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$1,285 - $1,5001 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 (13 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in Santa Barbara.
916 San Andres St
Santa BarbaraCA93101
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$1,900Studio Apartments Available Mar 1
551-555 W Pueblo St
551-555 W Pueblo StSanta Barbara, CA 93105
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1 Bedroom Apartments
Tori Fore
3790 San Remo DrSanta Barbara, CA 93105
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Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments
Brentwood
1429 De La Vina StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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1 Bedroom Apartments
405 Corona del Mar
405 Corona del MarSanta Barbara, CA 93103
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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1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments
De La Vina Apartments
3754 San Remo DrSanta Barbara, CA 93105
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1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments
Verano Courtyard Apartments
249-311 Verano DrSanta Barbara, CA 93110
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1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments
3450 Richland Dr
3450 Richland DrSanta Barbara, CA 93105
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Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments
Park East Apartments
322-324 E Micheltorena StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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1 Bedroom Apartments
Embarcadero Apartments
833 Embarcadero Del MarIsla Vista, CA 93117
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Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments
La Loma Apartments
851 Camino PescaderoGoleta, CA 93117
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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Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments
Berkshire Terrace
6661 Berkshire TerGoleta, CA 93117
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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 | $2,565 | $1,535 | $5,672 |
| Cheap Santa Barbara 1 Bedroom Apartments | $2,883 | $1,285 | $6,000 |
| Cheap Santa Barbara 2 Bedroom Apartments | $3,925 | $1,285 | $9,500 |
| Cheap Santa Barbara 3 Bedroom Apartments | $3,418 | $1,285 | $7,200 |
| Cheap Santa Barbara 4 Bedroom Apartments | $4,226 | $1,100 | $10,000+ |
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: 02/20/2026Current apartment rentals in the Santa Barbara, CA area range in price from $1,100 to $19,000 with an overall median price of $5,745. The three Santa Barbara neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are Lower Riviera at $2,450, Riviera at $2,450, and Elings Park 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lower Riviera | $2,600 | $2,450 | 3 |
| Riviera | $2,600 | $2,450 | 3 |
| Elings Park | $3,795 | $1,285 | 28 |
| Hitchcock | $3,795 | $1,285 | 28 |
| Mission Canyon | $3,795 | $1,900 | 10 |
| Oak Park | $3,795 | $1,900 | 4 |
| Campanil | $3,895 | $1,900 | 10 |
| Cielito | $3,895 | $1,900 | 9 |
| Upper State | $3,922 | $1,900 | 23 |
| Foothill | $4,900 | $1,900 | 13 |
Cheapest Available Santa Barbara Apartments for Rent
The cheapest available apartment rental in Santa Barbara, CA is a Studio unit found at The Loop in the Cabrillo Business Park neighborhood priced from $1,050. The Arroyo House Student Living. in the Downtown Santa Barbara neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 3 Beds apartment currently listed from $1,285. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Santa Barbara apartments for rent:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Loop | STUDIO - Affordable | Studio,1BA | $1,050 |
| The Arroyo House Student Living. | Old Mesa | 3BR,1BA | $1,285 |
| Breakpointe Coronado | Breakpointe 1x1B | 1BR,1BA | $1,853 |
| 551-555 W Pueblo St | Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,900 |
| Hope Ranch | Plan 1B | 1BR,1BA | $2,837 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Santa Barbara, CA
As of February 21, 2026 the best value apartment in the Santa Barbara area is the $3.06 price per square foot Upgraded Townhome Model at La Colina Gardens in the in the Foothill neighborhood starting from $4,900. The second greatest value Santa Barbara apartment is the Two Bedroom Two Bath Model at Arrive Los Carneros II starting at $4,570 with a $3.76 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 | $3.06 |
| Arrive Los Carneros II | Two Bedroom Two Bath | 2BR,2BA | $3.76 |
| 609 W Junipero St | 2Bed/2Bath | 2BR,2BA | $3.27 |
| Tropicana Student Housing | Tropicana Gardens | 3BR,2BA | $2.01 |
| Willow Springs | Ojai | 1BR,1BA | $4.41 |
| Hope Ranch | Plan 1B | 1BR,1BA | $4.36 |
| Villa Flores Apartments | 1 Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $4.08 |
| Breakpointe Coronado | Coronado 1x1A | 1BR,1BA | $3.34 |
| The Loop | STUDIO - Double | Studio ,1BA | $3.60 |
| The Arroyo House Student Living. | Foothill | 1BR,1BA | $3.75 |
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.
Read ArticleCash 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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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
San Marcos Senior High
Santa Barbara Unified School District
Public School - Grades 9-12 (1926)
8 out of 10
La Colina Junior High
Santa Barbara Unified School District
Public School - Grades 7-8 (832)
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
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 $2,995.
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 $5,745.
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 175 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 $755 which is $4,990 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in Santa Barbara.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.