Cheap Apartments for Rent in the East Mesa Neighborhood of Santa Barbara, CA from $1,200 (9 Rentals)

How Many Bedrooms?Done
Select your price rangeDone
Lifestyle Matching SearchDone
By AmenitiesDone
By Community TypeDone
Features and AvailabilityDone
Done

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

close
View Me
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.

close
View Me
Arlington Village
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Arlington Village

1330 Chapala StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
close
View Me
Palm Gardens Apartments
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Palm Gardens Apartments

1120-1130 San Andres StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
203 Ladera St
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

203 Ladera St

203 Ladera StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
Furnished
  • Utilities Included

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.

close
View Me
Cliff House
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Cliff House

1040 Cliff DrSanta Barbara, CA 93109
  • 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 3 Beds unit found at The Arroyo House Student Living. priced from $1,285. 201 Ladera St has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 2 Beds apartment currently listed from $3,395. Here are the most affordable East Mesa apartments for rent in Santa Barbara, CA:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
The Arroyo House Student Living.Old Mesa3BR,1BA$1,285
201 Ladera St2/1.52BR,1BA$3,395
825 De la Vina St205Studio,1BA$3,450

Best Value Apartments for Rent in East Mesa, CA

As of October 17, 2025 the best value apartment in the East Mesa area is the $3.55 price per square foot 2Bed/2Bath Model at 609 W Junipero St in the in the Westside neighborhood starting from $3,995. The second greatest value East Mesa apartment is the Unit 106 Model at 800 Santa Barbara starting at $5,500 with a $6.88 price per square foot in the Upper State 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.
609 W Junipero St2Bed/2Bath2BR,2BA$3.55
800 Santa BarbaraUnit 1061BR,1BA$6.88
Sea Cliff Apartments1x1 - Bldg 80 - 792 SF1BR,1BA$4.92
825 De la Vina St3011BR,1BA$7.64
Citywalk2x12BR,1BA$5.56
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.

Read Article
Decorative image

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.

Read Article
Decorative image

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.

decorative image of people with a giant lease agreement

Pet Friendly Lifestyle
East Mesa, Santa Barbara, CA

Ranked #21

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

Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score

3.0
Pet Friendly

decorative image of woman handing cat to small boy

Getting Around the East Mesa Neighborhood in Santa Barbara, CA

Walk Score®

45 / 100

Car-Dependent

Most errands require a car

Bike Score®

69 / 100

Bikeable

Some bike infrastructure

Transit Score®

32 / 100

Some Transit

A few nearby public transportation options

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

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

What is the most affordable East Mesa Three Bedroom Apartment?

The best deal on a cheap East Mesa 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.

decorative image for How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money article

How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Everything is a negotiation in real estate! 

decorative image for The Rental Move-In Inspection Checklist: A Guide for Renters article

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.

decorative image for Your Guide to Co-Signers: The Risks, Rewards, and Everything in Between article

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.

decorative image for The Ultimate Long-Distance Moving Checklist: Tips from a Real Estate Pro article

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.