323 W Islay St
Santa BarbaraCA93101
Cheap Apartments for Rent in Santa Barbara, CA from $1,210 (63 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in Santa Barbara.
526 Anacapa St
Santa BarbaraCA93101
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$2,525 - $2,7101 Bedroom Apartments Available Now
Villa Flores Apartments
601 E Anapamu StSanta Barbara, CA 93103
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$2,6001 Bedroom Apartment Available Now
2620 Tallant Rd, Unit Guest House
2620 Tallant RdSanta Barbara, CA 93105
270 Rosario Park
Santa BarbaraCA93105
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$2,950
Total Monthly Price
1 Bedroom Apartment Available Sep 1Total Monthly Price
Base Rent
$2,950
Total Monthly Price
$2,950
2563 Treasure Dr, Unit A
2563 Treasure DrSanta Barbara, CA 93105
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$2,978 - $4,4081 to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now
Rancho Franciscan Senior Apartments
221 Hitchcock WaySanta Barbara, CA 93105
3710 San Remo Dr
Santa BarbaraCA93105
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$3,3752 Bedroom Apartments Available Now
110 Bodega Ln
110 Bodega LnSanta Barbara, CA 93110
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Rent Specials
$3,4001 Bedroom Apartments Available Now
Channel View Apartments
515 Red Rose LnSanta Barbara, CA 93109
Rent According to Income: A Look at Income-Restricted Rentals
Find income-restricted rentals and housing subsidies. Explore government programs designed to help low-income families secure stable, affordable housing.
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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
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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
Renters Insurance 101: What It Is, What It Covers, and Why You Need It
From theft to fire to water damage, the unexpected can happen to any renter. Discover why renters insurance is one of the smartest and most affordable investments you can make as a tenant.
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1 Bedroom Apartments
2102 Bath St
2102 Bath 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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1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments
Mediterranean Apartments
2400 De La Vina StSanta Barbara, CA 93105
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2 Bedroom Apartments
2126 Castillo St
2126 Castillo StSanta Barbara, CA 93105
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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
101 Hitcock WaySanta Barbara, CA 93105
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1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments
Ivy at Arrellaga
714 W Arrellaga StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
How I Find the Perfect Rental for My Clients: A Real Estate Pro's Guide
Finding the right apartment starts with three things: location, cost, and amenities. Get the insider perspective from a real estate professional on how to nail all three.
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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
1821 Chino St
Santa BarbaraCA93101
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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
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Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments
Hope Ranch
3999 Via Lucero ViaSanta Barbara, CA 93110
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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
1210 Toro Canyon Rd
Santa BarbaraCA93108
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.
3935 Foothill Rd
Santa BarbaraCA93110
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Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments
Alena on Haley
219 E Haley StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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1 Bedroom Apartments
1105 N Milpas St
1105 N Milpas StSanta Barbara, CA 93103
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1 Bedroom Apartments
Rose Garden Apartments
2953 State StSanta Barbara, CA 93105
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Studio to 4 Bedroom Apartments
314 W Mission St
306-314 W Mission StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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2 to 3 Bedroom Apartments
201 Ladera St
201 Ladera StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments
Plaza Riviera
835 E Canon Perdido StSanta Barbara, CA 93103
6703 Del Playa, Unit OCEANFRONT Room A-2
6703 Del Playa
Isla VistaCA93117
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$2,300Studio Apartments Available Jul 15, 2027
6578 Trigo Rd
6578 Trigo RdGoleta, CA 93117
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$2,5001 Bedroom Apartments Available Sep 15
Skyview Apartments
910 Camino PescaderoGoleta, CA 93117
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.
