Cheap Apartments for Rent in the East Mesa Neighborhood of Santa Barbara, CA from $1,600 (28 Rentals)

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

property at 411 E Anapamu St

$2,750

Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$2,750

Total Monthly Price
$2,750

1 Bedroom, 1 Bath Home for Rent

Available Now

411 E Anapamu St

Santa BarbaraCA93101
property at 510 Chapala St

$2,695 - $2,795

Studio Rentals

Available Now

510 Chapala St

Santa BarbaraCA93101

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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Brentwood
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Brentwood

1429 De La Vina 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
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Lis
1 Bedroom Apartments

Lis

1825 Chapala 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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203 Ladera St
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

203 Ladera St

203 Ladera StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
Furnished
  • Utilities Included
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Cliff House
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Cliff House

1040 Cliff DrSanta Barbara, CA 93109
  • Utilities Included
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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
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Ivy at Arrellaga
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Ivy at Arrellaga

714 W Arrellaga StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
  • Utilities Included
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Ocean View Apartments
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Ocean View Apartments

505 Red Rose LnSanta Barbara, CA 93109
  • Utilities Included
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121 W Arrellaga St
2 Bedroom Apartments

121 W Arrellaga St

121 W Arrellaga 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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Coronel Apartments
2 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Coronel Apartments

555 Coronel PlSanta Barbara, CA 93101
  • Utilities Included
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Ivy at Carrillo
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Ivy at Carrillo

520-536 W Carrillo StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
Corporate Housing
  • Utilities Included
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Soltara
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Soltara

27 E Gutierrez StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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201 Ladera St
2 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

201 Ladera St

201 Ladera StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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314 W Mission St
Studio to 4 Bedroom Apartments

314 W Mission St

306-314 W Mission StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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The Messina
2 Bedroom Apartments

The Messina

2541 Modoc RdSanta Barbara, CA 93105
  • Utilities Included

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.

East Mesa, Santa Barbara, CA Local Guide

Cheapest Available East Mesa Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in the East Mesa area of Santa Barbara, CA is a Studio unit found at Alena on Haley priced from $3,200. Channel View Apartments has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $3,400. Here are the most affordable East Mesa apartments for rent in Santa Barbara, CA:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Alena on HaleyStudioStudio,1BA$3,200
Channel View Apartments1 Bed 1 Bath1BR,1BA$3,400
The Messina2Bed2Bath-A2BR,2BA$3,450
800 Santa BarbaraLarger One Bedroom1BR,1BA$5,000
825 De la Vina StOne Bedroom1BR,1BA$5,500

Best Value Apartments for Rent in East Mesa, CA

As of April 26, 2026 the best value apartment in the East Mesa 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 East Mesa apartment is the 2Bed2Bath-A Model at The Messina starting at $3,450 with a $4.06 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 ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
800 Santa BarbaraTwo Bedroom - Furnished or Unfurnished Option2BR,2BA$6.70
The Messina2Bed2Bath-A2BR,2BA$4.06
825 De la Vina StOne Bedroom1BR,1BA$7.02
Channel View Apartments1 Bed 1 Bath1BR,1BA$5.67
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
East Mesa, Santa Barbara, CA

Ranked #34

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

Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score

3.0
Pet Friendly

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Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap East Mesa Apartments

What is the Cheapest Studio apartment in East Mesa?

Currently the most affordable Cheap Studio Apartment in East Mesa is at Alena on Haley listed at $3,200.

How much is rent for a Cheap One Bedroom East Mesa Apartment?

The lowest price for a Cheap One Bedroom East Mesa Apartment is $3,400 at Channel View Apartments.

What is the lowest price for a Cheap Two Bedroom East Mesa Apartment for rent?

Today's best deal for a Cheap Two Bedroom Apartment in East Mesa is starting from $3,450 at The Messina.

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

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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.

decorative image for What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much article

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.

decorative image for Maximizing Your Refund: Essential Tax Tips for Renters article

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.

decorative image for 18 Must-Ask Rental Tour Questions That Reveal the Truth about a Property article

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.