Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Santa Barbara Downtown Neighborhood of Santa Barbara, CA from $1,500 (86 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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Arlington Village
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Arlington Village

1330 Chapala StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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Ivy at Arrellaga
1 Bedroom Apartments

Ivy at Arrellaga

714 W Arrellaga StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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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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Ivy at Carrillo
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Ivy at Carrillo

520-536 W Carrillo StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
  • Utilities Included

Roommate Matching: Finding the Right Fit and Avoiding Pitfalls

When searching for a roommate, follow this list of essential steps and set clear expectations to create a solid foundation for a harmonious living situation.

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Plaza Riviera
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Plaza Riviera

835 E Canon Perdido StSanta Barbara, CA 93103
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314 W Mission St
1 Bedroom Apartments

314 W Mission St

306-314 W Mission StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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Casa Azul
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Casa Azul

535 E Arrellaga 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
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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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Malabar Apartments
1 Bedroom Apartments

Malabar Apartments

1025 Olive 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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16 W Mission St
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

16 W Mission St

16 W Mission StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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Monteria Village
3 Bedroom Apartments

Monteria Village

522 W Montecito 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

The Art of the Rental Viewing: What to look for during a property tour

Touring a rental? This guide helps you know exactly what to look for, from safety features to hidden flaws, so you can confidently sign your lease or keep searching.

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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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Presidio Park
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Presidio Park

420 E De La Guerra StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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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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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
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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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La Brezza
2 Bedroom Apartments

La Brezza

620 W Gutierrez StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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Brentwood
Studio Apartments

Brentwood

1429 De La Vina StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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Smart Renter's Guide: Calculating Affordable Rent & Housing Costs

Wondering how to determine your rental budget? This comprehensive guide covers everything from the 30% rule to hidden fees and effective budgeting strategies.

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Park East Apartments
1 Bedroom Apartments

Park East Apartments

322-324 E Micheltorena StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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Palm Gardens Apartments
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Palm Gardens Apartments

1120-1130 San Andres 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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20 W Mason St
1 Bedroom Apartments

20 W Mason St

20 W Mason StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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Riviera Hills Apartments
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Riviera Hills Apartments

813 E Anapamu StSanta Barbara, CA 93103
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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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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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1905 De La Vina St
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

1905 De La Vina St

1905 De La Vina StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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310 Ladera St
2 Bedroom Apartments

310 Ladera St

310 Ladera StSanta Barbara, CA 93101

Navigating the Rental Market: Tips for First-Time Renters

Entering the rental market? Learn these simple tips and strategies to avoid common pitfalls and make confident choices. Rent with peace of mind.

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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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627 De La Vina St
1 Bedroom Apartments

627 De La Vina St

627 De La Vina 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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1620 Garden St
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

1620 Garden St

1620 Garden StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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316 W Micheltorena
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

316 W Micheltorena

316 W MicheltorenaSanta 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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1717 Chapala St
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

1717 Chapala St

1717 Chapala 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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309 W Canon Perdido St
1 Bedroom Apartments

309 W Canon Perdido St

309 W Canon Perdido StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
  • Utilities Included

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 611 Del La Guerra St W priced from $1,700. 152- 1825 Chapala LLC has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $2,100. Here are the most affordable Santa Barbara Downtown apartments for rent in Santa Barbara, CA:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
611 Del La Guerra St W611 Del La 71BR,1BA$1,700
152- 1825 Chapala LLC1BR/1.0BA1BR,1BA$2,100
Villa Flores Apartments1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$2,400
825 De la Vina St203Studio,1BA$3,800
Plaza RivieraThe Classic Two2BR,2BA$4,295
Ivy at Anapamu3 bedroom 1.5 Bathroom3BR,1BA$4,995

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Santa Barbara Downtown, CA

As of July 15, 2025 the best value apartment in the Santa Barbara Downtown area is the $5.04 price per square foot 415 Rancheria St Model at 415 Rancheria St, Unit 4 in the in the Westside neighborhood starting from $6,300. The second greatest value Santa Barbara Downtown apartment is the 3 bedroom 1.5 Bathroom Model at Ivy at Anapamu starting at $4,995 with a $4.34 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$5.04
Ivy at Anapamu3 bedroom 1.5 Bathroom3BR,1.5BA$4.34
611 Del La Guerra St W611 Del La 71BR,1BA$1.75
Plaza RivieraThe Classic Two2BR,2BA$4.97
1105 N Milpas StOne Bedroom1BR,1BA$4.31
Villa Flores Apartments1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$4.00
825 De la Vina St203Studio ,1BA$8.14
152- 1825 Chapala LLC1BR/1.0BA1BR,1BA$6.95

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 #31

Among neighborhoods in Santa Barbara, CA for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities

Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score

3.0
Pet Friendly

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Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Santa Barbara Downtown Apartments

What is a cheap apartment in Santa Barbara Downtown?

A cheap apartment is any apartment up to the 30% percentile of cost for the area, which in Santa Barbara Downtown is under $4,995.

What is the price of a cheap apartment in Santa Barbara Downtown?

The cheapest apartment in Santa Barbara Downtown is 611 Del La Guerra St W which is listed at $1,700, while the average apartment in Santa Barbara Downtown costs $6,300.

What types of apartments are the cheapest in Santa Barbara Downtown?

Student, low-income, and by-the-bed apartments are typically the cheapest rentals in most cities, though they require qualifying criteria to rent. There are 2 regular apartments in Santa Barbara Downtown that we think qualify as ‘cheap apartments’ that do not have special requirements to apply to rent.

Expert Rental Resources

Helpful Apartment Articles, How-To's and Tips

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.

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Roommate Matching: Finding the Right Fit and Avoiding Pitfalls

Written by: Cheryl Bowman

A fantastic way to save money and enjoy a built-in community is to share an apartment. However, a bad roommate situation can turn your dream rental into a nightmare.

decorative image for The Art of the Rental Viewing: What to look for during a property tour article

The Art of the Rental Viewing: What to look for during a property tour

Written by: Marie Brown

You’ve scrolled through countless listings, walked through a blur of rentals, and finally found what feels like the one. The pictures? Fantastic. The neighborhood seems just right.

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Know Your Budget: Calculating What You Can Realistically Afford When Renting

Written by: Lauren Harrington

Renting an apartment or house isn’t just about looking through online ads, choosing a few apartments or homes you want to tour, filling out an application, and putting down a deposit. Those things are all necessary and important.

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The Freedom of Short-Term Leases: Exploring the Advantages for Renters

Written by: Bobbi Jackson

If you’re looking to relocate right now, a popular solution that may best fit your current rental needs is a short-term lease.