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

Rent According to Income: A Look at Income-Restricted Rentals

Find income-restricted rentals and housing subsidies. Explore government programs designed to help low-income families secure stable, affordable housing.

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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

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.

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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

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.

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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

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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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
Showing Results 1-31, Page 1 of 1

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
Sea Cliff Apartments1x1 727 sqft1BR,1BA$3,900

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Alta Mesa, CA

As of August 21, 2026 the best value apartment in the Alta Mesa area is the $4.80 price per square foot 415 Rancheria St Model at 415 Rancheria St, Unit 4 in the in the Westside neighborhood starting from $6,000. The second greatest value Alta Mesa apartment is the 1x1 727 sqft Model at Sea Cliff Apartments starting at $3,900 with a $5.36 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$4.80
Sea Cliff Apartments1x1 727 sqft1BR,1BA$5.36
Channel View Apartments1 Bed 1 Bath1BR,1BA$5.67
The Arroyo House Student Living.Mission Triple1BR,1BA$4.62

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 #14

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

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Rent According to Income: A Look at Income-Restricted Rentals

Written by: Robin Stewart

The idea of affordable housing can be subjective. Every individual is in a different place financially and vocationally. What one may easily afford could be a struggle for someone else.

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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.

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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.

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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.