francisco.

Private rooftop studio in the Marina, $83

Book this private rooftop studio starting from $83 per night

The Marina is known as a posh, safe, and tranquil residential neighborhood. This private studio apartment in the neighborhood is ideal for a solo traveler or couple to explore the city. It’s located in the Chestnut Street area, with tons of restaurants, shops, wine bars, and markets right at your fingertips. The 30 Stockton bus is a half-block away for easy access to downtown and sightseeing around the city.

The place itself is small, but the kitchen is well stocked, and reviewers praise the comfortable, high-quality bed and pillows for an excellent sleep. Windows bathe the space in light, and open wide to create a cross-breeze from the bay. There is a grill outdoors as well as a private rooftop with gorgeous views of the water.

Rating: 5.0

COVID-19 cleaning procedures: This home participates in Airbnb’s Enhanced Clean program, meaning the host is committed to a rigorous cleaning protocol developed with leading health and hospitality experts. It also gets a perfect 5.0 cleanliness rating.

Chic guest suite in the Sunset district, $125

Book this private guest suite starting from $125 per night

This listing is for a private guest suite in the Sunset district of San Francisco, which is just a quick 15-minute walk to the beach and restaurants, and just minutes away from public transit. Beyond that, this listing comes with a rare and valuable SF perk: parking included. Smartlock keypads make self-check-in easy and contact-free.

The recently renovated private unit is decorated in soothing blues and creams and has its own living room, bedroom, and full bathroom. There’s room for three guests, though there’s just one main bedroom with a Queen bed. The living room has a small kitchen area for preparing basic meals, as well as a dining area with a round, glass table, and two fold-out sofas. The smart TV has Netflix and Hulu, and gigabit Wi-Fi is provided throughout the home.

Rating: 4.92

Spacious downtown retreat, $129

Book this downtown retreat starting from $129 per night

This modern apartment in downtown San Francisco is ideal for a remote-working sojourn or as a jumping-off point to explore California at leisure. It’s available for 30-day minimum stays so best for those seeking long-term Airbnb stays. The airy 840-square-foot, one-bedroom apartment affords access to a professional security desk available around the clock, a private fitness center, and wireless high-speed DSL.

The well-stocked kitchen has all new appliances and there’s a grocery store down the street. But for those who prefer dining out, tons of restaurant options are nearby. Sleek, pared-down decor is done in brown and black with red accents, like armchairs and lamps that pop. The space has expansive bay windows, and the unit faces a landscaped garden courtyard with seating areas. A private outdoor pool is a serious added-value perk.

Rating: 4.95

Garden apartment in Noe Valley, $130

Book this renovated garden apartment starting from $130 per night

This listing is for a separate garden apartment with a private entrance from the main house, a few steps down. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer views of the lush garden and deck outside.

Newly renovated, the one-bedroom, one-bath unit has a chic tiled fireplace matching the backsplash tiling in the well-equipped kitchen and the spacious walk-in shower. There’s a washer and dryer, large TV, Apple TV, and Netflix. The spot is 20 minutes from downtown and just a short walk from 24th Street in the center of Noe Valley. It’s closely accessible to public transportation, with a bus stop just a few steps away.

Rating: 5.0

Castro suite with garden in Corona Heights, $140

Book this Castro suite with garden starting from $140 per night

This minimalist suite is small but stunning. The private unit with its own entrance is located at an interior designer’s home within the central and safe Corona Heights neighborhood, 15 minutes from the heart of the Castro district. A rarity for the city, you can reasonably expect to find easy, on-street parking here.

The space is the size of a large hotel room with a living room and access to the spacious private garden with heated outdoor furniture. There’s a kitchenette with the basics as well as a Nespresso coffee machine. The queen-size bed has Casper mattress. Amenities include eco-friendly bath products from Public Goods.

Rating: 4.95

Modern apartment in a Victorian building, $150

Book this modern apartment in a Victorian building starting from $150 per night

This design-minded apartment in a Victorian Building near Haight-Ashbury offers quintessential San Francisco flair, with views over a historic neighborhood. It sleeps five in two bedrooms with one bath.

Lounge in Barcelona chairs taking in the light from the bay window, or switch on a gas fire and relax against the city’s frequent chill. This Airbnb Plus listing has a gourmet gas stove, plush neutral-toned bed linens, and laundry for guests.

Rating: 4.94

Contemporary city apartment with parking near Civic Center, $150

Book this contemporary apartment starting from $150 per night

This studio apartment in Airbnb’s Plus category is ultra-sleek and hip thanks to its black-and-white palette that feels almost hotel-like. Bright, light wood flooring and cabinets contrast against a dark platform bed, black setee, and black-and-white framed art hanging gallery-style.

Mirrors make the space feel larger, and a small dining table or work desk sits under bright windows that offer Civic Center views, including of the stately beaux-arts City Hall rotunda. The building is quiet and secure, and the parking garage is gated and protected.

Rating: 5.0

Contemporary apartment in Potrero Hill, $202

Book this Potrero Hill apartment starting from $202 per night

San Francisco can be notoriously gray, but Potrero Hill is one of its sunniest neighborhoods, and this hilltop apartment affords beautiful city views. With room for two guests with one bedroom and one bath, this updated in-law apartment listed in Airbnb’s elevated Plus category spans 900 square feet. It is located within a home built in 1910, but is entirely private with a separate entrance. (The hosts are a family living in the unit above.)

The kitchen feels luxe with elevated stainless steel appliances and sleek white cabinetry. The bathroom feels downright spa-like with a rain shower and the home’s overall soothing color palette is accented with fun pops of color from the bright yellow front door to turquoise chairs on the small deck.

Rating: 4.98

Spacious modern apartment in Richmond District, $298

Book this spacious apartment starting from $298 per night

This remodeled 1,400-square-foot apartment is especially large by the standards of a small, vertical city. There’s room here for six guests in three bedrooms and 1.5 baths. Come for work, with high-speed internet and dedicated workspaces in every room. Or come for dining, with acclaimed restaurants all around. For sightseeing, get around easily on foot, or you can reserve the listing’s garage if you’re coming with a car.

Soaring nine-foot ceilings throughout and large double-pane windows make for an airy and tranquil stay. Turquoise accents and a tile fireplace in the sitting area add cozy charm. The 55-inch smart TV with surround sound offers a range of streaming services, and there’s an Amazon Echo and connected thermostat. There’s also a washer and dryer on site.

Rating: 4.97

Modern flat with patio, $304

Book this modern flat with patio including breakfast starting from $304 per night

This newly renovated flat has room for seven guests with three bedrooms and two brand new baths, making it ideal for bigger families or pods of friends traveling together. The host lives in the penthouse above, but the space is entirely private and locked off.

The host is not only a text away, but even provides a light breakfast for free. The space has an airy and modern feel with rounded doorways, wood floors, and simple gray and black decor. A major perk here is the furnished patio for taking in that crisp bay air by day or night.

Additionally, there’s everything you need for meal prep stocked in the kitchen, lots of extra linens, and even a thoughtfully provided first-aid kit.

Rating: 5.0

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Axel Springer, Insider Inc.’s parent company, is an investor in Airbnb.

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