Cheap Apartments for Rent in Goleta, CA from $800 (4 Rentals)

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La Loma Apartments
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

La Loma Apartments

851 Camino PescaderoGoleta, CA 93117
Student Housing
  • Utilities Included
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Berkshire Terrace
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Berkshire Terrace

6661 Berkshire TerGoleta, CA 93117
Student Housing
  • Utilities Included

Roommate Matching: Finding the Right Fit and Avoiding Pitfalls

When searching for a roommate, follow this list of essential steps and set clear expectations to create a solid foundation for a harmonious living situation.

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The Beachwood
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

The Beachwood

312 Ellwood Beach DrGoleta, CA 93117
  • Utilities Included
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Embarcadero Apartments
1 Bedroom Apartments

Embarcadero Apartments

833 Embarcadero Del MarIsla Vista, CA 93117
  • Utilities Included

The Art of the Rental Viewing: What to look for during a property tour

Touring a rental? This guide helps you know exactly what to look for, from safety features to hidden flaws, so you can confidently sign your lease or keep searching.

Goleta, CA Local Guide

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Local Guide Expert

Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in Goleta, CA

Pricing Updated: 06/22/2025

Current apartment rentals in the Goleta, CA area range in price from $1,190 to $30,000 with an overall median price of $13,882. The three Goleta neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are Downtown Goleta at $1,190, Encina at $1,190, and Los Carneros Park at $1,190. Here is today’s list of the top 9 neighborhoods with the lowest median pricing for Goleta Apartments for rent:

NeighborhoodMedian PriceMin PriceAvailable Units
Downtown Goleta$4,735$1,19018
Encina$4,735$1,19017
Los Carneros Park$4,735$1,19017
Santa Barbara Municipal Airport$4,735$1,19017
Cabrillo Business Park$19,000$1,19016
El Encanto Heights$19,000$1,19016
Isla Vista$19,000$1,1906
Outer West Santa Barbara$19,000$1,19021
West Santa Barbara$30,000$1,19027

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Goleta, CA

As of June 22, 2025 the best value apartment in the Goleta area is the $4.29 price per square foot 3 Bedroom 2.5 Bath Model at Arrive Los Carneros II in the in the Downtown Goleta neighborhood starting from $6,100. The second greatest value Goleta apartment is the 2BR/2BA Model at One Mosaic Apartments starting at $5,300 with a $5.58 price per square foot in the Downtown Goleta neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Goleta apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
Arrive Los Carneros II3 Bedroom 2.5 Bath3BR,2.5BA$4.29
One Mosaic Apartments2BR/2BA2BR,2BA$5.58
Tropicana Student HousingTropicana Gardens3BR,2BA$2.01
Sumida Gardens ApartmentsThe Palm1BR,1BA$4.77
Cortona PointOne Bedroom A1BR,1BA$5.33
4609 Vista Buena Rd, Unit ground floor apt4609 Vista Buena Rd1BR,1BA$4.50
Tahitian ApartmentsThe Wave- Fully Furnished One Bedroom1BR,1BA$5.35
The Wave1 bed + 1 bath1BR,1BA$5.35
6587 Cervantes1BR/1.0BA1BR,1BA$5.91
Breakpointe CoronadoBreakpointe StudioStudio ,1BA$5.38

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Goleta Overview

Apartments in Goleta are a great place to live, because Goleta is a diverse city that has a lot to offer. You'll find urban and residential areas, and beautiful beaches along the coastline. There are family friendly events like the lemon festival, and lots of natural parks and preserves to visit. 

Why live in Goleta, CA?

Goleta is perfect for those who love nature or technology. The economy is fortified with technology and education, while the Santa Ynez Mountains make it a haven for nature lovers. There are several parks and preserves, including the unique Goletta Butterfly Grove. Goleta provides good housing options and excellent schools, making it a great choice for families. It's known for being laid back and down to earth, with a relaxed and diverse culture. Unique museums are another draw, including South Coast Railroad Museum. 

Remember the 3 Rules of Real Estate:
Location, Location, Location!

Explore Goleta, CA Rentals by Map

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Getting Around Goleta, CA

Walk Score®

59 / 100

Somewhat Walkable

Some errands can be accomplished on foot

Bike Score®

83 / 100

Very Bikeable

Biking is convenient for most trips

Transit Score®

2 / 100

Minimal Transit

It may be possible to get on a bus

Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Goleta Apartments

What is the price of a cheap apartment in Goleta?

The cheapest apartment in Goleta is Tahitian Apartments which is listed at $2,995, while the average apartment in Goleta costs $13,882.

What types of apartments are the cheapest in Goleta?

Student, low-income, and by-the-bed apartments are typically the cheapest rentals in most cities, though they require qualifying criteria to rent. There are 27 regular apartments in Goleta that we think qualify as ‘cheap apartments’ that do not have special requirements to apply to rent.

How do the prices of cheap apartments compare to the average apartment in Goleta?

Cheap apartments in Goleta have an average cost of $1,254 which is $12,628 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in Goleta.

Expert Rental Resources

Helpful Apartment Articles, How-To's and Tips

The rental experts at ApartmentHomeLiving.com provide you with top advice, tools, and tips for understanding the leasing process and finding the perfect rental. Here are a few helpful rental and leasing articles from our experts to guide you on your search.

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Roommate Matching: Finding the Right Fit and Avoiding Pitfalls

Written by: Cheryl Bowman

A fantastic way to save money and enjoy a built-in community is to share an apartment. However, a bad roommate situation can turn your dream rental into a nightmare.

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The Art of the Rental Viewing: What to look for during a property tour

Written by: Marie Brown

You’ve scrolled through countless listings, walked through a blur of rentals, and finally found what feels like the one. The pictures? Fantastic. The neighborhood seems just right.

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Know Your Budget: Calculating What You Can Realistically Afford When Renting

Written by: Lauren Harrington

Renting an apartment or house isn’t just about looking through online ads, choosing a few apartments or homes you want to tour, filling out an application, and putting down a deposit. Those things are all necessary and important.

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The Freedom of Short-Term Leases: Exploring the Advantages for Renters

Written by: Bobbi Jackson

If you’re looking to relocate right now, a popular solution that may best fit your current rental needs is a short-term lease.