Cheap Apartments for Rent in the East Mesa Neighborhood of Santa Barbara, CA from $1,600 (27 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 1815 San Andres St

$2,475

1 Bedroom, 1 Bath Rentals

Available Now

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1815 San Andres St
Santa BarbaraCA93101
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232 W Micheltorena St, Unit 1
$3,600
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$3,600

Total Monthly Price
$3,600
1 Bedroom Apartment Available Sep 1

232 W Micheltorena St, Unit 1

232 W Micheltorena StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
Affordability
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Rent According to Income: A Look at Income-Restricted Rentals

Find income-restricted rentals and housing subsidies. Explore government programs designed to help low-income families secure stable, affordable housing.

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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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551-555 W Pueblo St
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

551-555 W Pueblo St

551-555 W Pueblo StSanta Barbara, CA 93105
  • 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
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203 Ladera St
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

203 Ladera St

203 Ladera StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
Furnished
  • Utilities Included

Renters Insurance 101: What It Is, What It Covers, and Why You Need It

From theft to fire to water damage, the unexpected can happen to any renter. Discover why renters insurance is one of the smartest and most affordable investments you can make as a tenant.

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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

How I Find the Perfect Rental for My Clients: A Real Estate Pro's Guide

Finding the right apartment starts with three things: location, cost, and amenities. Get the insider perspective from a real estate professional on how to nail all three.

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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

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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The Messina
2 Bedroom Apartments

The Messina

2541 Modoc RdSanta Barbara, CA 93105
  • Utilities Included

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
El JardinTwo Bedroom, Two Bathroom 2D (mkt)2BR,2BA$4,400
825 De la Vina StOne Bedroom1BR,1BA$5,450

Best Value Apartments for Rent in East Mesa, CA

As of July 26, 2026 the best value apartment in the East Mesa area is the $3.88 price per square foot 605 W Anapamu St Model at 605 W Anapamu St in the in the Westside neighborhood starting from $5,000. The second greatest value East Mesa apartment is the 415 Rancheria St Model at 415 Rancheria St, Unit 4 starting at $6,000 with a $4.80 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.
605 W Anapamu St605 W Anapamu St3BR,2.5BA$3.88
415 Rancheria St, Unit 4415 Rancheria St4BR,1.5BA$4.80
The Messina2Bed2Bath-A2BR,2BA$4.06
El JardinTwo Bedroom, One Bathroom 2G2BR,1BA$7.24
825 De la Vina StOne Bedroom1BR,1BA$7.22
Channel View Apartments1 Bed 1 Bath1BR,1BA$5.67
Alena on HaleyStudioStudio ,1BA$7.46

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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Real Estate and Rental Term Glossary | ApartmentHomeLiving.com Renter University

From the letter A all the way to the letter Z, the Real Estate and Rental Term Glossary from the content team at ApartmentHomeLiving.com provides our visitors and shoppers with a little clarity and helpful guidance in navigating the real estate world through definitions and explainers for the top subjects and terms that someone may come across during the leasing, buying, or selling process.

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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 #30

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

Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score

3.5
Pet Friendly

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Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap East Mesa Apartments

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.

What is the most affordable East Mesa Three Bedroom Apartment?

The best deal on a cheap East Mesa Three Bedroom Apartment rental is at El Jardin and starts from $4,900.

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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Rent According to Income: A Look at Income-Restricted Rentals

Written by: Robin Stewart

The idea of affordable housing can be subjective. Every individual is in a different place financially and vocationally. What one may easily afford could be a struggle for someone else.

decorative image for Renters Insurance 101: What It Is, What It Covers, and Why You Need It article

Renters Insurance 101: What It Is, What It Covers, and Why You Need It

Written by: Robin Stewart

Insurance seems to be a part of life. In some states, having insurance is the law, as is the case for automobile insurance. Renters are no exception.

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Apartment Occupancy Rates: Renter Attraction vs Renter Retention

Written by: Robin Stewart

There’s a tenet in marketing about client or customer attraction and retention. Studies and data have consistently shown it costs less to keep a current customer than to attract a new one.

decorative image for How I Find the Perfect Rental for My Clients: A Real Estate Pro's Guide article

How I Find the Perfect Rental for My Clients: A Real Estate Pro's Guide

Written by: Robin Stewart

Evaluating rental properties for clients draws many parallels to house-hunting. Whether an apartment, loft, townhouse, or other rental, finding the right place means finding “home” for your client.