Apartments for Rent in Santa Barbara, CA (925 Rentals)

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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.

property at 411 E Anapamu St

$2,750

Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$2,750

Total Monthly Price
$2,750

1 Bedroom, 1 Bath Home for Rent

Available Now

411 E Anapamu St

Santa BarbaraCA93101

Smart Renter's Guide: Calculating Affordable Rent & Housing Costs

Wondering how to determine your rental budget? This comprehensive guide covers everything from the 30% rule to hidden fees and effective budgeting strategies.

property at 800 Toro Canyon Rd

$2,950

Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$2,950

Total Monthly Price
$2,950

1 Bedroom, 1 Bath Home for Rent

Available Now

800 Toro Canyon Rd

Santa BarbaraCA93108

Navigating the Rental Market: Tips for First-Time Renters

Entering the rental market? Learn these simple tips and strategies to avoid common pitfalls and make confident choices. Rent with peace of mind.

property at 510 Chapala St

$2,695 - $2,795

Studio Rentals

Available Now

510 Chapala St

Santa BarbaraCA93101

Santa Barbara, CA Local Guide

Photo of Staff Writer  - Local Guide Expert
Written By:
Staff Writer
Local Guide Expert

10 Hidden Costs of Renting You Should Budget for Before Signing a Lease

Avoid financial stress when renting. Learn about the 10 most common hidden costs—from pet fees to utilities—you must budget for before you sign a lease.

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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.

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The Ultimate Long-Distance Moving Checklist: Tips from a Real Estate Pro

Moving is tough, especially long-distance. Learn how to minimize stress & expenses with proven strategies from a real estate pro, covering everything from logistics to finances.

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Cash or credit? Understanding the Importance of Credit Score in Real Estate and Renting

Discover how your credit score impacts your ability to lease or buy a home. Learn how credit scores are determined, how to check yours, and strategies to improve it for real estate success.

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How a Move-In Inspection Can Protect Your Security Deposit

Learn How a Move-In Inspection Can Protect Your Security Deposit from the Renter University at AparmentHomeLiving.com.

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Quick Rent Budget Calculator

How much rent can you afford?

The common "Rule of Thumb" is that rent should be no more than 30% of your income. How much is that? Enter your monthly income and click "Calculate My Budget" to find out.

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Santa Barbara Overview

Santa Barbara is a lovely beach town with a small town Spanish flavor. Residents of apartments in Santa Barbarahave access to miles of beautiful beaches, world-class colleges, a beautiful downtown, a slower pace of life and an abundance of opportunities to explore nature.

What is the history of Santa Barbara?

Santa Barbara was first established by Spanish missionaries and soldiers in 1782, when the Presidio was built. When the city came under Mexican rule, former church property was handed out to become ranches. The town quickly grew in population after it became a part of the United States.

How is the weather in Santa Barbara?

Santa Barbara is a land of sunshine most of the year, with lower summer temperatures and warmer winter temperatures than the inland cities. Average highs are in the 70s and lows range from the 40s to 60s.

How do I get around town?

Santa Barbara is very walk and bike friendly. You can also take the MTD bus system. Over 10,000 passengers use The Transit Center daily. When leaving or coming through the city, you can take a plane to the Santa Barbara Airport, or enjoy a lovely ride on the Amtrak.

What is the Santa Barbara commute like?

Due to the high cost of living in Santa Barbara, many people commute from as far away as Ventura, which leads to a lot of congestion on the coastal 101 highway, especially during the early morning and late afternoon hours. State Street is the main thoroughfare through the city.

What are the local media outlets?

Some popular radio stations in Santa Barbara are KJEE 92.9 (Rock), KUSC 88.7 (Classical), and KTYD 99.9 (Classic rock). The main news stations are KEYT and KSBY news. The Santa Barbara News Press has been printing the news since 1855.

Why live in Santa Barbara, CA?

With its sparkling, sunny beaches, Mediterranean climate, and beautiful Spanish architecture, there’s no wonder so many people call Santa Barbara home. The pace of life is slower here, and every problem can be solved by a trip (or two) to the beach. It’s far enough away from Los Angeles to feel like you’ve left the city while close enough to nature to feel at home. Its many distinct shops, interesting houses and museums make Santa Barbara a truly unique and charming city.

What Santa Barbara landmarks should I see?

The Santa Barbara County Courthouse is probably the most beautiful courthouse in the world. Built in a Spanish revival style and with panoramic views of the ocean, the courthouse is absolutely breathtaking. The Santa Barbara Mission is another testament to the beauty of Spanish architecture and perseverance.

What is there to do around Santa Barbara?

The main destination in Santa Barbara is the beach where people go to surf, swim, play, rest and see movie stars. State Street has a lovely downtown area with a mix of local boutiques, great restaurants and big name shops like Nordstrom’s.

Any annual festivals or Santa Barbara events to know?

Every summer, Santa Barbara steps back several centuries and steeps itself in its Spanish roots during the Old Spanish Days fiesta. People flock to downtown to listen to mariachi music, taste great food and break confetti eggs over their friend’s (or enemy’s) head.

Where are the nearby vacation spots?

Solvang is just a short drive away, where the townsfolk have preserved Danish tradition through their food, traditional clothes, and language. Channel Islands National Park offers many great boating, diving, and marine wildlife adventures just a short distance away. Hike the Los Padres or go monarch butterfly hunting.

Where is the best place to move in Santa Barbara?

When looking for apartments in Santa Barbara, know that every neighborhood has its own unique vibe. The Mesa is a great location for someone wants to be close to the beach and great education. Santa Barbara City College is one of the most beautiful campuses in the United States. Lower State Street has a thriving nightlife and close proximity to downtown shops, right between the beach and highway 101. The Riviera is known for its steep winding roads and stone terraces with beautiful views of the ocean, earning Santa Barbara the name of “the American Riviera.”

Santa Barbara, CA
Population: 91,350

Ranked #362

in US Census Population by City

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

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Frequently Asked Questions about Santa Barbara

How much are Studio apartments in Santa Barbara?

There are currently 429 Studio Apartments in Santa Barbara with rent ranges from $1,535 to $5,593 with an average price of $2,996.

What is the current price range for One Bedroom Santa Barbara Apartments for rent?

Today's rental pricing for One Bedroom Apartments in Santa Barbara ranges from $1,625 to $5,950 with an average monthly rent of $3,044.

What does renting a Two Bedroom Apartment in Santa Barbara cost?

The monthly rent prices of Two Bedroom Apartments currently available in Santa Barbara range from $1,425 to $7,500. Today's average rental price for Two Bedrooms here is $3,997.

How expensive are Santa Barbara Three Bedroom Apartments?

There are currently 101 Three Bedroom Apartments listings available in Santa Barbara on ApartmentHomeLiving.com. The pricing ranges from $1,250 to $14,000 - averaging $4,620 for the location.

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

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Expert Solutions for Creating the Perfect Work-From-Home Apartment Layouts

Written by: Lauren Harrington

This article is based on first-hand experience managing apartment communities and helping renters adapt to their spaces after moving in.

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What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much

Written by: Lauren Harrington

This article draws from first-hand renter experiences and recurring financial challenges reported after moving in.

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Maximizing Your Refund: Essential Tax Tips for Renters

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Other than tax professionals, I can’t think of anyone who looks forward to tax season. For everybody else, April is a stressful month to collect information and meet deadlines.

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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.