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Rent Specials
$1,285 - $1,5001 to 3 Bedroom Apartments Available Now
The Arroyo House Student Living.
543 1/2 Arroyo AveSanta Barbara, CA 93109
Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Downtown Santa Barbara Neighborhood of Santa Barbara, CA from $1,200 (142 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the Downtown Santa Barbara area of Santa Barbara.
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Contact Us For Pricing1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments Contact Us For Availability
Citywalk
1402-1404 San Pascual StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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$2,120 - $2,7501 Bedroom Apartments Available Now
Villa Flores Apartments
601 E Anapamu StSanta Barbara, CA 93103
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$3,500 - $7,500Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now
800 Santa Barbara
800 Santa Barbara StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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$6,2002 Bedroom Apartment Available Feb 1
116 E Yanonali St, Unit e2
116 E Yanonali StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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Studio Apartments
Paseo Chapala
721-791 Chapala StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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2 Bedroom Apartments
1801 De La Vina St
1801 De La Vina StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments
203 Ladera St
203 Ladera StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments
1407 Bath St
1407 Bath StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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Studio Apartments
Rancheria Village Apartments
424 Rancheria 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 1 Bedroom Apartments
718-724 De La Vina St
718-724 De La Vina StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments
103 Chapala St
103 Chapala StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments
1530 Bath St
1530 Bath StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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1 to 4 Bedroom Apartments
1232 Laguna St
1232 Laguna StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments
Sonrisa Apartments
410 W Micheltorena StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments
817 De la Vina St
817 De la Vina StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments
118-122 Los Aguajes Ave
118-122 Los Aguajes AveSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments
823 E De La Guerra St
823 E De La Guerra StSanta Barbara, CA 93103
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2 to 3 Bedroom Apartments
708 N Alisos St
708 N Alisos StSanta Barbara, CA 93103
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Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments
1717 Chapala St
1717 Chapala StSanta 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
224 W Yanonali St
224 W Yanonali StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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Studio Apartments
205 Los Aguajes Ave
205 Los Aguajes AveSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments
526 E Anapamu St
526 E Anapamu StSanta Barbara, CA 93103
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Studio Apartments
228 W Anapamu St
228 W Anapamu StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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2 Bedroom Apartments
2119 De La Vina St
2119 De La Vina StSanta Barbara, CA 93105
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2 Bedroom Apartments
Chapala One
401-415 Chapala StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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Studio Apartments
720 Bath St
720 Bath StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments
522-526 E Anapamu St
522-526 E Anapamu StSanta Barbara, CA 93103
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Studio Apartments
123 Natoma Ave
123 Natoma AveSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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Studio Apartments
Burrton Circle
200 W Mason StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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.
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2 Bedroom Apartments
1231 Chino St
1231 Chino StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments
1620 Garden St
1620 Garden StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments
Prime 8-Unit Apartment Building in West Beach
114 Natoma AveSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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1 Bedroom Apartments
Pedregosa Plaza
28 W Pedregosa StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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Studio Apartments
1315 Bath St
1315 Bath StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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Studio Apartments
1135 San Andres St
1135 San Andres StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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Studio Apartments
320 W Mission St
320 W Mission StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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Studio Apartments
1415 De La Vina St
1415 De La Vina StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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2 Bedroom Apartments
310 Ladera St
310 Ladera StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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Studio Apartments
818 Garden St
818 Garden StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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.
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Studio Apartments
1223 Garden St
1223 Garden StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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Studio Apartments
El Andaluz
531 Chapala StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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2 Bedroom Apartments
302 W Montecito St
302 W Montecito StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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Studio Apartments
130 W Victoria St
130 W Victoria StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments
1315 Olive St
1315 Olive StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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1 Bedroom Apartments
20 W Mason St
20 W Mason StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments
125-129 W Yanonali St
125-129 W Yanonali StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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Studio Apartments
222 W Yanonali St
222 W Yanonali StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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1 to 4 Bedroom Apartments
23 W Mission St
23 W Mission StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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1 Bedroom Apartments
522 E Anapamu St
522 E Anapamu StSanta Barbara, CA 93103
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
Surfers in Santa Barbara by Damian Gadal is licensed under CC BY 2.0
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 | $3,266 | $2,850 | $3,500 |
| Downtown Santa Barbara 1 Bedroom Apartments | $2,333 | $1,285 | $5,600 |
| Downtown Santa Barbara 2 Bedroom Apartments | $4,170 | $1,285 | $7,500 |
| Downtown Santa Barbara 3 Bedroom Apartments | $1,285 | $1,285 | $1,285 |
Browse Apartments in this Neighborhood
There are currently 142 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 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 $2,100. 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 |
| 152- 1825 Chapala LLC | 1bed/1bath | 1BR,1BA | $2,100 |
| Villa Flores Apartments | 1 Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $2,120 |
| 825 De la Vina St | Studios | Studio,1BA | $3,450 |
| 800 Santa Barbara | Studio | Studio,1BA | $3,500 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Downtown Santa Barbara, CA
As of January 16, 2026 the best value apartment in the Downtown Santa Barbara area is the $7.02 price per square foot One Bedroom Model at 825 De la Vina St in the in the Westside neighborhood starting from $5,500. The second greatest value Downtown Santa Barbara apartment is the One Bedroom Model at 800 Santa Barbara starting at $4,750 with a $6.84 price per square foot in the Upper State 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. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 825 De la Vina St | One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $7.02 |
| 800 Santa Barbara | One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $6.84 |
| 822 Orange Ave, Unit A | 822 Orange Ave | 1BR,1BA | $5.17 |
| Villa Flores Apartments | 1 Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $3.53 |
| 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.
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The 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.
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If you’re an expert on all things Downtown Santa Barbara, tell us what you love (and don't) by rating it and writing a review.
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Pet Friendly LifestyleDowntown Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA
Ranked #27
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 Unified School District
Public School - Grades 9-12 (2107)
6 out of 10
Santa Barbara Junior High
Santa Barbara Unified School District
Public School - Grades 7-8 (560)
5 out of 10
School data provided by Great Schools
Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Downtown Santa Barbara Apartments
What is a cheap apartment in Downtown Santa Barbara?
A cheap apartment is any apartment up to the 30% percentile of cost for the area, which in Downtown Santa Barbara is under $3,500.
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 $3,972.
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
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.
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!