
Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Downtown Santa Barbara Neighborhood of Santa Barbara, CA from $1,600 (141 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the Downtown Santa Barbara area of Santa Barbara.


Villa Flores Apartments

Paseo Chapala

1801 De La Vina St

203 Ladera St

1407 Bath St

Rancheria Village Apartments

103 Chapala St

1530 Bath St

718-724 De La Vina St
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.

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

Chapala One

123 Natoma Ave

Burrton Circle

720 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.

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

228 W Anapamu St

1717 Chapala St

522-526 E Anapamu St
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.

224 W Yanonali St

205 Los Aguajes Ave

310 Ladera St

818 Garden St

Pedregosa Plaza

1315 Bath St

1135 San Andres St

El Andaluz

1223 Garden St

302 W Montecito 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.

130 W Victoria St

1315 Olive St

20 W Mason St

125-129 W Yanonali St

222 W Yanonali St

23 W Mission St

522 E Anapamu St

633 De La Vina St

1821 De La Vina St

503 E Anapamu 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.
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 | $2,740 | $2,200 | $3,250 |
| Downtown Santa Barbara 1 Bedroom Apartments | $4,003 | $2,450 | $5,950 |
| Downtown Santa Barbara 2 Bedroom Apartments | $6,028 | $4,600 | $7,500 |
| Downtown Santa Barbara 3 Bedroom Apartments | $6,500 | $6,500 | $6,500 |
Browse Apartments in this Neighborhood
There are currently 141 rentals with your search options within a 1 mile radius of the Downtown Santa Barbara Neighborhood of Santa Barbara, CA.
See all Apartments in Santa BarbaraExplore Santa Barbara
Downtown Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA Local Guide
- Nearby Santa Barbara neighborhoods
- Nearby Cities
- ZIP codes
- Local Counties
- School Districts
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 $2,450. Alena on Haley has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $3,200. Here are the most affordable Downtown Santa Barbara apartments for rent in Santa Barbara, CA:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Villa Flores Apartments | 1 Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $2,450 |
| Alena on Haley | Studio | Studio,1BA | $3,200 |
| 800 Santa Barbara | Larger One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $5,000 |
| 825 De la Vina St | One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $5,500 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Downtown Santa Barbara, CA
As of April 23, 2026 the best value apartment in the Downtown Santa Barbara area is the $6.70 price per square foot Two Bedroom - Furnished or Unfurnished Option Model at 800 Santa Barbara in the in the Upper State neighborhood starting from $7,500. The second greatest value Downtown Santa Barbara apartment is the One Bedroom Model at 825 De la Vina St starting at $5,500 with a $7.02 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. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 800 Santa Barbara | Two Bedroom - Furnished or Unfurnished Option | 2BR,2BA | $6.70 |
| 825 De la Vina St | One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $7.02 |
| Villa Flores Apartments | 1 Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $4.08 |
| Alena on Haley | Studio | Studio ,1BA | $7.46 |
| The Arroyo House Student Living. | Fiesta - Female | 3BR,1BA | $3.21 |
10 Hidden Costs of Renting You Should Budget for Before Signing a Lease
Avoid financial stress when renting. Learn about the 10 most common hidden costs—from pet fees to utilities—you must budget for before you sign a lease.
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 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 #34
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
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 $2,450 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 $4,850 at Alena on Haley.
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

Expert Solutions for Creating the Perfect Work-From-Home Apartment Layouts
Written by: Lauren Harrington
This article is based on first-hand experience managing apartment communities and helping renters adapt to their spaces after moving in.

What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much
Written by: Lauren Harrington
This article draws from first-hand renter experiences and recurring financial challenges reported after moving in.

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.