Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Downtown Santa Barbara Neighborhood of Santa Barbara, CA from $1,200 (7 Rentals)

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

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Brentwood
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Brentwood

1429 De La Vina StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
  • Utilities Included

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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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

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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Palm Gardens Apartments
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Palm Gardens Apartments

1120-1130 San Andres StSanta 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 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 $2,400. Here are the most affordable Downtown Santa Barbara apartments for rent in Santa Barbara, CA:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
The Arroyo House Student Living.Old Mesa3BR,1BA$1,285
Villa Flores Apartments1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$2,400
1105 N Milpas StOne Bedroom w/Fireplace1BR,1BA$3,275

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Downtown Santa Barbara, CA

As of October 17, 2025 the best value apartment in the Downtown Santa Barbara area is the $2.66 price per square foot 521 E Arrellaga St Model at 521 E Arrellaga St, Unit 2 in the in the Westside neighborhood starting from $3,995. The second greatest value Downtown Santa Barbara apartment is the One Bedroom w/Fireplace Model at 1105 N Milpas St starting at $3,275 with a $4.09 price per square foot in the Riviera 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.
521 E Arrellaga St, Unit 2521 E Arrellaga St2BR,2BA$2.66
1105 N Milpas StOne Bedroom w/Fireplace1BR,1BA$4.09
800 Santa BarbaraUnit 1061BR,1BA$6.88
825 De la Vina St3011BR,1BA$7.64
Citywalk2x12BR,1BA$5.56
Villa Flores Apartments1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$4.00
The Arroyo House Student Living.Foothill1BR,1BA$3.75
201 Ladera St3/23BR,2BA$87.90

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.

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Pet Friendly Lifestyle
Downtown Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA

Ranked #36

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

Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score

3.0
Pet Friendly

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Getting Around the Downtown Santa Barbara Neighborhood in Santa Barbara, CA

Walk Score®

98 / 100

Walker’s Paradise

Daily errands do not require a car

Bike Score®

95 / 100

Biker's Paradise

Daily errands can be accomplished on a bike

Transit Score®

55 / 100

Good Transit

Many nearby public transportation options

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 $1,285 at The Arroyo House Student Living..

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 $1,285 at The Arroyo House Student Living..

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 The Arroyo House Student Living. and starts from $1,285.

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.

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How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Everything is a negotiation in real estate! 

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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.

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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.

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The Ultimate Long-Distance Moving Checklist: Tips from a Real Estate Pro

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Hard truth. Moving is never easy. I’ve done it all – from local moves to cross-country relocations From packing to unpacking the last box, I have found moving to be an exhausting, expensive and stressful experience every time.