
Cheap Apartments for Rent in the East Mesa Neighborhood of Santa Barbara, CA from $1,200 (9 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the East Mesa area of Santa Barbara.


916 San Andres St

551-555 W Pueblo St

314 W Mission 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.

Brentwood

Arlington Village

152- 1825 Chapala LLC

203 Ladera 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.

Cliff House
East Mesa, Santa Barbara, CA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in East Mesa?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| East Mesa Studio Apartments | $2,011 | $1,885 | $2,250 |
| East Mesa 1 Bedroom Apartments | $4,353 | $2,400 | $6,000 |
| East Mesa 2 Bedroom Apartments | $4,196 | $1,285 | $9,500 |
| East Mesa 3 Bedroom Apartments | $1,879 | $1,285 | $4,850 |
| East Mesa 4 Bedroom Apartments | $3,792 | $1,285 | $6,300 |
Browse Apartments in this Neighborhood
There are currently 9 rentals with your search options within a 2 mile radius of the East Mesa Neighborhood of Santa Barbara, CA.
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East Mesa, Santa Barbara, CA Local Guide
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Cheapest Available East Mesa Apartments for Rent
 The cheapest available apartment rental in the East Mesa area of Santa Barbara, CA is a 4 Beds unit found at The Arroyo House Student Living. priced from $1,285. Channel View Apartments has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $3,500. Here are the most affordable East Mesa apartments for rent in Santa Barbara, CA:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Arroyo House Student Living. | Montecito | 4BR,1BA | $1,285 |
| Channel View Apartments | 1 Bed 1 Bath | 1BR,1BA | $3,500 |
| 800 Santa Barbara | One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $4,500 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in East Mesa, CA
As of March 12, 2026 the best value apartment in the East Mesa area is the $3.76 price per square foot 603 W Anapamu St Model at 603 W Anapamu St in the in the Westside neighborhood starting from $4,850. The second greatest value East Mesa apartment is the 415 Rancheria St Model at 415 Rancheria St, Unit 2 starting at $6,300 with a $5.04 price per square foot in the Westside neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for East Mesa apartments based on price per square foot:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 603 W Anapamu St | 603 W Anapamu St | 3BR,2.5BA | $3.76 |
| 415 Rancheria St, Unit 2 | 415 Rancheria St | 4BR,1.5BA | $5.04 |
| 116 E Yanonali St, Unit c2 | 116 E Yanonali St | 1BR,1.5BA | $4.40 |
| 602 W Carrillo St, Unit B | 602 W Carrillo St | 2BR,1BA | $4.44 |
| 825 De la Vina St | One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $7.02 |
| 800 Santa Barbara | Larger One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $7.29 |
| Channel View Apartments | 1 Bed 1 Bath | 1BR,1BA | $5.83 |
| The Arroyo House Student Living. | Foothill | 2BR,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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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 LifestyleEast Mesa, Santa Barbara, CA
Ranked #34
Among cities in California for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities.
Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score
3.5Pet Friendly
Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap East Mesa Apartments
What is the price of a cheap apartment in East Mesa?
The cheapest apartment in East Mesa is Channel View Apartments which is listed at $3,500, while the average apartment in East Mesa costs $3,900.
What types of apartments are the cheapest in East Mesa?
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 9 regular apartments in East Mesa that we think qualify as ‘cheap apartments’ that do not have special requirements to apply to rent.
How do the prices of cheap apartments compare to the average apartment in East Mesa?
Cheap apartments in East Mesa have an average cost of $675 which is $3,225 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in East Mesa.
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

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.

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.