
Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Downtown Santa Barbara Neighborhood of Santa Barbara, CA from $1,200 (143 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the Downtown Santa Barbara area of Santa Barbara.


Villa Flores Apartments

800 Santa Barbara

Total Monthly Price
602 W Carrillo St, Unit B

Paseo Chapala

1801 De La Vina St

203 Ladera St

1407 Bath St

Rancheria Village Apartments

1530 Bath 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.

718-724 De La Vina St

103 Chapala St

1232 Laguna St

Sonrisa Apartments

708 N Alisos St

823 E De La Guerra St

817 De la Vina St

118-122 Los Aguajes Ave

720 Bath St

123 Natoma Ave
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.

Burrton Circle

1231 Chino St

320 W Mission St

1415 De La Vina St

Prime 8-Unit Apartment Building in West Beach

1620 Garden St

2119 De La Vina St

526 E Anapamu St

205 Los Aguajes Ave

228 W Anapamu St
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.

224 W Yanonali St

522-526 E Anapamu St

1717 Chapala St

Chapala One

Pedregosa Plaza

1223 Garden St

310 Ladera St

818 Garden St

1315 Bath St

1135 San Andres St
Smart Renter's Guide: Calculating Affordable Rent & Housing Costs
Wondering how to determine your rental budget? This comprehensive guide covers everything from the 30% rule to hidden fees and effective budgeting strategies.

El Andaluz

20 W Mason St

302 W Montecito St

130 W Victoria St

1315 Olive St

125-129 W Yanonali St

222 W Yanonali St

23 W Mission St

522 E Anapamu St

633 De La Vina St
Navigating the Rental Market: Tips for First-Time Renters
Entering the rental market? Learn these simple tips and strategies to avoid common pitfalls and make confident choices. Rent with peace of mind.
Downtown Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Downtown Santa Barbara?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown Santa Barbara Studio Apartments | $2,301 | $1,885 | $2,770 |
| Downtown Santa Barbara 1 Bedroom Apartments | $2,823 | $1,285 | $6,000 |
| Downtown Santa Barbara 2 Bedroom Apartments | $4,624 | $1,285 | $9,500 |
| Downtown Santa Barbara 3 Bedroom Apartments | $1,285 | $1,285 | $1,285 |
| Downtown Santa Barbara 4 Bedroom Apartments | $6,300 | $6,300 | $6,300 |
Browse Apartments in this Neighborhood
There are currently 143 rentals with your search options within a 1 mile radius of the Downtown Santa Barbara Neighborhood of Santa Barbara, CA.
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Downtown Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA Local Guide
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Cheapest Available Downtown Santa Barbara Apartments for Rent
 The cheapest available apartment rental in the Downtown Santa Barbara area of Santa Barbara, CA is a 3 Beds unit found at The Arroyo House Student Living. priced from $1,285. Villa Flores Apartments has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $2,450. Here are the most affordable Downtown Santa Barbara 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 |
| Villa Flores Apartments | 1 Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $2,450 |
| 800 Santa Barbara | One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $4,500 |
| 825 De la Vina St | One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $5,500 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Downtown Santa Barbara, CA
As of March 03, 2026 the best value apartment in the Downtown Santa Barbara area is the $5.04 price per square foot 415 Rancheria St Model at 415 Rancheria St, Unit 2 in the in the Westside neighborhood starting from $6,300. The second greatest value Downtown Santa Barbara apartment is the 602 W Carrillo St Model at 602 W Carrillo St, Unit B starting at $3,550 with a $4.44 price per square foot in the Westside neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Downtown Santa Barbara apartments based on price per square foot:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 415 Rancheria St, Unit 2 | 415 Rancheria St | 4BR,1.5BA | $5.04 |
| 602 W Carrillo St, Unit B | 602 W Carrillo St | 2BR,1BA | $4.44 |
| 825 De la Vina St | One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $7.02 |
| 800 Santa Barbara | Larger One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $7.29 |
| Villa Flores Apartments | 1 Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $4.08 |
| 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.
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 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.
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 LifestyleDowntown Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA
Ranked #39
Among cities in California for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities.
Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score
2.5Pet Friendly
Best Local Schools in Downtown Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA
Santa Barbara Senior High
Santa Barbara Junior High
School data provided by Great Schools
Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Downtown Santa Barbara Apartments
What is the price of a cheap apartment in Downtown Santa Barbara?
The cheapest apartment in Downtown Santa Barbara is The Arroyo House Student Living. which is listed at $1,285, while the average apartment in Downtown Santa Barbara costs $6,300.
What types of apartments are the cheapest in Downtown 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 12 regular apartments in Downtown Santa Barbara that we think qualify as ‘cheap apartments’ that do not have special requirements to apply to rent.
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.