
Cheap Homes for Rent in Santa Barbara, CA from $1,800 (9 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Homes available for rent right now in Santa Barbara.


6703 Del Playa Dr A-1

5514 Armitos Ave

270 Rosario Park
Rent According to Income: A Look at Income-Restricted Rentals
Find income-restricted rentals and housing subsidies. Explore government programs designed to help low-income families secure stable, affordable housing.

1210 Toro Canyon Rd

3935 Foothill Rd, Unit 3

29 Dearborn Pl

5510 Armitos Ave
Renters Insurance 101: What It Is, What It Covers, and Why You Need It
From theft to fire to water damage, the unexpected can happen to any renter. Discover why renters insurance is one of the smartest and most affordable investments you can make as a tenant.

6054 Ashley Pl
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 | $4,536 | $3,445 | $7,200 |
| Santa Barbara 3 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $10,082 | $5,200 | $10,000+ |
| Santa Barbara 4 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $14,400 | $7,300 | $10,000+ |
| Santa Barbara 5 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $29,950 | $10,000 | $10,000+ |
| Santa Barbara 6 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $85,000 | $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: 08/20/2026Current apartment rentals in the Santa Barbara, CA area range in price from $1,210 to $24,500 with an overall median price of $3,992. The three Santa Barbara neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are UC Santa Barbara at $1,510, Hope at $3,375, and Foothill at $3,378. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| UC Santa Barbara | $1,510 | $1,210 | 134 |
| Hope | $3,375 | $3,250 | 3 |
| Foothill | $3,378 | $2,525 | 8 |
| Mission Canyon | $3,381 | $2,525 | 7 |
| Campanil | $3,390 | $2,600 | 4 |
| Hidden Valley | $3,400 | $2,600 | 8 |
| North State | $3,528 | $2,600 | 7 |
| San Roque Parks | $3,528 | $2,600 | 8 |
| Hope Ranch | $3,535 | $3,250 | 6 |
| Hitchcock | $3,537 | $2,600 | 9 |
Cheapest Available Santa Barbara Apartments for Rent
 The cheapest available apartment rental in Santa Barbara, CA is a 1 Bed unit found at Villa Flores Apartments in the Riviera neighborhood priced from $2,525. Hope Ranch in the Upper State neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $3,017. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Santa Barbara apartments for rent:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Villa Flores Apartments | 1 Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $2,525 |
| Hope Ranch | Plan 1B | 1BR,1BA | $3,017 |
| 759 Embarcadero Del Mar | 1BR/1.0BA | 1BR,1BA | $3,150 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Santa Barbara, CA
As of August 20, 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 3 Bedroom 2.5 Bath Model at Arrive Los Carneros II starting at $6,040 with a $4.24 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 Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Cove | 5BR/5.5BA - Sunrise 10 | 5BR,5.5BA | $0.57 |
| Arrive Los Carneros II | 3 Bedroom 2.5 Bath | 3BR,2.5BA | $4.24 |
| 6656 Picasso Rd | 2 Bedroom | 2BR,2BA | $4.09 |
| Encina Meadows | Jacaranda | 2BR,1.5BA | $3.93 |
| Tropicana Student Housing | Tropicana Gardens | 3BR,2BA | $2.01 |
| 110 Bodega Ln | 2 bed 1 bath | 2BR,1BA | $4.00 |
| Rancho Franciscan Senior Apartments | The Sunshine Plan | 2BR,2BA | $4.23 |
| Tahitian Apartments | Tahitian 1x1 | 1BR,1BA | $1.77 |
| Villa Flores Apartments | 1 Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $4.21 |
| 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
Cold Spring Elementary School
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 $1,210 to $24,500. There are also 85 Single Family Homes for rent, Condos, and Townhome rentals currently available in Santa Barbara ranging from $1,800 to $85,000.
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 $85,000 with an average monthly rent of $10,928.
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 $1,357 to $24,500, while Three Bedroom Homes, Condos, and Townhomes for rent range from $5,200 to $31,000. Four Bedroom Single-Family rentals are also available starting from $7,300 and Four Bedroom Apartments start at $1,445.
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

Rent According to Income: A Look at Income-Restricted Rentals
Written by: Robin Stewart
The idea of affordable housing can be subjective. Every individual is in a different place financially and vocationally. What one may easily afford could be a struggle for someone else.

Practical Tips for Renters: How to Identify a Great Rental and Avoid Red Flags
Written by: Robin Stewart
Renters want to find a great apartment, the right place for them, one that checks all the boxes of location, rental cost, amenities, safety, and more.

First Apartment Regrets: Real Renters Share What They'd Do Differently
Written by: Robin Stewart
Hindsight is 20/20. Live and Learn. With age comes wisdom. We’re familiar with all those expressions, and all of them apply to lessons first-time renters learn.

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.