
Cheap Homes for Rent in Santa Barbara, CA from $1,800 (12 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Homes available for rent right now in Santa Barbara.


475 Cannon Green Dr, Unit D

2510 De la Vina St

3340 McCaw Ave, Unit McCaw Condo with Private Bedroom and Bathroom

6703 Del Playa Dr A-1

283 Ellwood Beach Dr
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.

1033 W Micheltorena St

323 W Islay St, Unit E

570 Carlo Dr, Unit 1

226 W De la Guerra St

1212 W Micheltorena St

29 Dearborn Pl
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.
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 | $4,719 | $2,000 | $9,850 |
| Santa Barbara 3 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $8,503 | $1,950 | $10,000+ |
| Santa Barbara 4 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $12,710 | $5,950 | $10,000+ |
| Santa Barbara 5 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $29,900 | $6,200 | $10,000+ |
| Santa Barbara 6 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $87,000 | $10,000 | $10,000+ |
Browse Top Homes for Rent in Santa Barbara
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Santa Barbara, CA Local Guide
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Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in Santa Barbara, CA
Pricing Updated: 07/06/2026Current apartment rentals in the Santa Barbara, CA area range in price from $1,800 to $89,000 with an overall median price of $21,125. The three Santa Barbara neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are Alta Mesa at $2,700, Oak Park at $1,950, and Lower West at $2,995. 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 | $4,050 | $2,700 | 4 |
| Oak Park | $4,500 | $1,950 | 1 |
| Lower West | $5,000 | $2,995 | 2 |
| Westside | $5,300 | $1,950 | 7 |
| Riviera | $6,300 | $3,900 | 7 |
| Santa Barbara Downtown | $6,400 | $2,700 | 10 |
| Lower Riviera | $6,450 | $4,950 | 5 |
| Laguna | $6,475 | $5,450 | 1 |
| Downtown Santa Barbara | $6,500 | $2,995 | 8 |
| West Downtown | $6,500 | $2,700 | 6 |
Cheapest Available Santa Barbara Apartments for Rent
 The cheapest available apartment rental in Santa Barbara, CA is a 2 Beds unit found at The Loop in the Cabrillo Business Park neighborhood priced from $1,659. 6578 Trigo Rd in the Downtown Goleta neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $2,500. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Santa Barbara apartments for rent:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Loop | 2BR/2BA - Quad Deluxe | 2BR,2BA | $1,659 |
| 6578 Trigo Rd | Unit F | Studio,1BA | $2,500 |
| Skyview Apartments | One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $2,500 |
| 6565 Segovia Rd | Unit 6 | 1BR,1BA | $2,500 |
| Villa Flores Apartments | 1 Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $2,525 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Santa Barbara, CA
As of July 06, 2026 the best value apartment in the Santa Barbara area is the $0.57 price per square foot 5BR/5.5BA - Sunrise 10 Model at The Cove in the in the Cabrillo Business Park neighborhood starting from $1,510. The second greatest value Santa Barbara apartment is the 605 W Anapamu St Model at 605 W Anapamu St starting at $5,000 with a $3.88 price per square foot in the Westside 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 - Sunrise 10 | 5BR,5.5BA | $0.57 |
| 605 W Anapamu St | 605 W Anapamu St | 3BR,2.5BA | $3.88 |
| 250 Ellwood Beach Dr | 250 Ellwood Beach Dr | 2BR,1.5BA | $2.73 |
| The Loop | 2BR/2BA - Quad | 2BR,2BA | $1.92 |
| Tropicana Student Housing | Tropicana Gardens | 3BR,2BA | $2.01 |
| The Messina | 2Bed2Bath-A | 2BR,2BA | $4.06 |
| Tahitian Apartments | Tahitian 1x1 | 1BR,1BA | $1.77 |
| Breakpointe Coronado | Coronado 1x1B | 1BR,1BA | $2.69 |
| Skyview Apartments | One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $4.08 |
| The Wave | 1 bed + 1 bath Upstaris | 1BR,1BA | $2.05 |
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 ArticleReal 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.
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 845 Apartments for Rent in Santa Barbara, CA with pricing that ranges from $1,100 to $19,000. There are also 84 Single Family Homes for rent, Condos, and Townhome rentals currently available in Santa Barbara ranging from $1,800 to $89,000.
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 $1,800 to $89,000 with an average monthly rent of $24,333.
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 $1,350 to $14,000, while Three Bedroom Homes, Condos, and Townhomes for rent range from $1,950 to $31,000. 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

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.

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.

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.

Pet-Friendly Renting: Everything You Need to Know Before You Move
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
For so many of us, pets are the best companions and a big part of our lives. For this reason, a pet-friendly house or apartment is often a very important - and nonnegotiable - part of a move.