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from $1,2851 to 3 Bedroom Apartments Available Now
The Arroyo House Student Living.
543 1/2 Arroyo AveSanta Barbara, CA 93109
Cheap Apartments for Rent in Santa Barbara, CA from $800 (17 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in Santa Barbara.
221 Bath St
Santa BarbaraCA93101
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from $1,7001 Bedroom Apartments Available Now
611 Del La Guerra St W
611 Del La Guerra St WSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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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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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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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.
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Santa Barbara, CA Local Guide
Surfers in Santa Barbara by Damian Gadal is licensed under CC BY 2.0
How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Santa Barbara?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cheap Santa Barbara Studio Apartments | $2,862 | $1,595 | $4,200 |
| Cheap Santa Barbara 1 Bedroom Apartments | $2,873 | $1,285 | $7,563 |
| Cheap Santa Barbara 2 Bedroom Apartments | $4,460 | $1,190 | $7,500 |
| Cheap Santa Barbara 3 Bedroom Apartments | $4,788 | $1,285 | $10,000+ |
| Cheap Santa Barbara 4 Bedroom Apartments | $1,760 | $1,320 | $2,640 |
Browse Top Apartments in Santa Barbara
See all Apartments in Santa BarbaraExplore Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA Local Guide
Written By:
Staff Writer Local Guide Expert
- Santa Barbara Neighborhoods
- Nearby Cities
- ZIP codes
- Local Counties
- School Districts
Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in Santa Barbara, CA
Pricing Updated: 07/07/2025Current apartment rentals in the Santa Barbara, CA area range in price from $1,190 to $19,000 with an overall median price of $5,119. The three Santa Barbara neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are Alta Mesa at $1,285, Lower Riviera at $2,500, and East Beach at $1,285. Here is today’s list of the top 10 neighborhoods with the lowest median pricing for Santa Barbara Apartments for rent:
| Neighborhood | Median Price | Min Price | Available Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alta Mesa | $2,300 | $1,285 | 27 |
| Lower Riviera | $2,600 | $2,500 | 2 |
| East Beach | $3,617 | $1,285 | 38 |
| Waterfront | $3,975 | $1,595 | 3 |
| Laguna | $4,050 | $2,500 | 2 |
| West Beach | $4,050 | $1,595 | 1 |
| Bel Air | $4,295 | $1,285 | 39 |
| Campanil | $4,295 | $2,995 | 3 |
| Downtown Santa Barbara | $4,295 | $1,285 | 33 |
| East Mesa | $4,295 | $1,285 | 39 |
Cheapest Available Santa Barbara Apartments for Rent
The cheapest available apartment rental in Santa Barbara, CA is a 3 Beds unit found at The Arroyo House Student Living. in the Downtown Santa Barbara neighborhood priced from $1,285. 611 Del La Guerra St W in the Westside neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $1,700. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Santa Barbara apartments for rent:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Arroyo House Student Living. | Old Mesa | 3BR,1BA | $1,285 |
| 611 Del La Guerra St W | 611 Del La 7 | 1BR,1BA | $1,700 |
| 1021 Cliff Dr | 1BR 1BA | 1BR,1BA | $1,950 |
| Villa Flores Apartments | 1 Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $2,400 |
| Tahitian Apartments | The Wave- Fully Furnished One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $2,995 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Santa Barbara, CA
As of July 08, 2025 the best value apartment in the Santa Barbara area is the $2.93 price per square foot Upgraded Townhome Model at La Colina Gardens in the in the Foothill neighborhood starting from $4,700. The second greatest value Santa Barbara apartment is the 3 Bedroom 2.5 Bath Model at Arrive Los Carneros II starting at $5,840 with a $4.10 price per square foot in the Downtown Goleta neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Santa Barbara apartments based on price per square foot:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| La Colina Gardens | Upgraded Townhome | 3BR,2.5BA | $2.93 |
| Arrive Los Carneros II | 3 Bedroom 2.5 Bath | 3BR,2.5BA | $4.10 |
| Ivy at Anapamu | 3 bedroom 1.5 Bathroom | 3BR,1.5BA | $4.34 |
| 302 S Voluntario St, Unit C | 302 S Voluntario St | 1BR,1.5BA | $3.41 |
| 611 Del La Guerra St W | 611 Del La 7 | 1BR,1BA | $1.75 |
| Tropicana Student Housing | Tropicana Gardens | 3BR,2BA | $2.01 |
| 1111 Quinientos St, Unit B | 1111 Quinientos St | 1BR,1BA | $3.61 |
| 1021 Cliff Dr | 1BR 1BA | 1BR,1BA | $2.79 |
| Villa Flores Apartments | 1 Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $4.00 |
| The Arroyo House Student Living. | Foothill | 1BR,1BA | $3.75 |
Quick Rent Budget Calculator
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Santa Barbara Overview
Santa Barbara is a lovely beach town with a small town Spanish flavor. Residents of apartments in Santa Barbarahave access to miles of beautiful beaches, world-class colleges, a beautiful downtown, a slower pace of life and an abundance of opportunities to explore nature.
