
Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Santa Barbara Downtown Neighborhood of Santa Barbara, CA from $1,600 (142 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the Santa Barbara Downtown area of Santa Barbara.


Villa Flores Apartments

800 Santa Barbara

116 E Yanonali St, Unit c2

Paseo Chapala

1801 De La Vina St

817 De la Vina St

2130 Bath St

823 E De La Guerra St

708 N Alisos St
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.

118-122 Los Aguajes Ave

1407 Bath St

103 Chapala St

1530 Bath St

Rancheria Village Apartments

718-724 De La Vina St

1232 Laguna St

Sonrisa Apartments

1315 Bath St

224 W Yanonali St
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.

222 W Yanonali St

125-129 W Yanonali St

23 W Mission St

Pedregosa Plaza

1135 San Andres St

310 Ladera St

20 W Mason St

818 Garden St

El Andaluz

2015 Castillo St
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.

1315 Olive St

1223 Garden St

302 W Montecito St

1415 De La Vina St

205 Los Aguajes Ave

1620 Garden St

320 W Mission St

Prime 8-Unit Apartment Building in West Beach

522-526 E Anapamu St

130 W Victoria St
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.

Chapala One

526 E Anapamu St

228 W Anapamu St

Burrton Circle

1231 Chino St

2119 De La Vina St

1717 Chapala St

123 Natoma Ave

720 Bath St

Casalino Court
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.
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 | $3,266 | $2,850 | $3,500 |
| Santa Barbara Downtown 1 Bedroom Apartments | $3,756 | $2,450 | $5,600 |
| Santa Barbara Downtown 2 Bedroom Apartments | $4,919 | $3,200 | $7,500 |
| Santa Barbara Downtown 4 Bedroom Apartments | $6,300 | $6,300 | $6,300 |
Browse Apartments in this Neighborhood
There are currently 142 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 $2,100. Villa Flores Apartments has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $2,120. 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 | $2,100 |
| Villa Flores Apartments | 1 Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $2,120 |
| 825 De la Vina St | Studios | Studio,1BA | $3,450 |
| 800 Santa Barbara | Studio | Studio,1BA | $3,500 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Santa Barbara Downtown, CA
As of January 12, 2026 the best value apartment in the Santa Barbara Downtown area is the $4.40 price per square foot 116 E Yanonali St Model at 116 E Yanonali St, Unit c2 in the in the Waterfront neighborhood starting from $5,500. The second greatest value Santa Barbara Downtown apartment is the 415 Rancheria St Model at 415 Rancheria St, Unit 4 starting at $6,300 with a $5.04 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 Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 116 E Yanonali St, Unit c2 | 116 E Yanonali St | 1BR,1.5BA | $4.40 |
| 415 Rancheria St, Unit 4 | 415 Rancheria St | 4BR,1.5BA | $5.04 |
| 825 De la Vina St | One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $7.02 |
| 800 Santa Barbara | One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $6.84 |
| Villa Flores Apartments | 1 Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $3.53 |
| 822 Orange Ave, Unit A | 822 Orange Ave | 1BR,1BA | $5.17 |
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 ArticleThe Ultimate Long-Distance Moving Checklist: Tips from a Real Estate Pro
Moving is tough, especially long-distance. Learn how to minimize stress & expenses with proven strategies from a real estate pro, covering everything from logistics to finances.
Read ArticleCash 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.
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 #26
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
What is the Cheapest Studio apartment in Santa Barbara Downtown?
Currently the most affordable Cheap Studio Apartment in Santa Barbara Downtown is at 825 De la Vina St listed at $3,450.
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 $2,100 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 $5,950 at 825 De la Vina St.
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 Renters Guide for Tips on Writing Your Notice for Not Renewing Your Apartment
Written by: Bob Mallory
Packing up everything you own to move is so stressful for many that ending your apartment lease can feel like a small or unimportant task. Ending your lease involves more than simply turning over your keys on the last day.

Renting with Roommates: Realistic Expectations for Shared Lease
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Given the high costs for housing, I have found that many people are looking for a roommate to share expenses. These arrangements can increase opportunities for more desirable and larger spaces.

Apartment Common Area Rules: What Renters Need to Know
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Back in the day when I rented one of my first apartments, the property didn’t even have laundry in the building. Now, rental properties are often competing against each other to provide the best amenities.

How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Everything is a negotiation in real estate!