2510 De la Vina St
Santa BarbaraCA93105
Cheap Apartments for Rent in Santa Barbara, CA from $800 (68 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in Santa Barbara.
3340 McCaw Ave, Unit McCaw Condo with Private Bedroom and Bathroom
3340 McCaw Ave
Santa BarbaraCA93105
1523-1527 Chapala 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 Aug 15
2620 Tallant Rd, Unit Guest House
2620 Tallant RdSanta Barbara, CA 93105
B
1815 San Andres St
Santa BarbaraCA93101
510 Chapala St
Santa BarbaraCA93101
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$2,881 - $4,6321 to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now
Rancho Franciscan Senior Apartments
221 Hitchcock WaySanta Barbara, CA 93105
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$2,9501 Bedroom Apartments Available Now
323 W Islay St, Unit E
323 W Islay StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
226 W De la Guerra St
Santa BarbaraCA93101
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.
19 E Mission St
Santa BarbaraCA93101
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$3,185 - $5,1511 to 3 Bedroom Apartments Available Now
Sumida Gardens Apartments
122 Sumida Gardens LnSanta Barbara, CA 93111
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$3,200 - $6,800Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments Available Now
Alena on Haley
219 E Haley StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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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
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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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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2 Bedroom Apartments
2126 Castillo St
2126 Castillo StSanta Barbara, CA 93105
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1 Bedroom Apartments
Lis
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
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
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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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
Palm Gardens Apartments
1120-1130 San Andres StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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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 2 Bedroom Apartments
Ocean View Apartments
505 Red Rose LnSanta Barbara, CA 93109
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Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments
Hope Ranch
3999 Via Lucero ViaSanta Barbara, CA 93110
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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
1033 W Micheltorena St
Santa BarbaraCA93101
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2 to 3 Bedroom Apartments
Coronel Apartments
555 Coronel PlSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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 Apartments
Olive Street Lofts
915 Olive StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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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
1212 W Micheltorena St
Santa BarbaraCA93101
990 Miramonte Dr
Santa BarbaraCA93109
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$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
6703 Del Playa
Isla VistaCA93117
475 Cannon Green Dr, Unit D
475 Cannon Green Dr
GoletaCA93117
6703 Del Playa Dr A-1
GoletaCA93117
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$2,500 - $2,700Studio Apartments Available Now
6578 Trigo Rd
6578 Trigo RdGoleta, CA 93117
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.
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 | $2,986 | $1,535 | $5,225 |
| Cheap Santa Barbara 1 Bedroom Apartments | $2,989 | $1,680 | $5,950 |
| Cheap Santa Barbara 2 Bedroom Apartments | $3,810 | $1,330 | $7,500 |
| Cheap Santa Barbara 3 Bedroom Apartments | $5,325 | $1,350 | $10,000+ |
| Cheap Santa Barbara 4 Bedroom Apartments | $5,390 | $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: 07/08/2026Current apartment rentals in the Santa Barbara, CA area range in price from $1,100 to $19,000 with an overall median price of $5,430. The three Santa Barbara neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are Campanil at $2,100, Oak Park at $2,100, and Hidden Valley at $2,100. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Campanil | $3,675 | $2,100 | 8 |
| Oak Park | $3,675 | $2,100 | 2 |
| Hidden Valley | $4,172 | $2,100 | 11 |
| North State | $4,172 | $2,100 | 11 |
| Hope | $4,495 | $3,850 | 2 |
| Hope Ranch | $4,495 | $2,881 | 7 |
| Coast Village | $4,500 | $4,500 | 1 |
| Eastside | $4,500 | $4,500 | 1 |
| Cielito | $4,600 | $2,100 | 5 |
| Mission Canyon | $4,600 | $2,100 | 9 |
Cheapest Available Santa Barbara Apartments for Rent
The cheapest available apartment rental in Santa Barbara, CA is a 2 Beds unit found at The Loop in the Cabrillo Business Park neighborhood priced from $1,659. 6578 Trigo Rd in the Downtown Goleta neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $2,500. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Santa Barbara apartments for rent:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Loop | 2BR/2BA - Quad Deluxe | 2BR,2BA | $1,659 |
| 6578 Trigo Rd | Unit F | Studio,1BA | $2,500 |
| Skyview Apartments | One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $2,500 |
| 6565 Segovia Rd | Unit 6 | 1BR,1BA | $2,500 |
| Villa Flores Apartments | 1 Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $2,525 |
| 760 Embarcadero Del Norte | One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $2,650 |
| 6656 Picasso Rd | 1 Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $2,700 |
| Rancho Franciscan Senior Apartments | The Tide Plan | 1BR,1BA | $2,881 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Santa Barbara, CA
As of July 08, 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 605 W Anapamu St Model at 605 W Anapamu St starting at $5,000 with a $3.88 price per square foot in the Westside 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 |
| 605 W Anapamu St | 605 W Anapamu St | 3BR,2.5BA | $3.88 |
| 250 Ellwood Beach Dr | 250 Ellwood Beach Dr | 2BR,1.5BA | $2.73 |
| The Loop | 2BR/2BA - Quad | 2BR,2BA | $1.92 |
| Tropicana Student Housing | Tropicana Gardens | 3BR,2BA | $2.01 |
| The Messina | 2Bed2Bath-A | 2BR,2BA | $4.06 |
| Tahitian Apartments | Tahitian 1x1 | 1BR,1BA | $1.77 |
| Breakpointe Coronado | Coronado 1x1B | 1BR,1BA | $2.69 |
| Skyview Apartments | One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $4.08 |
| The Wave | 1 bed + 1 bath Upstaris | 1BR,1BA | $2.05 |
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 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 $2,881.
What is the price of a cheap apartment in Santa Barbara?
The cheapest apartment in Santa Barbara is Skyview Apartments which is listed at $2,500, while the average apartment in Santa Barbara costs $5,430.
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 48 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 $1,439 which is $3,991 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
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.