Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Santa Barbara Downtown Neighborhood of Santa Barbara, CA from $1,600 (19 Rentals)

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Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the Santa Barbara Downtown area of Santa Barbara.

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Brentwood
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Brentwood

1429 De La Vina StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
  • Utilities Included
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Park East Apartments
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Park East Apartments

322-324 E Micheltorena StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
  • Utilities Included

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.

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Arlington Village
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Arlington Village

1330 Chapala StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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2102 Bath St
1 Bedroom Apartments

2102 Bath St

2102 Bath StSanta Barbara, CA 93105
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152- 1825 Chapala LLC
1 Bedroom Apartments

152- 1825 Chapala LLC

1825 Chapala StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
  • Utilities Included
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Palm Gardens Apartments
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Palm Gardens Apartments

1120-1130 San Andres StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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Ivy at Arrellaga
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Ivy at Arrellaga

714 W Arrellaga StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
  • Utilities Included

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.

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121 W Arrellaga St
2 Bedroom Apartments

121 W Arrellaga St

121 W Arrellaga StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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Coronel Apartments
2 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Coronel Apartments

555 Coronel PlSanta Barbara, CA 93101
  • Utilities Included
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Ivy at Carrillo
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Ivy at Carrillo

520-536 W Carrillo StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
Corporate Housing
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Soltara
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Soltara

27 E Gutierrez StSanta Barbara, CA 93101

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.

Santa Barbara Downtown, Santa Barbara, CA Local Guide

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 ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
152- 1825 Chapala LLC1bed/1bath1BR,1BA$2,200
Villa Flores Apartments1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$2,450
Alena on HaleyStudioStudio,1BA$3,200
800 Santa BarbaraLarger One Bedroom1BR,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 ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
800 Santa BarbaraTwo Bedroom - Furnished or Unfurnished Option2BR,2BA$6.70
Villa Flores Apartments1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$4.08
Alena on HaleyStudioStudio ,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.

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Real 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.

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Quick 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.

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Pet Friendly Lifestyle
Santa Barbara Downtown, Santa Barbara, CA

Ranked #33

Among cities in California for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities.

Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score

2.5
Pet Friendly

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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

decorative image for A Seasoned Property Manager's Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Deposit Back article

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.