303 Sherwood Drive
Santa BarbaraCA93110
Cheap Apartments for Rent in Santa Barbara, CA from $800 (67 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in Santa Barbara.
303 Sherwood Drive (double occupancy)
Santa BarbaraCA93110
5029 Douglas Ln, Unit Garage Studio, Unit Garage Studio
5029 Douglas Ln
Santa BarbaraCA93111
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$2,450 - $2,6501 Bedroom Apartments Available Now
Villa Flores Apartments
601 E Anapamu StSanta Barbara, CA 93103
1418 Bath St
Santa BarbaraCA93101
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$2,6001 Bedroom Apartment Available Jul 18
2620 Tallant Rd, Unit Guest House, Unit Guest House
2620 Tallant RdSanta Barbara, CA 93105
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$2,600Studio Apartments Available May 25
2956 Glen Albyn Dr
2956 Glen Albyn DrSanta Barbara, CA 93105
5177 San Simeon Dr
Santa BarbaraCA93111
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$2,669 - $4,1351 to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now
Rancho Franciscan Senior Apartments
221 Hitchcock WaySanta Barbara, CA 93105
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$2,700
Total Monthly Price
1 Bedroom Apartment Available Jun 1Total Monthly Price
Base Rent
$2,700
Total Monthly Price
$2,700
2879 Exeter Pl, Unit Private Garden, Unit Private Garden
2879 Exeter PlSanta Barbara, CA 93105
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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$2,750
Total Monthly Price
1 Bedroom Apartment Available NowTotal Monthly Price
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$2,750
Total Monthly Price
$2,750
2301 De la Vina St, Unit 2301 A delavina street c, Unit 2301 A delavina street c
2301 De la Vina StSanta Barbara, CA 93105
510 Chapala St
Santa BarbaraCA93101
1205 Blanchard St
Santa BarbaraCA93103
800 Toro Canyon Rd
Santa BarbaraCA93108
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$2,950 - $4,8751 to 2 Bedroom Apartments Contact Us For Availability
609 W Junipero St
609 W Junipero StSanta Barbara, CA 93105
226 W De la Guerra St
Santa BarbaraCA93101
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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
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1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments
De La Vina Apartments
3754 San Remo DrSanta Barbara, CA 93105
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
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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Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments
551-555 W Pueblo St
551-555 W Pueblo StSanta Barbara, CA 93105
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1 Bedroom Apartments
3735 San Remo Dr
3735 San Remo DrSanta Barbara, CA 93105
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Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments
Arlington Village
1330 Chapala StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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1 Bedroom Apartments
2102 Bath St
2102 Bath StSanta Barbara, CA 93105
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1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments
Mediterranean Apartments
2400 De La Vina StSanta Barbara, CA 93105
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1 Bedroom Apartments
152- 1825 Chapala LLC
1825 Chapala StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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2 Bedroom Apartments
2126 Castillo St
2126 Castillo StSanta Barbara, CA 93105
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.
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2 Bedroom Apartments
Alta Vista Garden Apartments
1201 Alta Vista RdSanta Barbara, CA 93103
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Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments
203 Ladera St
203 Ladera StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments
114 W Calle Crespis Apartments
114 W Calle CrespisSanta Barbara, CA 93105
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1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments
Cliff House
1040 Cliff DrSanta Barbara, CA 93109
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1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments
Monterey Pines
3710-3735 Monterey Pines StSanta Barbara, CA 93105
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1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments
Ivy at Arrellaga
714 W Arrellaga StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments
Palm Gardens Apartments
1120-1130 San Andres StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments
Ocean View Apartments
505 Red Rose LnSanta Barbara, CA 93109
210 S Voluntario St
Santa BarbaraCA93103
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Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments
Hope Ranch
3999 Via Lucero ViaSanta Barbara, CA 93110
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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2 Bedroom Apartments
121 W Arrellaga St
121 W Arrellaga StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments
Cabana Island View Apartments
2100 Red Rose WaySanta Barbara, CA 93109
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2 to 3 Bedroom Apartments
Coronel Apartments
555 Coronel PlSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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Studio Apartments
Olive Street Lofts
915 Olive StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
411 E Anapamu St
Santa BarbaraCA93101
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1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments
Ivy at Carrillo
520-536 W Carrillo StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments
Soltara
27 E Gutierrez StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
306 Rancheria St
Santa BarbaraCA93101
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Rent Specials
$1,299 - $1,8092 Bedroom Apartments Available Aug 18
Capri Apartments at Isla Vista
6598 Seville RdGoleta, CA 93117
6703 Del Playa, Unit OCEANFRONT Room A-2, Unit OCEANFRONT Room A-2
6703 Del Playa
Isla VistaCA93117
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.