Why live in Santa Barbara, CA?
With its sparkling, sunny beaches, Mediterranean climate, and beautiful Spanish architecture, there’s no wonder so many people call Santa Barbara home. The pace of life is slower here, and every problem can be solved by a trip (or two) to the beach. It’s far enough away from Los Angeles to feel like you’ve left the city while close enough to nature to feel at home. Its many distinct shops, interesting houses and museums make Santa Barbara a truly unique and charming city.
Best Local Schools in Santa Barbara, CA
Montecito Union
Montecito Union Elementary School District
Public School - Grades K-6 (353)
10 out of 10
San Marcos Senior High
Santa Barbara Unified School District
Public School - Grades 9-12 (2020)
6 out of 10
La Colina Junior High
Santa Barbara Unified School District
Public School - Grades 7-8 (900)
8 out of 10
School data provided by Great Schools
Remember the 3 Rules of Real Estate:Location, Location, Location!
Explore Santa Barbara, CA Rentals by Map
See the most popular apartments and homes in Santa Barbara, CA
Santa Barbara, CA Apartments MapSanta Barbara, CA Rental Homes MapGetting Around Santa Barbara, CA
Walk Score®
82 / 100
Very Walkable
Most errands can be accomplished on foot
Bike Score®
84 / 100
Very Bikeable
Biking is convenient for most trips
Transit Score®
39 / 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 Santa Barbara Apartments
What is a cheap apartment in Santa Barbara?
A cheap apartment is any apartment up to the 30% percentile of cost for the area, which in Santa Barbara is under $3,499.
What is the price of a cheap apartment in Santa Barbara?
The cheapest apartment in Santa Barbara is The Arroyo House Student Living. which is listed at $1,285, while the average apartment in Santa Barbara costs $5,119.
What types of apartments are the cheapest in Santa Barbara?
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 6 regular apartments in Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara?
Cheap apartments in Santa Barbara have an average cost of $1,113 which is $4,006 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in Santa Barbara.
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.
Roommate Matching: Finding the Right Fit and Avoiding Pitfalls
Written by: Cheryl Bowman
A fantastic way to save money and enjoy a built-in community is to share an apartment. However, a bad roommate situation can turn your dream rental into a nightmare.
The Art of the Rental Viewing: What to look for during a property tour
Written by: Marie Brown
You’ve scrolled through countless listings, walked through a blur of rentals, and finally found what feels like the one. The pictures? Fantastic. The neighborhood seems just right.
Know Your Budget: Calculating What You Can Realistically Afford When Renting
Written by: Lauren Harrington
Renting an apartment or house isn’t just about looking through online ads, choosing a few apartments or homes you want to tour, filling out an application, and putting down a deposit. Those things are all necessary and important.
The Freedom of Short-Term Leases: Exploring the Advantages for Renters
Written by: Bobbi Jackson
If you’re looking to relocate right now, a popular solution that may best fit your current rental needs is a short-term lease.