
Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Bel Air Neighborhood of Santa Barbara, CA from $1,200 (17 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the Bel Air area of Santa Barbara.


1525 Chapala St
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.
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.
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.
Bel Air, Santa Barbara, CA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Bel Air?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bel Air Studio Apartments | $3,450 | $3,450 | $3,450 |
| Bel Air 1 Bedroom Apartments | $2,788 | $1,285 | $5,600 |
| Bel Air 2 Bedroom Apartments | $3,655 | $1,285 | $5,950 |
| Bel Air 3 Bedroom Apartments | $3,028 | $1,285 | $4,795 |
| Bel Air 4 Bedroom Apartments | $6,300 | $6,300 | $6,300 |
Browse Apartments in this Neighborhood
There are currently 17 rentals with your search options within a 2 mile radius of the Bel Air Neighborhood of Santa Barbara, CA.
See all Apartments in Santa BarbaraExplore Santa Barbara
Bel Air, Santa Barbara, CA Local Guide
- Nearby Santa Barbara neighborhoods
- Nearby Cities
- ZIP codes
- Local Counties
- School Districts
Cheapest Available Bel Air Apartments for Rent
 The cheapest available apartment rental in the Bel Air area of Santa Barbara, CA is a 3 Beds unit found at The Arroyo House Student Living. priced from $1,285. 152- 1825 Chapala LLC has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $2,250. Here are the most affordable Bel Air apartments for rent in Santa Barbara, CA:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Arroyo House Student Living. | Old Mesa | 3BR,1BA | $1,285 |
| 152- 1825 Chapala LLC | 1bed/1bath | 1BR,1BA | $2,250 |
| Hope Ranch | Lucero | 1BR,1BA | $2,477 |
| Rancho Franciscan Senior Apartments | The Poppy Plan | 1BR,1BA | $2,928 |
| 201 Ladera St | 2/1.5 | 2BR,1BA | $3,395 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Bel Air, CA
As of November 14, 2025 the best value apartment in the Bel Air area is the $2.95 price per square foot 2/2 Model at Los Robles - Senior 55+ in the in the Upper State neighborhood starting from $3,900. The second greatest value Bel Air apartment is the 521 E Arrellaga St Model at 521 E Arrellaga St, Unit 11 starting at $3,600 with a $2.77 price per square foot in the Westside neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Bel Air apartments based on price per square foot:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Robles - Senior 55+ | 2/2 | 1BR,2BA | $2.95 |
| 521 E Arrellaga St, Unit 11 | 521 E Arrellaga St | 2BR,2BA | $2.77 |
| 415 Rancheria St, Unit 4 | 415 Rancheria St | 4BR,1.5BA | $5.04 |
| The Marc | Plan 3A | 3BR,2BA | $5.12 |
| 825 De la Vina St | 301 | 1BR,1BA | $7.78 |
| Citywalk | 2x1 | 2BR,1BA | $5.56 |
| Rancho Franciscan Senior Apartments | The Poppy Plan | 1BR,1BA | $5.41 |
| Hope Ranch | Lucero | 1BR,1BA | $4.81 |
| The Arroyo House Student Living. | Foothill | 1BR,1BA | $3.75 |
| 201 Ladera St | 3/2 | 3BR,2BA | $87.90 |
Apartment Common Area Rules: What Renters Need to Know
From the lounge to the laundry room, understand your rights and responsibilities in shared apartment spaces. Get tips on pet rules, noise, and security.
Read ArticleDon'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.
Read ArticleThe 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 ArticleQuick Rent Budget Calculator
How much rent can you afford?
The common "Rule of Thumb" is that rent should be no more than 30% of your income. How much is that? Enter your monthly income and click "Calculate My Budget" to find out.
Pet Friendly LifestyleBel Air, Santa Barbara, CA
Ranked #27
Among cities in California for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities.
Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score
4.0Pet Friendly
Lifestyle Ratings
ApartmentHomeLiving.com works hard to bring you our detailed rental search system called 'Lifestyle ratings', composed of neighborhoods, areas, and rental properties across California including Bel Air, Santa Barbara, and the greater Santa Barbara area. LifeStyle Ratings are a useful tool for comparing and sorting apartments and neighborhoods when choosing your rental home. This takes in many factors including searching for the best amenities, and convenient access to the outdoors, pet-friendly features, family-friendly amenities, proximity to transit, and other valuable search options. Use Lifestyle Search in the site filter options on this page - and find your Perfect place!
Getting Around the Bel Air Neighborhood in Santa Barbara, CA
Walk Score®
51 / 100
Somewhat Walkable
Some errands can be accomplished on foot
Bike Score®
63 / 100
Bikeable
Some bike infrastructure
Transit Score®
35 / 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 Bel Air Apartments
What is the price of a cheap apartment in Bel Air?
The cheapest apartment in Bel Air is The Arroyo House Student Living. which is listed at $1,285, while the average apartment in Bel Air costs $6,300.
What types of apartments are the cheapest in Bel Air?
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 12 regular apartments in Bel Air 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 Bel Air?
Cheap apartments in Bel Air have an average cost of $434 which is $5,866 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in Bel Air.
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.

Apartment Common Area Rules: What Renters Need to Know
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Back in the day when I rented one of my first apartments, the property didn’t even have laundry in the building. Now, rental properties are often competing against each other to provide the best amenities.

How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Everything is a negotiation in real estate!

The Rental Move-In Inspection Checklist: A Guide for Renters
Written by: Trey Huguley
The move-in inspection checklist is a crucial tool for both tenants and landlords. This checklist, provided by the team at ApartmentHomeLiving.com, helps document the condition of an apartment at the time of move-in.

Your Guide to Co-Signers: The Risks, Rewards, and Everything in Between
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
For many people, obstacles can arise during the rental application process for a variety of issues.














