Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Alta Mesa Neighborhood of Santa Barbara, CA from $2,200 (31 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

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

Learn the official definition (spending 30% or more of your gross income on housing) and how to calculate your exact rent-to-income ratio. This guide offers expert tips on factoring in total housing costs (including utilities and fees) and budgeting accurately to avoid unnecessary financial strain.

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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

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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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

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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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
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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

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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1906 Red Rose Way
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

1906 Red Rose Way

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

711 W Cota St

711 W Cota StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
  • Utilities Included

Alta Mesa, Santa Barbara, CA Local Guide

Cheapest Available Alta Mesa Apartments for Rent

 
Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Channel View Apartments1 Bed 1 Bath1BR,1BA$3,400

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Alta Mesa, CA

As of May 22, 2026 the best value apartment in the Alta Mesa area is the $5.67 price per square foot 1 Bed 1 Bath Model at Channel View Apartments in the in the West Mesa neighborhood starting from $3,400. The second greatest value Alta Mesa apartment is the Fiesta - Female Model at The Arroyo House Student Living. starting at $1,285 with a $3.21 price per square foot in the Downtown Santa Barbara 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.
Channel View Apartments1 Bed 1 Bath1BR,1BA$5.67
The Arroyo House Student Living.Fiesta - Female3BR,1BA$3.21

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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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.

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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 #10

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

Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score

2.5
Pet Friendly

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

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

Written by: Lauren Harrington

I’m going to talk with you as a seasoned property manager and friend. So, let’s start with your security deposit. I want you to think about this guide as insider information. You deserve your deposit back.

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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.

decorative image for What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much article

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.

decorative image for Maximizing Your Refund: Essential Tax Tips for Renters article

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.