
Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Alta Mesa Neighborhood of Santa Barbara, CA from $1,200 (32 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the Alta Mesa area of Santa Barbara.


Sea Cliff Apartments

Channel View Apartments
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.
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.

Cabana Island View Apartments
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.
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

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Alta Mesa?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alta Mesa 1 Bedroom Apartments | $2,374 | $1,285 | $5,500 |
| Alta Mesa 2 Bedroom Apartments | $2,643 | $1,285 | $3,750 |
| Alta Mesa 3 Bedroom Apartments | $2,440 | $1,285 | $4,750 |
| Alta Mesa 4 Bedroom Apartments | $6,300 | $6,300 | $6,300 |
Browse Apartments in this Neighborhood
There are currently 32 rentals with your search options within a 2 mile radius of the Alta Mesa Neighborhood of Santa Barbara, CA.
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Alta Mesa, Santa Barbara, CA Local Guide
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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 Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Arroyo House Student Living. | Old Mesa | 3BR,1BA | $1,285 |
| 201 Ladera St | 2/1.5 | 2BR,1BA | $3,395 |
| Sea Cliff Apartments | 1x1 - Bldg 80 - 792 SF | 1BR,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 Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 415 Rancheria St, Unit 4 | 415 Rancheria St | 4BR,1.5BA | $5.04 |
| Sea Cliff Apartments | 1x1 - Bldg 80 - 792 SF | 1BR,1BA | $4.92 |
| The Arroyo House Student Living. | Foothill | 1BR,1BA | $3.75 |
| 201 Ladera St | 3/2 | 3BR,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.
Read ArticleDon'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.
Read ArticleThe 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.
Read ArticleQuick 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.
Pet Friendly LifestyleAlta Mesa, Santa Barbara, CA
Ranked #31
Among cities in California for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities.
Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score
2.5Pet Friendly
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
What Are Walk Score®, Transit Score®, and Bike Score® Ratings?
- Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address.
- Transit Score® measures access to public transit.
- Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
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.

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.

How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Everything is a negotiation in real estate!

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.

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.



























