
Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Santa Barbara Downtown Neighborhood of Santa Barbara, CA from $1,600 (19 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the Santa Barbara Downtown area of Santa Barbara.


1418 Bath St

1715 Chino St

510 Chapala St

Brentwood

Park East Apartments
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.

Arlington Village

2102 Bath St

152- 1825 Chapala LLC

Alta Vista Garden Apartments

Palm Gardens Apartments

Ivy at Arrellaga
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.

121 W Arrellaga St

Coronel Apartments

Olive Street Lofts

411 E Anapamu St

Ivy at Carrillo

Soltara
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.

306 Rancheria St
Santa Barbara Downtown, Santa Barbara, CA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Santa Barbara Downtown?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Barbara Downtown Studio Apartments | $2,915 | $2,595 | $3,250 |
| Santa Barbara Downtown 1 Bedroom Apartments | $3,815 | $2,450 | $5,950 |
| Santa Barbara Downtown 2 Bedroom Apartments | $5,146 | $4,300 | $7,500 |
| Santa Barbara Downtown 3 Bedroom Apartments | $5,880 | $4,600 | $7,550 |
| Santa Barbara Downtown 4 Bedroom Apartments | $6,300 | $6,300 | $6,300 |
Browse Apartments in this Neighborhood
There are currently 19 rentals with your search options within a 2 mile radius of the Santa Barbara Downtown Neighborhood of Santa Barbara, CA.
See all Apartments in Santa BarbaraExplore Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara Downtown, Santa Barbara, CA Local Guide
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Cheapest Available Santa Barbara Downtown Apartments for Rent
 The cheapest available apartment rental in the Santa Barbara Downtown area of Santa Barbara, CA is a 1 Bed unit found at 152- 1825 Chapala LLC priced from $2,200. Villa Flores Apartments has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $2,450. Here are the most affordable Santa Barbara Downtown apartments for rent in Santa Barbara, CA:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| 152- 1825 Chapala LLC | 1bed/1bath | 1BR,1BA | $2,200 |
| Villa Flores Apartments | 1 Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $2,450 |
| Alena on Haley | Studio | Studio,1BA | $3,200 |
| 800 Santa Barbara | Larger One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $5,000 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Santa Barbara Downtown, CA
As of May 21, 2026 the best value apartment in the Santa Barbara Downtown area is the $6.70 price per square foot Two Bedroom - Furnished or Unfurnished Option Model at 800 Santa Barbara in the in the Upper State neighborhood starting from $7,500. The second greatest value Santa Barbara Downtown apartment is the 1 Bedroom Model at Villa Flores Apartments starting at $2,450 with a $4.08 price per square foot in the Riviera neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Santa Barbara Downtown apartments based on price per square foot:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 800 Santa Barbara | Two Bedroom - Furnished or Unfurnished Option | 2BR,2BA | $6.70 |
| Villa Flores Apartments | 1 Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $4.08 |
| Alena on Haley | Studio | Studio ,1BA | $7.46 |
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.
Pet Friendly LifestyleSanta Barbara Downtown, Santa Barbara, CA
Ranked #33
Among cities in California for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities.
Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score
2.5Pet Friendly
Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Santa Barbara Downtown Apartments
How much is rent for a Cheap One Bedroom Santa Barbara Downtown Apartment?
The lowest price for a Cheap One Bedroom Santa Barbara Downtown Apartment is $2,200 at 152- 1825 Chapala LLC.
What is the lowest price for a Cheap Two Bedroom Santa Barbara Downtown Apartment for rent?
Today's best deal for a Cheap Two Bedroom Apartment in Santa Barbara Downtown is starting from $4,850 at Alena on Haley.
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

A Seasoned Property Manager's Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Deposit Back
Written by: Lauren Harrington
I’m going to talk with you as a seasoned property manager and friend. So, let’s start with your security deposit. I want you to think about this guide as insider information. You deserve your deposit back.

Expert Solutions for Creating the Perfect Work-From-Home Apartment Layouts
Written by: Lauren Harrington
This article is based on first-hand experience managing apartment communities and helping renters adapt to their spaces after moving in.

What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much
Written by: Lauren Harrington
This article draws from first-hand renter experiences and recurring financial challenges reported after moving in.

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.