Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Santa Barbara Downtown Neighborhood of Santa Barbara, CA from $1,300 (141 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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Paseo Chapala
Studio Apartments

Paseo Chapala

721-791 Chapala StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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302 W Montecito St
2 Bedroom Apartments

302 W Montecito St

302 W Montecito StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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1801 De La Vina St
2 Bedroom Apartments

1801 De La Vina St

1801 De La Vina StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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2130 Bath St
2 Bedroom Apartments

2130 Bath St

2130 Bath StSanta Barbara, CA 93105
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708 N Alisos St
2 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

708 N Alisos St

708 N Alisos StSanta Barbara, CA 93103
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817 De la Vina St
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

817 De la Vina St

817 De la Vina StSanta Barbara, CA 93101

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.

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1407 Bath St
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

1407 Bath St

1407 Bath StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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103 Chapala St
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

103 Chapala St

103 Chapala StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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1530 Bath St
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

1530 Bath St

1530 Bath StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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718-724 De La Vina St
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

718-724 De La Vina St

718-724 De La Vina StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
  • Utilities Included
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1232 Laguna St
1 to 4 Bedroom Apartments

1232 Laguna St

1232 Laguna StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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Sonrisa Apartments
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Sonrisa Apartments

410 W Micheltorena StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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1315 Bath St
Studio Apartments

1315 Bath St

1315 Bath StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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222 W Yanonali St
Studio Apartments

222 W Yanonali St

222 W Yanonali StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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310 Ladera St
2 Bedroom Apartments

310 Ladera St

310 Ladera StSanta Barbara, CA 93101

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.

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23 W Mission St
1 to 4 Bedroom Apartments

23 W Mission St

23 W Mission StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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125-129 W Yanonali St
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

125-129 W Yanonali St

125-129 W Yanonali StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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Pedregosa Plaza
1 Bedroom Apartments

Pedregosa Plaza

28 W Pedregosa StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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20 W Mason St
1 Bedroom Apartments

20 W Mason St

20 W Mason StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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818 Garden St
Studio Apartments

818 Garden St

818 Garden StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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El Andaluz
Studio Apartments

El Andaluz

531 Chapala StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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2015 Castillo St
2 Bedroom Apartments

2015 Castillo St

2015 Castillo StSanta Barbara, CA 93105
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1315 Olive St
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

1315 Olive St

1315 Olive StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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1223 Garden St
Studio Apartments

1223 Garden St

1223 Garden StSanta Barbara, CA 93101

How I Find the Perfect Rental for My Clients: A Real Estate Pro's Guide

Finding the right apartment starts with three things: location, cost, and amenities. Get the insider perspective from a real estate professional on how to nail all three.

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Burrton Circle
Studio Apartments

Burrton Circle

200 W Mason StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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320 W Mission St
Studio Apartments

320 W Mission St

320 W Mission StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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1620 Garden St
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

1620 Garden St

1620 Garden StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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522-526 E Anapamu St
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

522-526 E Anapamu St

522-526 E Anapamu StSanta Barbara, CA 93103
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Chapala One
2 Bedroom Apartments

Chapala One

401-415 Chapala StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
Corporate Housing
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224 W Yanonali St
Studio Apartments

224 W Yanonali St

224 W Yanonali StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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130 W Victoria St
Studio Apartments

130 W Victoria St

130 W Victoria StSanta Barbara, CA 93101

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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1717 Chapala St
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

1717 Chapala St

1717 Chapala StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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526 E Anapamu St
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

526 E Anapamu St

526 E Anapamu StSanta Barbara, CA 93103
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228 W Anapamu St
Studio Apartments

228 W Anapamu St

228 W Anapamu StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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123 Natoma Ave
Studio Apartments

123 Natoma Ave

123 Natoma AveSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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720 Bath St
Studio Apartments

720 Bath St

720 Bath StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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1231 Chino St
2 Bedroom Apartments

1231 Chino St

1231 Chino StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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2119 De La Vina St
2 Bedroom Apartments

2119 De La Vina St

2119 De La Vina StSanta Barbara, CA 93105
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Creek View
Studio Apartments

Creek View

719 Bath StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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116-118 Bath St
Studio Apartments

116-118 Bath St

116-118 Bath StSanta Barbara, CA 93101

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 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 Villa Flores Apartments priced from $2,525. El Jardin has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 2 Beds apartment currently listed from $4,300. Here are the most affordable Santa Barbara Downtown apartments for rent in Santa Barbara, CA:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Villa Flores Apartments1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$2,525
El JardinTwo Bedroom, Two Bathroom 2D (mkt)2BR,2BA$4,300
1524 Garden St3BR Suite3BR,2BA$4,600
825 De la Vina StOne Bedroom1BR,1BA$5,450

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Santa Barbara Downtown, CA

As of August 20, 2026 the best value apartment in the Santa Barbara Downtown area is the $4.80 price per square foot 415 Rancheria St Model at 415 Rancheria St, Unit 4 in the in the Westside neighborhood starting from $6,000. The second greatest value Santa Barbara Downtown apartment is the 3BR Suite Model at 1524 Garden St starting at $4,600 with a $4.38 price per square foot in the Westside 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.
415 Rancheria St, Unit 4415 Rancheria St4BR,1.5BA$4.80
1524 Garden St3BR Suite3BR,2BA$4.38
El JardinTwo Bedroom, One Bathroom 2G2BR,1BA$7.24
825 De la Vina StOne Bedroom1BR,1BA$7.22
Villa Flores Apartments1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$4.21

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 #37

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 $2,525 at Villa Flores Apartments.

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 $4,300 at El Jardin.

What is the most affordable Santa Barbara Downtown Three Bedroom Apartment?

The best deal on a cheap Santa Barbara Downtown Three Bedroom Apartment rental is at 1524 Garden St and starts from $4,600.

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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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.