Apartments for Rent in Santa Barbara, CA (954 Rentals)

How Many Bedrooms?Done
Select your price rangeDone
to
Note: Properties with the Total Monthly Price badge include all required fees. Hover over the badge for details.
Lifestyle Matching SearchDone
Learn more about Lifestyle Search
By AmenitiesDone
By Community TypeDone
Features and AvailabilityDone
Done

Renters Insurance 101: What It Is, What It Covers, and Why You Need It

From theft to fire to water damage, the unexpected can happen to any renter. Discover why renters insurance is one of the smartest and most affordable investments you can make as a tenant.

Read Article
property at 2423 Borton Dr
$9,400

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent$9,400
Total Monthly Price$9,400
3 Bedroom, 1.5 Bath Home for Rent
Available Now
Furnished

2423 Borton Dr

Santa BarbaraCA93109
property at 1218 Blanchard St
$3,700

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent$3,700
Total Monthly Price$3,700
2 Bedroom, 1.5 Bath Home for Rent
Available Now
Affordability

1218 Blanchard St

Santa BarbaraCA93103
property at 407 W Anapamu St
$4,000

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent$4,000
Total Monthly Price$4,000
2 Bedroom, 1 Bath Home for Rent
Available Sep 21
Affordability

407 W Anapamu St

Santa BarbaraCA93101
property at 532 E Arrellaga St
$4,450

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent$4,450
Total Monthly Price$4,450
2 Bedroom, 1.5 Bath Condo for Rent
Available Now
Affordability

532 E Arrellaga St, Unit A

532 E Arrellaga St
Santa BarbaraCA93103
  • Smoke Free

How I Find the Perfect Rental for My Clients: A Real Estate Pro's Guide

Finding the right apartment starts with three things: location, cost, and amenities. Get the insider perspective from a real estate professional on how to nail all three.

Read Article
property at 429 Por La Mar Cir
$4,500

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent$4,500
Total Monthly Price$4,500
1 Bedroom, 1 Bath Condo for Rent
Available Now
Furnished

429 Por La Mar Cir, Unit 429

429 Por La Mar Cir
Santa BarbaraCA93103
property at 678 Ferrara Way
$4,700

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent$4,700
Total Monthly Price$4,700
3 Bedroom, 2.5 Bath Townhome for Rent
Available Sep 15

678 Ferrara Way, Unit A

678 Ferrara Way
Santa BarbaraCA93105
property at 651 Verde Mar
$7,500

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent$7,500
Total Monthly Price$7,500
3 Bedroom, 3 Bath Townhome for Rent
Available Now
Furnished

651 Verde Mar, Unit C

651 Verde Mar
Santa BarbaraCA93103
  • Smoke Free
property at 1701 Anacapa St
$4,400
2 Bedroom, 2 Bath Rentals
Available Now
Affordability

30

1701 Anacapa St
Santa BarbaraCA93101

Neighborhood & Market Insights: How to Choose the Right Area to Rent

Master your search for the perfect apartment. Location is everything. Discover how to leverage community insights, public data, and personal visits to make a fully informed decision about where to rent.

Read Article

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.

Read Article

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.

Read Article
Showing Results 1-50, Page 1 of 20

Santa Barbara, CA Local Guide

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

A Seasoned Property Manager's Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Deposit Back

Learn the property manager's true secrets to a zero-deduction move-out. Use this step-by-step guide on documentation, cleaning, and lease-reading to reclaim your security deposit.

Read Article
Decorative image

18 Must-Ask Rental Tour Questions That Reveal the Truth about a Property

Tour smarter and choose with confidence. Get the essential 18 questions that reveal the truth about a rental property's maintenance, utilities, and safety.

Read Article
Decorative image

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.

Read Article

Real Estate and Rental Term Glossary | ApartmentHomeLiving.com Renter University

From the letter A all the way to the letter Z, the Real Estate and Rental Term Glossary from the content team at ApartmentHomeLiving.com provides our visitors and shoppers with a little clarity and helpful guidance in navigating the real estate world through definitions and explainers for the top subjects and terms that someone may come across during the leasing, buying, or selling process.

Read Article
Decorative image

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.

decorative image of people with a giant lease agreement

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

decorative image of people examining a giant globe and floating graphs

Best Local Schools in
Santa Barbara, CA

School data provided by Great Schools

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

Explore Santa Barbara, CA Rentals by Map

Decorative image of map

See the most popular apartments and homes in Santa Barbara, CA

View Map
Santa Barbara, CA Apartments Map
View Map
Santa Barbara, CA Rental Homes Map

Frequently Asked Questions about Santa Barbara

What is the current pricing and availability for apartments for rent in Santa Barbara, CA?

As of today, September 06, 2026, there are currently 954 available Santa Barbara apartments priced from $1,210 to $30,000, with an average monthly rent of $6,244.

What Santa Barbara neighborhoods have the most available apartments?

There are 40 neighborhoods in the Santa Barbara area with available listings as of today. The three neighborhoods with the most options are East Santa Barbara with 668 listings, West Santa Barbara with 562 listings, and Lower State with 540 listings.

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 $1,687 to $12,000 with an average monthly rent of $3,542.

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 $1,337 to $7,750. Today's average rental price for Two Bedrooms here is $3,675.

How expensive are Santa Barbara Three Bedroom Apartments?

There are currently 117 Three Bedroom Apartments listings available in Santa Barbara on ApartmentHomeLiving.com. The pricing ranges from $1,357 to $28,000 - averaging $10,506 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

decorative image for Exploring Rental Options: Apartments, Townhomes, and Lofts - Oh My! article

Exploring Rental Options: Apartments, Townhomes, and Lofts - Oh My!

Written by: Robin Stewart

Where do you see yourself? When you think of home, sweet home, are you in a 3/2 apartment? Dreaming of a tall townhome? Maybe an industrial loft heavy on cool vibes is on your visioning board.

decorative image for Practical Tips for Renters: How to Identify a Great Rental and Avoid Red Flags article

Practical Tips for Renters: How to Identify a Great Rental and Avoid Red Flags

Written by: Robin Stewart

Renters want to find a great apartment, the right place for them, one that checks all the boxes of location, rental cost, amenities, safety, and more.

decorative image for First Apartment Regrets: Real Renters Share What They'd Do Differently article

First Apartment Regrets: Real Renters Share What They'd Do Differently

Written by: Robin Stewart

Hindsight is 20/20. Live and Learn. With age comes wisdom. We’re familiar with all those expressions, and all of them apply to lessons first-time renters learn.

decorative image for Renters Insurance 101: What It Is, What It Covers, and Why You Need It article

Renters Insurance 101: What It Is, What It Covers, and Why You Need It

Written by: Robin Stewart

Insurance seems to be a part of life. In some states, having insurance is the law, as is the case for automobile insurance. Renters are no exception.