
Cheap Apartments for Rent in Goleta, CA from $800 (3 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in Goleta.

Your Guide to Co-Signers: The Risks, Rewards, and Everything in Between
Thinking about getting a co-signer for your rental application? We break down what a co-signer is, the potential benefits, and the serious risks for both parties. Find out if it's the right choice for you.

Berkshire Terrace
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.

Embarcadero Apartments
Goleta, CA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Goleta?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cheap Goleta Studio Apartments | $2,524 | $1,535 | $3,070 |
| Cheap Goleta 1 Bedroom Apartments | $2,901 | $1,625 | $4,485 |
| Cheap Goleta 2 Bedroom Apartments | $3,872 | $1,425 | $5,875 |
| Cheap Goleta 3 Bedroom Apartments | $5,467 | $1,350 | $10,000+ |
| Cheap Goleta 4 Bedroom Apartments | $3,930 | $1,100 | $10,000+ |
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Goleta, CA Local Guide

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Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in Goleta, CA
Pricing Updated: 01/22/2026Current apartment rentals in the Goleta, CA area range in price from $1,100 to $19,000 with an overall median price of $13,416. The three Goleta neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are Santa Barbara Municipal Airport at $1,100, Downtown Goleta at $1,100, and Encina at $1,100. Here is today’s list of the top 8 neighborhoods with the lowest median pricing for Goleta Apartments for rent:
| Neighborhood | Median Price | Min Price | Available Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Barbara Municipal Airport | $4,094 | $1,100 | 40 |
| Downtown Goleta | $4,117 | $1,100 | 40 |
| Encina | $4,117 | $1,100 | 40 |
| Cabrillo Business Park | $19,000 | $1,100 | 39 |
| El Encanto Heights | $19,000 | $1,100 | 39 |
| Isla Vista | $19,000 | $1,100 | 24 |
| Outer West Santa Barbara | $19,000 | $1,100 | 49 |
| West Santa Barbara | $19,000 | $1,100 | 54 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Goleta, CA
As of January 22, 2026 the best value apartment in the Goleta area is the $3.92 price per square foot 3 Bedroom 2.5 Bath Model at Arrive Los Carneros II in the in the Downtown Goleta neighborhood starting from $5,585. The second greatest value Goleta apartment is the 240 Ellwood Beach Dr Model at 240 Ellwood Beach Dr starting at $3,000 with a $2.73 price per square foot in the Cabrillo Business Park neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Goleta apartments based on price per square foot:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arrive Los Carneros II | 3 Bedroom 2.5 Bath | 3BR,2.5BA | $3.92 |
| 240 Ellwood Beach Dr | 240 Ellwood Beach Dr | 2BR,1.5BA | $2.73 |
| Sumida Gardens Apartments | La Sumida | 2BR,2BA | $4.83 |
| Cortona Point | Two Bedroom A | 2BR,2BA | $4.72 |
| 123 Arboleda Rd, Unit Hope Ranch Annex - Unit A | 123 Arboleda Rd | 1BR,1BA | $3.37 |
| Tropicana Student Housing | Tropicana Gardens | 3BR,2BA | $2.01 |
| Willow Springs | Pismo | 1BR,1BA | $4.61 |
| Hollister Village | Plan A1 | 1BR,1BA | $4.47 |
| Breakpointe Coronado | Coronado 1x1A | 1BR,1BA | $3.34 |
| The Loop | STUDIO - Double | Studio ,1BA | $3.60 |
Don't Settle: How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money
Discover the insider tips from an attorney and real estate agent on how to negotiate your next apartment lease. Find out what's on the table and what's not, so you can save money and get the best terms possible.
Read ArticleThe Ultimate Long-Distance Moving Checklist: Tips from a Real Estate Pro
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Read ArticleQuick Rent Budget Calculator
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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.
Best Local Schools in Goleta, CA
Isla Vista Elementary
Dos Pueblos Senior High
Goleta Valley Junior High
School data provided by Great Schools
Remember the 3 Rules of Real Estate:Location, Location, Location!
Explore Goleta, CA Rentals by Map
See the most popular apartments and homes in Goleta, CA
Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Goleta Apartments
What is the price of a cheap apartment in Goleta?
The cheapest apartment in Goleta is The Loop which is listed at $1,399, while the average apartment in Goleta costs $13,416.
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 152 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 $1,433 which is $11,983 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in Goleta.
Expert Rental Resources
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.
Articles, How-To's, and Tips

18 Must-Ask Rental Tour Questions That Reveal the Truth about a Property
Written by: Lauren Harrington
Renting your next home can feel thrilling and overwhelming at the same time.

A Renters Guide for Tips on Writing Your Notice for Not Renewing Your Apartment
Written by: Bob Mallory
Packing up everything you own to move is so stressful for many that ending your apartment lease can feel like a small or unimportant task. Ending your lease involves more than simply turning over your keys on the last day.

Renting with Roommates: Realistic Expectations for Shared Lease
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Given the high costs for housing, I have found that many people are looking for a roommate to share expenses. These arrangements can increase opportunities for more desirable and larger spaces.

Apartment Common Area Rules: What Renters Need to Know
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Back in the day when I rented one of my first apartments, the property didn’t even have laundry in the building. Now, rental properties are often competing against each other to provide the best amenities.