Santa Barbara, CA Local Guide
How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Santa Barbara?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cheap Santa Barbara Studio Apartments | $3,082 | $1,535 | $5,788 |
| Cheap Santa Barbara 1 Bedroom Apartments | $2,913 | $1,672 | $5,950 |
| Cheap Santa Barbara 2 Bedroom Apartments | $3,843 | $1,299 | $7,500 |
| Cheap Santa Barbara 3 Bedroom Apartments | $5,061 | $1,250 | $10,000+ |
| Cheap Santa Barbara 4 Bedroom Apartments | $5,423 | $1,100 | $10,000+ |
Note: Properties with the Total Monthly Price badge include all required fees. Hover over the badge for details.
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
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Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in Santa Barbara, CA
Pricing Updated: 05/23/2026Current apartment rentals in the Santa Barbara, CA area range in price from $1,100 to $19,000 with an overall median price of $5,431. The three Santa Barbara neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are Oak Park at $2,750, Campanil at $2,600, and Hidden Valley at $2,595. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oak Park | $3,675 | $2,750 | 1 |
| Campanil | $3,975 | $2,600 | 9 |
| Hidden Valley | $3,975 | $2,595 | 10 |
| North State | $3,975 | $2,595 | 9 |
| Hope | $4,199 | $2,600 | 6 |
| Coast Village | $4,250 | $4,250 | 1 |
| Foothill | $4,375 | $2,450 | 10 |
| Lower Riviera | $4,487 | $2,450 | 3 |
| Hope Ranch | $4,495 | $2,650 | 6 |
| Cielito | $4,600 | $2,450 | 6 |
Cheapest Available Santa Barbara Apartments for Rent
The cheapest available apartment rental in Santa Barbara, CA is a 3 Beds unit found at Breakpointe Coronado in the Downtown Goleta neighborhood priced from $1,250. The Loop in the Cabrillo Business Park neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 2 Beds apartment currently listed from $1,659. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Santa Barbara apartments for rent:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breakpointe Coronado | Breakpointe 3x2 | 3BR,2BA | $1,250 |
| The Loop | 2BR/2BA - Quad Deluxe | 2BR,2BA | $1,659 |
| 152- 1825 Chapala LLC | 1bed/1bath | 1BR,1BA | $2,200 |
| Villa Flores Apartments | 1 Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $2,450 |
| Rancho Franciscan Senior Apartments | The Poppy Plan | 1BR,1BA | $2,669 |
| Hope Ranch | Plan 1B | 1BR,1BA | $2,877 |
| Alena on Haley | Studio | Studio,1BA | $3,200 |
| Sumida Gardens Apartments | The Palm | 1BR,1BA | $3,294 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Santa Barbara, CA
As of May 23, 2026 the best value apartment in the Santa Barbara area is the $0.56 price per square foot 5BR/5.5BA - Sunrise 10 Model at The Cove in the in the Cabrillo Business Park neighborhood starting from $1,495. The second greatest value Santa Barbara apartment is the Two Bedroom Two Bath Model at Arrive Los Carneros II starting at $4,780 with a $3.94 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. |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Cove | 5BR/5.5BA - Sunrise 10 | 5BR,5.5BA | $0.56 |
| Arrive Los Carneros II | Two Bedroom Two Bath | 2BR,2BA | $3.94 |
| 250 Ellwood Beach Dr | 250 Ellwood Beach Dr | 2BR,1.5BA | $2.73 |
| The Loop | 2BR/2BA - Quad | 2BR,2BA | $1.92 |
| Encina Meadows | Monarch | 2BR,1BA | $4.03 |
| Tropicana Student Housing | Tropicana Gardens | 3BR,2BA | $2.01 |
| Tahitian Apartments | Tahitian 1x1 | 1BR,1BA | $1.77 |
| The Wave | 1 bed + 1 bath Upstaris | 1BR,1BA | $2.05 |
| Breakpointe Coronado | Coronado 1x1A | 1BR,1BA | $3.34 |
| The Arroyo House Student Living. | Fiesta - Female | 3BR,1BA | $3.21 |
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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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.
Santa Barbara, CAPopulation: 91,350
Ranked #362
in US Census Population by City
Best Local Schools in Santa Barbara, CA
Montecito Union
Montecito Union Elementary School District
Public School - Grades K-5 (353)
10 out of 10
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 6-8 (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 the price of a cheap apartment in Santa Barbara?
The cheapest apartment in Santa Barbara is 152- 1825 Chapala LLC which is listed at $2,200, while the average apartment in Santa Barbara costs $5,431.
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 36 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 $1,559 which is $3,872 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
A Seasoned Property Manager's Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Deposit Back
Written by: Lauren Harrington
I’m going to talk with you as a seasoned property manager and friend. So, let’s start with your security deposit. I want you to think about this guide as insider information. You deserve your deposit back.
Expert Solutions for Creating the Perfect Work-From-Home Apartment Layouts
Written by: Lauren Harrington
This article is based on first-hand experience managing apartment communities and helping renters adapt to their spaces after moving in.
What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much
Written by: Lauren Harrington
This article draws from first-hand renter experiences and recurring financial challenges reported after moving in.
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.