Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Alta Mesa Neighborhood of Santa Barbara, CA from $1,200 (32 Rentals)

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Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the Alta Mesa area of Santa Barbara.

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203 Ladera St
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

203 Ladera St

203 Ladera StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
Furnished
  • Utilities Included
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1231 Chino St
2 Bedroom Apartments

1231 Chino St

1231 Chino StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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310 Ladera St
2 Bedroom Apartments

310 Ladera St

310 Ladera StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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720 Bath St
Studio Apartments

720 Bath St

720 Bath StSanta Barbara, CA 93101

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.

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543 Arroyo Ave
Studio Apartments

543 Arroyo Ave

543 Arroyo AveSanta Barbara, CA 93109
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640 W Ortega St
2 Bedroom Apartments

640 W Ortega St

640 W Ortega StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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Casalino Court
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Casalino Court

617-623 De La Vina StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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Creek View
Studio Apartments

Creek View

719 Bath StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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633 De La Vina St
Studio Apartments

633 De La Vina St

633 De La Vina StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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Cliff House
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Cliff House

1040 Cliff DrSanta Barbara, CA 93109
  • 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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2016 Red Rose Way
Studio Apartments

2016 Red Rose Way

2016 Red Rose WaySanta Barbara, CA 93109
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Sea Crest Apartments
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Sea Crest Apartments

100 Oceano AveSanta Barbara, CA 93109
  • Utilities Included
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Ocean View Apartments
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Ocean View Apartments

505 Red Rose LnSanta Barbara, CA 93109
  • Utilities Included
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Ivy at Carrillo
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Ivy at Carrillo

520-536 W Carrillo StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
Corporate Housing
  • Utilities Included
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La Brezza
2 Bedroom Apartments

La Brezza

620 W Gutierrez StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
Student Housing
  • Utilities Included
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Buena Vista Apartment
1 Bedroom Apartments

Buena Vista Apartment

1000 Cliff DrSanta Barbara, CA 93109
  • Utilities Included
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Monteria Village
3 to 5 Bedroom Apartments

Monteria Village

522 W Montecito StSanta Barbara, CA 93101

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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Palm Gardens Apartments
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Palm Gardens Apartments

1120-1130 San Andres StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
  • Utilities Included
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627 De La Vina St
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

627 De La Vina St

627 De La Vina StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
  • Utilities Included
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303 Loma Alta Dr
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

303 Loma Alta Dr

303 Loma Alta DrSanta Barbara, CA 93109
  • Utilities Included
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1906 Red Rose Way
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

1906 Red Rose Way

1906 Red Rose WaySanta Barbara, CA 93109
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711 W Cota St
1 Bedroom Apartments

711 W Cota St

711 W Cota StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
  • 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.

Alta Mesa, Santa Barbara, CA Local Guide

Cheapest Available Alta Mesa Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in the Alta Mesa area of Santa Barbara, CA is a 3 Beds unit found at The Arroyo House Student Living. priced from $1,285. 201 Ladera St has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 2 Beds apartment currently listed from $3,395. Here are the most affordable Alta Mesa apartments for rent in Santa Barbara, CA:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
The Arroyo House Student Living.Old Mesa3BR,1BA$1,285
201 Ladera St2/1.52BR,1BA$3,395
Sea Cliff Apartments1x1 - Bldg 80 - 792 SF1BR,1BA$3,900

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Alta Mesa, CA

As of November 09, 2025 the best value apartment in the Alta Mesa area is the $5.04 price per square foot 415 Rancheria St Model at 415 Rancheria St, Unit 4 in the in the Westside neighborhood starting from $6,300. The second greatest value Alta Mesa apartment is the 1x1 - Bldg 80 - 792 SF Model at Sea Cliff Apartments starting at $3,900 with a $4.92 price per square foot in the Waterfront neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Alta Mesa apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
415 Rancheria St, Unit 4415 Rancheria St4BR,1.5BA$5.04
Sea Cliff Apartments1x1 - Bldg 80 - 792 SF1BR,1BA$4.92
The Arroyo House Student Living.Foothill1BR,1BA$3.75
201 Ladera St3/23BR,2BA$87.90

Apartment Common Area Rules: What Renters Need to Know

From the lounge to the laundry room, understand your rights and responsibilities in shared apartment spaces. Get tips on pet rules, noise, and security.

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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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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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Pet Friendly Lifestyle
Alta Mesa, Santa Barbara, CA

Ranked #31

Among cities in California for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities.

Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score

2.5
Pet Friendly

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Getting Around the Alta Mesa Neighborhood in Santa Barbara, CA

Walk Score®

62 / 100

Somewhat Walkable

Some errands can be accomplished on foot

Bike Score®

57 / 100

Bikeable

Some bike infrastructure

Transit Score®

32 / 100

Some Transit

A few nearby public transportation options

Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Alta Mesa Apartments

What is the price of a cheap apartment in Alta Mesa?

The cheapest apartment in Alta Mesa is The Arroyo House Student Living. which is listed at $1,285, while the average apartment in Alta Mesa costs $6,300.

What types of apartments are the cheapest in Alta Mesa?

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 12 regular apartments in Alta Mesa 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 Alta Mesa?

Cheap apartments in Alta Mesa have an average cost of $725 which is $5,575 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in Alta Mesa.

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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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.

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How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Everything is a negotiation in real estate! 

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The Rental Move-In Inspection Checklist: A Guide for Renters

Written by: Trey Huguley

The move-in inspection checklist is a crucial tool for both tenants and landlords. This checklist, provided by the team at ApartmentHomeLiving.com, helps document the condition of an apartment at the time of move-in.

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Your Guide to Co-Signers: The Risks, Rewards, and Everything in Between

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

For many people, obstacles can arise during the rental application process for a variety of issues.