Cheap Homes for Rent in Santa Barbara, CA from $1,500 (8 Rentals)

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Search the lowest-cost Homes available for rent right now in Santa Barbara.

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.

property at 1808 Castillo St

$2,400

Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$2,400

Total Monthly Price
$2,400

1 Bedroom, 1 Bath Condo for Rent

Available Now

1808 Castillo St, Unit E

1808 Castillo St
Santa BarbaraCA93101

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Santa Barbara, CA Local Guide

Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in Santa Barbara, CA

Pricing Updated: 02/19/2026

Current apartment rentals in the Santa Barbara, CA area range in price from $1,100 to $19,000 with an overall median price of $5,686. The three Santa Barbara neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are Lower Riviera at $2,450, Riviera at $2,450, and Campanil at $2,250. Here is today’s list of the top 10 neighborhoods with the lowest median pricing for Santa Barbara Apartments for rent:

NeighborhoodMedian PriceMin PriceAvailable Units
Lower Riviera$2,600$2,4503
Riviera$2,600$2,4503
Campanil$3,795$2,25012
Elings Park$3,795$1,28531
Hitchcock$3,795$1,28531
Oak Park$3,795$2,2505
Upper State$3,822$2,02524
Cielito$3,960$2,25011
Mission Canyon$3,960$2,25011
Foothill$4,900$2,25013

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 ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
The LoopSTUDIO - AffordableStudio,1BA$1,050
The Arroyo House Student Living.Old Mesa3BR,1BA$1,285
Breakpointe CoronadoBreakpointe 1x1B1BR,1BA$1,853

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Santa Barbara, CA

As of February 19, 2026 the best value apartment in the Santa Barbara area is the $3.06 price per square foot Upgraded Townhome Model at La Colina Gardens in the in the Foothill neighborhood starting from $4,900. The second greatest value Santa Barbara apartment is the Two Bedroom Two Bath Model at Arrive Los Carneros II starting at $4,570 with a $3.76 price per square foot in the Downtown Goleta neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Santa Barbara apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
La Colina GardensUpgraded Townhome3BR,2.5BA$3.06
Arrive Los Carneros IITwo Bedroom Two Bath2BR,2BA$3.76
609 W Junipero St2Bed/2Bath2BR,2BA$3.27
Encina MeadowsJacaranda2BR,1.5BA$4.13
Tropicana Student HousingTropicana Gardens3BR,2BA$2.01
Hope RanchPlan 1B1BR,1BA$4.37
Villa Flores Apartments1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$3.53
Breakpointe CoronadoCoronado 1x1A1BR,1BA$3.34
The LoopSTUDIO - DoubleStudio ,1BA$3.60
The Arroyo House Student Living.Foothill1BR,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.

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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.

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Cash 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.

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Remember the 3 Rules of Real Estate:
Location, Location, Location!

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Frequently Asked Questions about Santa Barbara

What type of rentals are currently available in Santa Barbara?

There are currently 828 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 $1,500 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 $1,500 to $100,000 with an average monthly rent of $21,299.

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 $1,500 to $31,000. Four Bedroom Single-Family rentals are also available starting from $6,710 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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.