Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Downtown Santa Barbara Neighborhood of Santa Barbara, CA from $1,389 (25 Rentals)

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Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the Downtown Santa Barbara area of Santa Barbara.

property at 1701 Anacapa St

$4,400

2 Bedroom, 2 Bath Rentals

Available Now

30

1701 Anacapa St
Santa BarbaraCA93101

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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Brentwood
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Brentwood

1429 De La Vina StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
  • Utilities Included
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Park East Apartments
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Park East Apartments

322-324 E Micheltorena StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
  • Utilities Included
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Arlington Village
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Arlington Village

1330 Chapala StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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152- 1825 Chapala LLC
1 Bedroom Apartments

152- 1825 Chapala LLC

1825 Chapala StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
  • Utilities Included
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203 Ladera St
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

203 Ladera St

203 Ladera StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
Furnished
  • Utilities Included

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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Palm Gardens Apartments
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Palm Gardens Apartments

1120-1130 San Andres StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
  • Utilities Included
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Ivy at Arrellaga
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Ivy at Arrellaga

714 W Arrellaga StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
  • Utilities Included
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Coronel Apartments
2 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Coronel Apartments

555 Coronel PlSanta Barbara, CA 93101
  • Utilities Included
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Ivy at Carrillo
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Ivy at Carrillo

520-536 W Carrillo StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
Corporate Housing
  • Utilities Included
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Soltara
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Soltara

27 E Gutierrez 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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Alena on Haley
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Alena on Haley

219 E Haley StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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1105 N Milpas St
1 Bedroom Apartments

1105 N Milpas St

1105 N Milpas StSanta Barbara, CA 93103
  • Utilities Included
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Plaza Riviera
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Plaza Riviera

835 E Canon Perdido StSanta Barbara, CA 93103
  • Utilities Included
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314 W Mission St
Studio to 4 Bedroom Apartments

314 W Mission St

306-314 W Mission StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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201 Ladera St
2 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

201 Ladera St

201 Ladera StSanta Barbara, CA 93101

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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Ivy at Anapamu
2 to 4 Bedroom Apartments

Ivy at Anapamu

530 W AnapamuSanta Barbara, CA 93101
  • Utilities Included

Downtown Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA Local Guide

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 1 Bed unit found at Villa Flores Apartments priced from $2,525. El Jardin has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 2 Beds apartment currently listed from $4,450. Here are the most affordable Downtown Santa Barbara apartments for rent in Santa Barbara, CA:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Villa Flores Apartments1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$2,525
El JardinTwo Bedroom, One Bathroom 2E2BR,1BA$4,450
1524 Garden St3BR Suite3BR,2BA$4,600
825 De la Vina StOne Bedroom1BR,1BA$5,450

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Downtown Santa Barbara, CA

As of August 22, 2026 the best value apartment in the Downtown Santa Barbara area is the $4.80 price per square foot 415 Rancheria St Model at 415 Rancheria St, Unit 4 in the in the Westside neighborhood starting from $6,000. The second greatest value Downtown Santa Barbara apartment is the 3BR Suite Model at 1524 Garden St starting at $4,600 with a $4.38 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 ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
415 Rancheria St, Unit 4415 Rancheria St4BR,1.5BA$4.80
1524 Garden St3BR Suite3BR,2BA$4.38
El JardinTwo Bedroom, One Bathroom 2G2BR,1BA$7.24
825 De la Vina StOne Bedroom1BR,1BA$7.22
Villa Flores Apartments1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$4.21
The Arroyo House Student Living.Mission Triple1BR,1BA$4.62

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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Quick 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.

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Pet Friendly Lifestyle
Downtown Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA

Ranked #38

Among cities in California for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities.

Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score

2.5
Pet Friendly

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Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Downtown Santa Barbara Apartments

How much is rent for a Cheap One Bedroom Downtown Santa Barbara Apartment?

The lowest price for a Cheap One Bedroom Downtown Santa Barbara Apartment is $2,525 at Villa Flores Apartments.

What is the lowest price for a Cheap Two Bedroom Downtown Santa Barbara Apartment for rent?

Today's best deal for a Cheap Two Bedroom Apartment in Downtown Santa Barbara is starting from $4,450 at El Jardin.

What is the most affordable Downtown Santa Barbara Three Bedroom Apartment?

The best deal on a cheap Downtown Santa Barbara Three Bedroom Apartment rental is at 1524 Garden St and starts from $4,600.

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

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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.

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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.

decorative image for First Apartment Regrets: Real Renters Share What They'd Do Differently article

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.

decorative image for Renters Insurance 101: What It Is, What It Covers, and Why You Need It article

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.