
Cheap Homes for Rent in Santa Barbara, CA from $1,200 (7 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Homes available for rent right now in Santa Barbara.


121 Santa Ynez St

6545 Trigo Rd
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.

1070 Miramonte Dr

6703 Del Playa, Unit OCEANFRONT Room A-2

6703 Del Playa Dr A-1
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.

4593 Hollister Ave, Unit 4593 Hollister Ave Unit 2
Santa Barbara, CA Local Guide

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 | $5,557 | $3,000 | $10,000+ |
| Santa Barbara 3 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $11,165 | $5,000 | $10,000+ |
| Santa Barbara 4 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $18,945 | $5,950 | $10,000+ |
| Santa Barbara 5 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $41,750 | $10,000 | $10,000+ |
| Santa Barbara 6 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $66,765 | $10,000 | $10,000+ |
| Santa Barbara 7 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $40,000 | $10,000 | $10,000+ |
Browse Top Homes for Rent in Santa Barbara
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Santa Barbara, CA Local Guide
- Santa Barbara Neighborhoods
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Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in Santa Barbara, CA
Pricing Updated: 04/05/2026Current apartment rentals in the Santa Barbara, CA area range in price from $1,245 to $100,000 with an overall median price of $29,151. The three Santa Barbara neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are Lower West at $2,750, Samarkand at $4,300, and Eastside at $1,500. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lower West | $2,750 | $2,750 | 1 |
| Samarkand | $5,000 | $4,300 | 1 |
| Eastside | $6,000 | $1,500 | 3 |
| Riviera | $6,000 | $4,300 | 2 |
| West Downtown | $6,875 | $1,245 | 13 |
| Alta Mesa | $7,000 | $1,245 | 6 |
| Laguna | $7,500 | $7,500 | 1 |
| Lower Riviera | $7,500 | $7,500 | 1 |
| Downtown Santa Barbara | $8,000 | $1,245 | 11 |
| Oak Park | $9,850 | $2,950 | 4 |
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. Breakpointe Coronado in the Downtown Goleta neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 3 Beds apartment currently listed from $1,250. 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 |
| Breakpointe Coronado | Breakpointe 3x2 | 3BR,2BA | $1,250 |
| Villa Flores Apartments | 1 Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $2,450 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Santa Barbara, CA
As of April 05, 2026 the best value apartment in the Santa Barbara area is the $0.66 price per square foot 5BR/5.5BA - Harbor Model at The Cove in the in the Cabrillo Business Park neighborhood starting from $1,600. The second greatest value Santa Barbara apartment is the Upgraded Townhome Model at La Colina Gardens starting at $4,900 with a $3.06 price per square foot in the Foothill 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. |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Cove | 5BR/5.5BA - Harbor | 5BR,5.5BA | $0.66 |
| La Colina Gardens | Upgraded Townhome | 3BR,2.5BA | $3.06 |
| 603 W Anapamu St | 603 W Anapamu St | 3BR,2.5BA | $3.76 |
| Arrive Los Carneros II | Two Bedroom Two Bath | 2BR,2BA | $4.04 |
| Tropicana Student Housing | Tropicana Gardens | 3BR,2BA | $2.01 |
| Tahitian Apartments | Tahitian 1x1 | 1BR,1BA | $1.77 |
| The Wave | 1 bed + 1 bath Upstaris | 1BR,1BA | $2.05 |
| Breakpointe Coronado | Coronado 1x1A | 1BR,1BA | $3.34 |
| The Loop | STUDIO - Double | Studio ,1BA | $3.60 |
| The Arroyo House Student Living. | Fiesta - Female | 3BR,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.
Read ArticleDon'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 ArticleThe 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
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.
Santa Barbara, CAPopulation: 91,350
Ranked #362
in US Census Population by City
Best Local Schools in Santa Barbara, CA
Montecito Union
San Marcos Senior High
La Colina Junior High
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 78 Single Family Homes for rent, Condos, and Townhome rentals currently available in Santa Barbara ranging from $1,245 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 $1,245 to $100,000 with an average monthly rent of $23,630.
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 $1,250 to $14,000, while Three Bedroom Homes, Condos, and Townhomes for rent range from $5,000 to $40,000. Four Bedroom Single-Family rentals are also available starting from $5,950 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

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.