Showing Results 1-50, Page 1 of 2
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 | $2,510 | $1,542 | $3,690 |
| Cheap Santa Barbara 1 Bedroom Apartments | $3,086 | $1,389 | $6,000 |
| Cheap Santa Barbara 2 Bedroom Apartments | $3,534 | $1,337 | $7,500 |
| Cheap Santa Barbara 3 Bedroom Apartments | $6,384 | $1,357 | $10,000+ |
| Cheap Santa Barbara 4 Bedroom Apartments | $7,971 | $1,445 | $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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- School Districts
Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in Santa Barbara, CA
Pricing Updated: 08/22/2026Current apartment rentals in the Santa Barbara, CA area range in price from $1,210 to $24,500 with an overall median price of $3,959. The three Santa Barbara neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are UC Santa Barbara at $1,510, Campanil at $3,175, and Mission Canyon at $3,250. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| UC Santa Barbara | $1,510 | $1,210 | 140 |
| Campanil | $3,175 | $1,389 | 3 |
| Mission Canyon | $3,250 | $1,389 | 6 |
| Foothill | $3,375 | $2,525 | 7 |
| Hope | $3,375 | $3,250 | 3 |
| Hidden Valley | $3,400 | $1,389 | 7 |
| North State | $3,525 | $1,389 | 6 |
| San Roque Parks | $3,525 | $1,389 | 7 |
| Hitchcock | $3,537 | $1,389 | 8 |
| Cielito | $3,675 | $1,389 | 5 |
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. Villa Flores Apartments in the Riviera neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $2,525. 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 |
| Villa Flores Apartments | 1 Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $2,525 |
| Hope Ranch | Plan 1B | 1BR,1BA | $3,007 |
| 759 Embarcadero Del Mar | 1BR/1.0BA | 1BR,1BA | $3,150 |
| Channel View Apartments | 1 Bed 1 Bath | 1BR,1BA | $3,400 |
| 6587 Cervantes Rd | 1BR/1.0BA | 1BR,1BA | $3,450 |
| Sea Cliff Apartments | 1x1 727 sqft | 1BR,1BA | $3,900 |
| Encina Meadows | Jacaranda | 2BR,1BA | $4,090 |
| 1317 Punta Gorda Street | Luxury Townhome | 2BR,2BA | $4,250 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Santa Barbara, CA
As of August 22, 2026 the best value apartment in the Santa Barbara area is the $0.57 price per square foot 5BR/5.5BA - Sunrise 10 Model at The Cove in the in the Cabrillo Business Park neighborhood starting from $1,510. The second greatest value Santa Barbara apartment is the 3 Bedroom 2.5 Bath Model at Arrive Los Carneros II starting at $6,075 with a $4.27 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 | $0.57 |
| Arrive Los Carneros II | 3 Bedroom 2.5 Bath | 3BR,2.5BA | $4.27 |
| 6656 Picasso Rd | 2 Bedroom | 2BR,2BA | $4.09 |
| Encina Meadows | Jacaranda | 2BR,1.5BA | $3.92 |
| Tropicana Student Housing | Tropicana Gardens | 3BR,2BA | $2.01 |
| Rancho Franciscan Senior Apartments | The Sunshine Plan | 2BR,2BA | $4.26 |
| Tahitian Apartments | Tahitian 1x1 | 1BR,1BA | $1.77 |
| Villa Flores Apartments | 1 Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $4.21 |
| The Wave | 1 bed + 1 bath Upstaris | 1BR,1BA | $2.05 |
| The Loop | STUDIO - Double | Studio ,1BA | $3.60 |
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
Cold Spring Elementary School
Cold Spring Elementary School District
Public School - Grades K-5 (188)
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 The Loop which is listed at $1,609, while the average apartment in Santa Barbara costs $3,959.
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 127 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 $1,427 which is $2,532 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
Rent According to Income: A Look at Income-Restricted Rentals
Written by: Robin Stewart
The idea of affordable housing can be subjective. Every individual is in a different place financially and vocationally. What one may easily afford could be a struggle for someone else.
Practical Tips for Renters: How to Identify a Great Rental and Avoid Red Flags
Written by: Robin Stewart
Renters want to find a great apartment, the right place for them, one that checks all the boxes of location, rental cost, amenities, safety, and more.
First Apartment Regrets: Real Renters Share What They'd Do Differently
Written by: Robin Stewart
Hindsight is 20/20. Live and Learn. With age comes wisdom. We’re familiar with all those expressions, and all of them apply to lessons first-time renters learn.
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.