
Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Upper East Neighborhood of Santa Barbara, CA from $1,300 (41 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the Upper East area of Santa Barbara.


Villa Flores Apartments

1418 Bath St

2620 Tallant Rd, Unit Guest House, Unit Guest House

2956 Glen Albyn Dr

Rancho Franciscan Senior Apartments

Total Monthly Price
2879 Exeter Pl, Unit Private Garden, Unit Private Garden

Total Monthly Price
2301 De la Vina St, Unit 2301 A delavina street c, Unit 2301 A delavina street c
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.

510 Chapala St

609 W Junipero St

226 W De la Guerra St

1545 Marquard Terrace, Unit 1 Bedroom Apt

Alena on Haley

Tori Fore

Brentwood

De La Vina Apartments
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.

3450 Richland Dr

Park East Apartments

551-555 W Pueblo St

3735 San Remo Dr

Arlington Village

2102 Bath St

152- 1825 Chapala LLC

2126 Castillo St
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.

Mediterranean Apartments

Alta Vista Garden Apartments

114 W Calle Crespis Apartments

Monterey Pines

Ivy at Arrellaga

Palm Gardens Apartments

121 W Arrellaga St

Coronel Apartments
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.

Olive Street Lofts

411 E Anapamu St

Ivy at Carrillo

Soltara

306 Rancheria St

Rose Garden Apartments

1105 N Milpas St

314 W Mission 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.

1330 Carmelita Ave
Upper East, Santa Barbara, CA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Upper East?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper East Studio Apartments | $3,374 | $2,595 | $5,601 |
| Upper East 1 Bedroom Apartments | $3,351 | $2,450 | $5,950 |
| Upper East 2 Bedroom Apartments | $5,243 | $3,675 | $7,500 |
| Upper East 3 Bedroom Apartments | $5,800 | $4,600 | $7,550 |
| Upper East 4 Bedroom Apartments | $6,300 | $6,300 | $6,300 |
Browse Apartments in this Neighborhood
There are currently 41 rentals with your search options within a 2 mile radius of the Upper East Neighborhood of Santa Barbara, CA.
See all Apartments in Santa BarbaraExplore Santa Barbara
Upper East, Santa Barbara, CA Local Guide
- Nearby Santa Barbara neighborhoods
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Cheapest Available Upper East Apartments for Rent
 The cheapest available apartment rental in the Upper East 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 Upper East 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 |
| Rancho Franciscan Senior Apartments | The Poppy Plan | 1BR,1BA | $2,677 |
| Alena on Haley | Studio | Studio,1BA | $3,200 |
| The Messina | 2Bed2Bath-A | 2BR,2BA | $3,450 |
| 800 Santa Barbara | Larger One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $5,000 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Upper East, CA
As of May 26, 2026 the best value apartment in the Upper East 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 Upper East apartment is the 2Bed2Bath-A Model at The Messina starting at $3,450 with a $4.06 price per square foot in the Westside neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Upper East 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 |
| The Messina | 2Bed2Bath-A | 2BR,2BA | $4.06 |
| 1821 Chino St, Unit A | 1821 Chino St | 2BR,1BA | $4.97 |
| Villa Flores Apartments | 1 Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $4.08 |
| 2301 De la Vina St, Unit 2301 A delavina street c | 2301 De la Vina St | 1BR,1BA | $4.58 |
| Rancho Franciscan Senior Apartments | The Tide Plan | 1BR,1BA | $5.01 |
| 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 LifestyleUpper East, Santa Barbara, CA
Ranked #36
Among cities in California for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities.
Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score
4.0Pet Friendly
Best Local Schools in Upper East, Santa Barbara, CA
Roosevelt Elementary
Santa Barbara Senior High
La Cumbre Junior High
School data provided by Great Schools
Lifestyle Ratings
ApartmentHomeLiving brings you our detailed rental analysis called 'Lifestyle Ratings' - a comparison of rentals and neighborhoods across the USA, and customized analysis for Central Santa Barbara, CA. LifeStyle Ratings are a useful tool for comparing and sorting apartments and neighborhoods when choosing your rental home. This takes in many factors including searching for the best amenities, and convenient access to the outdoors, transit availability, pet-friendly communities, features that make it easier to raise kids, and other valuable search options. Find Lifestyle Search in the filter options (above). Happy Searching!
Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Upper East Apartments
How much is rent for a Cheap One Bedroom Upper East Apartment?
The lowest price for a Cheap One Bedroom Upper East Apartment is $2,200 at 152- 1825 Chapala LLC.
What is the lowest price for a Cheap Two Bedroom Upper East Apartment for rent?
Today's best deal for a Cheap Two Bedroom Apartment in Upper East is starting from $3,450 at The Messina.
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.