
Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Alta Mesa Neighborhood of Santa Barbara, CA from $2,200 (31 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the Alta Mesa area of Santa Barbara.


Channel View Apartments

203 Ladera St

Rancheria Village Apartments

1231 Chino St

310 Ladera St

720 Bath St
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.

1135 San Andres St

543 Arroyo Ave

640 W Ortega St

Casalino Court

633 De La Vina St

Creek View

Cliff House
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.

308 W De la Guerra St

2016 Red Rose Way

Sea Crest Apartments

Ocean View Apartments

Cabana Island View Apartments

Ivy at Carrillo

La Brezza
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.

Buena Vista Apartment

Monteria Village

Palm Gardens Apartments

Cottage Gardens Apartments

The Village at Santa Barbara

627 De La Vina St

303 Loma Alta Dr
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.

1906 Red Rose Way

Holiday Plaza Apartments

711 W Cota St
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 | $3,400 | $3,400 | $3,400 |
| Alta Mesa 2 Bedroom Apartments | $5,495 | $5,495 | $5,495 |
| Alta Mesa 4 Bedroom Apartments | $6,000 | $6,000 | $6,000 |
Browse Apartments in this Neighborhood
There are currently 31 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
 | Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Channel View Apartments | 1 Bed 1 Bath | 1BR,1BA | $3,400 |
| Sea Cliff Apartments | 2x1 - Bldg 40 | 2BR,1BA | $4,500 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Alta Mesa, CA
As of July 07, 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 2x1 - Bldg 40 Model at Sea Cliff Apartments starting at $4,500 with a $4.42 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 | $4.80 |
| Sea Cliff Apartments | 2x1 - Bldg 40 | 2BR,1BA | $4.42 |
| Channel View Apartments | 1 Bed 1 Bath | 1BR,1BA | $5.67 |
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.
Read ArticleReal 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.
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 #14
Among cities in California for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities.
Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score
2.5Pet Friendly
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

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.

Apartment Occupancy Rates: Renter Attraction vs Renter Retention
Written by: Robin Stewart
There’s a tenet in marketing about client or customer attraction and retention. Studies and data have consistently shown it costs less to keep a current customer than to attract a new one.

How I Find the Perfect Rental for My Clients: A Real Estate Pro's Guide
Written by: Robin Stewart
Evaluating rental properties for clients draws many parallels to house-hunting. Whether an apartment, loft, townhouse, or other rental, finding the right place means finding “home” for your client.

Pet-Friendly Renting: Everything You Need to Know Before You Move
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
For so many of us, pets are the best companions and a big part of our lives. For this reason, a pet-friendly house or apartment is often a very important - and nonnegotiable - part of a move.