Virtual Tour: https://www.youtube.com/embed/Wn7bk39Xx0M
If you are trying to find an apartment in San Francisco under $2,000, the hardest part is not the search. It is speed. The best listings at this price point get toured quickly, applications come in fast, and availability changes daily.
To make it easier, we pulled five apartments currently live on Iris that are under $2,000 and available now. These are all downtown-adjacent options that prioritize central access, short commutes, and practical layouts.
516 Ellis Street #505
$1,495/mo | Studio | 1 Bath | 228 sq ft
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This is a true central San Francisco studio. The layout is compact, but the location is the advantage. You are positioned minutes from Market Street, transit, and the core downtown grid, which makes it easy to live without a car.
Another standout is flexibility. Dogs and cats are welcome with standard restrictions, which is not always common in smaller downtown studios. If you want a straightforward space that keeps your daily commute and errands simple, this is a strong option.
241 Leavenworth Street #15907
$1,620/mo | Studio
This studio is a good fit for renters who want something that feels freshly updated. The interior has been thoughtfully renovated with brand new flooring, a remodeled bathroom, and new kitchen cabinets. You also get a dishwasher, which is a real upgrade at this price point.
It is move-in ready, pet friendly with monthly pet rent, and sits in a classic downtown building with the convenience of a modern refresh.
57 Taylor Street #232
$1,695/mo | Studio | 1 Bath | 211 sq ft | Rent Controlled
If you want to be close to downtown offices and still keep your setup comfortable, this studio gives you a little more space than most entry studios in the area. It is also rent controlled, which matters if you are planning for stability and want more predictable long-term housing costs.
The location is hard to beat. Westfield is two blocks away, Union Square is a short walk, and you are close to the transit and shopping corridor around Market Street. The building has laundry and an elevator, which makes everyday living easier in this part of the city.
420 Ellis Street #206
$1,695/mo | Studio
This is the “classic San Francisco studio” option. Hardwood floors and an efficient layout make it easy to furnish without overthinking it. If you like older buildings with simple, functional interiors, this one checks the box.
The unit is also well positioned for downtown access, making it a practical choice for renters who want to stay central and keep commute time low.
57 Taylor Street #138
$1,745/mo | Studio | 1 Bath | 228 sq ft | Rent Controlled
This Taylor Street studio is slightly larger and has a more updated feel. Thanks to recent revamps, it offers contemporary designs and fresh finishes while still keeping the advantages of a centrally located classic building.
It is close to FiDi, Market Street, and Union Square, and it is rent controlled. If you want a downtown studio that feels modern inside but still anchors you in the center of the city, this is an easy one to tour first.
How to Pick the Right One
If your top priority is a simple, central landing pad, start with 516 Ellis #505. If you care most about fresh finishes and a move-in ready interior, look at 241 Leavenworth #15907. If you want rent control and slightly more living space, 57 Taylor #232 and 57 Taylor #138 are the two strongest options. If you want classic charm and a clean layout, 420 Ellis #206 is the most straightforward choice.
Want to Tour One of These Apartments?
All five listings are currently available, which means tour slots tend to fill quickly. If you want to see one in person, request a showing on Iris and we will help you schedule it fast.