232 Daytona Dr
GoletaCA93117
Cheap Homes for Rent in Santa Barbara, CA from $1,600 (8 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Homes available for rent right now in Santa Barbara.
126 W Calle Crespis
Santa BarbaraCA93105
2117 Castillo St
Santa BarbaraCA93105
1416 Castillo St
Santa BarbaraCA93101
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.
1066 Miramonte Dr
Santa BarbaraCA93109
6703 Del Playa, Unit OCEANFRONT Room A-2
6703 Del Playa
Isla VistaCA93117
6703 Del Playa Dr A-1
GoletaCA93117
408 W Ortega St
Santa BarbaraCA93101
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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Santa Barbara, CA Local Guide
Surfers in Santa Barbara by Damian Gadal is licensed under CC BY 2.0
How much does it cost to rent a home in Santa Barbara?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Barbara 2 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $5,803 | $3,550 | $10,000+ |
| Santa Barbara 3 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $9,858 | $4,750 | $10,000+ |
| Santa Barbara 4 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $17,192 | $5,800 | $10,000+ |
| Santa Barbara 5 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $38,125 | $10,000 | $10,000+ |
| Santa Barbara 6 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $57,950 | $8,850 | $10,000+ |
| Santa Barbara 7 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $75,000 | $10,000 | $10,000+ |
Browse Top Homes for Rent in Santa Barbara
Explore Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA Local Guide
- Santa Barbara Neighborhoods
- Nearby Cities
- ZIP codes
- Local Counties
- School Districts
Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in Santa Barbara, CA
Pricing Updated: 12/29/2025Current apartment rentals in the Santa Barbara, CA area range in price from $1,100 to $19,000 with an overall median price of $4,475. The three Santa Barbara neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are Alta Mesa at $1,285, Lower Riviera at $2,450, and Riviera at $2,450. Here is today’s list of the top 10 neighborhoods with the lowest median pricing for Santa Barbara Apartments for rent:
| Neighborhood | Median Price | Min Price | Available Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alta Mesa | $1,285 | $1,285 | 14 |
| Lower Riviera | $2,600 | $2,450 | 3 |
| Riviera | $2,600 | $2,450 | 3 |
| Bel Air | $3,485 | $1,285 | 27 |
| Cielito | $3,485 | $2,250 | 8 |
| Elings Park | $3,485 | $1,285 | 26 |
| Mission Canyon | $3,485 | $2,250 | 9 |
| Downtown Santa Barbara | $3,500 | $1,285 | 27 |
| Lower East | $3,500 | $1,285 | 31 |
| Milpas | $3,500 | $1,285 | 28 |
Cheapest Available Santa Barbara Apartments for Rent
The cheapest available apartment rental in Santa Barbara, CA is a Studio unit found at The Loop in the Cabrillo Business Park neighborhood priced from $1,050. The Arroyo House Student Living. in the Downtown Santa Barbara neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 3 Beds apartment currently listed from $1,285. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Santa Barbara apartments for rent:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Loop | STUDIO - Affordable | Studio,1BA | $1,050 |
| The Arroyo House Student Living. | Old Mesa | 3BR,1BA | $1,285 |
| 3735 San Remo Dr | Legacy Trust | 1BR,1BA | $1,950 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Santa Barbara, CA
As of December 29, 2025 the best value apartment in the Santa Barbara area is the $2.86 price per square foot Flat Model at La Colina Gardens in the in the Foothill neighborhood starting from $4,000. The second greatest value Santa Barbara apartment is the 2/2 Model at Los Robles - Senior 55+ starting at $3,900 with a $2.95 price per square foot in the Upper State neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Santa Barbara apartments based on price per square foot:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| La Colina Gardens | Flat | 2BR,2BA | $2.86 |
| Los Robles - Senior 55+ | 2/2 | 1BR,2BA | $2.95 |
| 609 W Junipero St | 2Bed/2Bath | 2BR,2BA | $3.83 |
| 123 Arboleda Rd, Unit Hope Ranch Annex - Unit A | 123 Arboleda Rd | 1BR,1BA | $3.70 |
| Tropicana Student Housing | Tropicana Gardens | 3BR,2BA | $2.01 |
| 3735 San Remo Dr | Legacy Trust | 1BR,1BA | $2.60 |
| Villa Flores Apartments | 1 Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $3.53 |
| Breakpointe Coronado | Coronado 1x1A | 1BR,1BA | $3.32 |
| The Loop | STUDIO - Double | Studio ,1BA | $3.60 |
| The Arroyo House Student Living. | Foothill | 1BR,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.
Read Article
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 ArticleCash 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.
Read ArticleQuick Rent Budget Calculator
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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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Best Local Schools in Santa Barbara, CA
Cold Spring Elementary
Cold Spring Elementary School District
Public School - Grades K-6 (193)
9 out of 10
San Marcos Senior High
Santa Barbara Unified School District
Public School - Grades 9-12 (2020)
8 out of 10
La Colina Junior High
Santa Barbara Unified School District
Public School - Grades 7-8 (900)
8 out of 10
School data provided by Great Schools
Remember the 3 Rules of Real Estate:Location, Location, Location!
Explore Santa Barbara, CA Rentals by Map
See the most popular apartments and homes in Santa Barbara, CA
Frequently Asked Questions about Santa Barbara
What type of rentals are currently available in Santa Barbara?
There are currently 835 Apartments for Rent in Santa Barbara, CA with pricing that ranges from $1,100 to $19,000. There are also 87 Single Family Homes for rent, Condos, and Townhome rentals currently available in Santa Barbara ranging from $1,650 to $100,000.
What is the current price range for Rental Homes in Santa Barbara?
Today's rental pricing for Homes for Rent, Condos and Townhomes in Santa Barbara ranges from $1,650 to $100,000 with an average monthly rent of $29,376.
How much are larger Three and Four Bedroom Rentals in Santa Barbara?
For those who are looking for larger living arrangements, Three Bedroom Apartments in Santa Barbara range from $1,285 to $14,000, while Three Bedroom Homes, Condos, and Townhomes for rent range from $4,750 to $31,000. Four Bedroom Single-Family rentals are also available starting from $5,800 and Four Bedroom Apartments start at $1,100.
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
How to Make Your Apartment Holiday-Ready: Renter-Friendly Tips
Written by: Justin Habersaat
Getting your apartment ready for the holidays can be exciting but sometimes challenging in a smaller space. Here are some modern tips to keep things festive, safe, and inviting this season.
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.
Apartment Common Area Rules: What Renters Need to Know
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Back in the day when I rented one of my first apartments, the property didn’t even have laundry in the building. Now, rental properties are often competing against each other to provide the best amenities.
How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Everything is a negotiation in real estate!