Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Alta Mesa Neighborhood of Santa Barbara, CA from $2,200 (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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633 De La Vina St
Studio Apartments

633 De La Vina St

633 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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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

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.

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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
  • 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

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.

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 April 07, 2026 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 2 in the in the Westside neighborhood starting from $6,300. The second greatest value Alta Mesa apartment is the 602 W Carrillo St Model at 602 W Carrillo St, Unit B starting at $3,275 with a $4.09 price per square foot in the Westside 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 2415 Rancheria St4BR,1.5BA$5.04
602 W Carrillo St, Unit B602 W Carrillo St2BR,1BA$4.09
Channel View Apartments1 Bed 1 Bath1BR,1BA$5.67
The Arroyo House Student Living.Fiesta - Female3BR,1BA$3.21

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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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 #15

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 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.