Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Downtown Santa Barbara Neighborhood of Santa Barbara, CA from $1,600 (141 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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Paseo Chapala
Studio Apartments

Paseo Chapala

721-791 Chapala StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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1801 De La Vina St
2 Bedroom Apartments

1801 De La Vina St

1801 De La Vina StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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203 Ladera St
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

203 Ladera St

203 Ladera StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
Furnished
  • Utilities Included
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1407 Bath St
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

1407 Bath St

1407 Bath StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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103 Chapala St
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

103 Chapala St

103 Chapala StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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1530 Bath St
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

1530 Bath St

1530 Bath StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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718-724 De La Vina St
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

718-724 De La Vina St

718-724 De La Vina StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
  • Utilities Included

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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1232 Laguna St
1 to 4 Bedroom Apartments

1232 Laguna St

1232 Laguna StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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Sonrisa Apartments
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Sonrisa Apartments

410 W Micheltorena StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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708 N Alisos St
2 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

708 N Alisos St

708 N Alisos StSanta Barbara, CA 93103
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817 De la Vina St
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

817 De la Vina St

817 De la Vina StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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Chapala One
2 Bedroom Apartments

Chapala One

401-415 Chapala StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
Corporate Housing
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123 Natoma Ave
Studio Apartments

123 Natoma Ave

123 Natoma AveSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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Burrton Circle
Studio Apartments

Burrton Circle

200 W Mason StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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720 Bath St
Studio Apartments

720 Bath St

720 Bath 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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1231 Chino St
2 Bedroom Apartments

1231 Chino St

1231 Chino StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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320 W Mission St
Studio Apartments

320 W Mission St

320 W Mission StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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1620 Garden St
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

1620 Garden St

1620 Garden StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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2119 De La Vina St
2 Bedroom Apartments

2119 De La Vina St

2119 De La Vina StSanta Barbara, CA 93105
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526 E Anapamu St
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

526 E Anapamu St

526 E Anapamu StSanta Barbara, CA 93103
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228 W Anapamu St
Studio Apartments

228 W Anapamu St

228 W Anapamu StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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1717 Chapala St
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

1717 Chapala St

1717 Chapala StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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522-526 E Anapamu St
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

522-526 E Anapamu St

522-526 E Anapamu StSanta Barbara, CA 93103

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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224 W Yanonali St
Studio Apartments

224 W Yanonali St

224 W Yanonali StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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310 Ladera St
2 Bedroom Apartments

310 Ladera St

310 Ladera StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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818 Garden St
Studio Apartments

818 Garden St

818 Garden StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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Pedregosa Plaza
1 Bedroom Apartments

Pedregosa Plaza

28 W Pedregosa StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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1315 Bath St
Studio Apartments

1315 Bath St

1315 Bath StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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El Andaluz
Studio Apartments

El Andaluz

531 Chapala StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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1223 Garden St
Studio Apartments

1223 Garden St

1223 Garden StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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302 W Montecito St
2 Bedroom Apartments

302 W Montecito St

302 W Montecito 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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130 W Victoria St
Studio Apartments

130 W Victoria St

130 W Victoria StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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1315 Olive St
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

1315 Olive St

1315 Olive StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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20 W Mason St
1 Bedroom Apartments

20 W Mason St

20 W Mason StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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125-129 W Yanonali St
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

125-129 W Yanonali St

125-129 W Yanonali StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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222 W Yanonali St
Studio Apartments

222 W Yanonali St

222 W Yanonali StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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23 W Mission St
1 to 4 Bedroom Apartments

23 W Mission St

23 W Mission StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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522 E Anapamu St
1 Bedroom Apartments

522 E Anapamu St

522 E Anapamu StSanta Barbara, CA 93103
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633 De La Vina St
Studio Apartments

633 De La Vina St

633 De La Vina StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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1821 De La Vina St
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

1821 De La Vina St

1821 De La Vina StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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503 E Anapamu St
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

503 E Anapamu St

503 E Anapamu StSanta Barbara, CA 93103

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

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 ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Villa Flores Apartments1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$2,450
Alena on HaleyStudioStudio,1BA$3,200
800 Santa BarbaraLarger One Bedroom1BR,1BA$5,000
825 De la Vina StOne Bedroom1BR,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 ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
800 Santa BarbaraTwo Bedroom - Furnished or Unfurnished Option2BR,2BA$6.70
825 De la Vina StOne Bedroom1BR,1BA$7.02
Villa Flores Apartments1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$4.08
Alena on HaleyStudioStudio ,1BA$7.46
The Arroyo House Student Living.Fiesta - Female3BR,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.

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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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Cash 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.

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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 #34

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 $2,450 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

decorative image for Expert Solutions for Creating the Perfect Work-From-Home Apartment Layouts  article

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.