Cheap Homes for Rent in Upper State Neighborhood of Santa Barbara, CA from $2,700 (6 Rentals)

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Search the lowest-cost Homes available for rent right now in the Upper State area of Santa Barbara.

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.

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.

Upper State, Santa Barbara, CA Local Guide

Cheapest Available Upper State Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in the Upper State area of Santa Barbara, CA is a 1 Bed unit found at Villa Flores Apartments priced from $2,450. Hope Ranch has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $2,507. Here are the most affordable Upper State apartments for rent in Santa Barbara, CA:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Villa Flores Apartments1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$2,450
Hope RanchPlan 1A1BR,1BA$2,507
Rancho Franciscan Senior ApartmentsThe Poppy Plan1BR,1BA$2,770

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Upper State, CA

As of April 16, 2026 the best value apartment in the Upper State area is the $3.76 price per square foot 603 W Anapamu St Model at 603 W Anapamu St in the in the Westside neighborhood starting from $4,850. The second greatest value Upper State apartment is the Two Bedroom - Furnished or Unfurnished Option Model at 800 Santa Barbara starting at $7,500 with a $6.70 price per square foot in the Upper State neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Upper State apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
603 W Anapamu St603 W Anapamu St3BR,2.5BA$3.76
800 Santa BarbaraTwo Bedroom - Furnished or Unfurnished Option2BR,2BA$6.70
The MarcPlan 3A3BR,2BA$4.88
Plaza RivieraThe Classic Two2BR,2BA$4.85
The Messina2Bed2Bath-A2BR,2BA$4.24
602 W Carrillo St, Unit B602 W Carrillo St2BR,1BA$4.09
Villa Flores Apartments1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$4.08
Rancho Franciscan Senior ApartmentsThe Tide Plan1BR,1BA$5.31
Hope RanchPlan 1A1BR,1BA$4.87
Alena on HaleyStudioStudio ,1BA$7.46

10 Hidden Costs of Renting You Should Budget for Before Signing a Lease

Avoid financial stress when renting. Learn about the 10 most common hidden costs—from pet fees to utilities—you must budget for before you sign a lease.

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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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The 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.

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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.

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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
Upper State, Santa Barbara, CA

Ranked #38

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

Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score

3.5
Pet Friendly

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Frequently Asked Questions about Upper State

What type of rentals are currently available in Upper State?

There are currently 437 Apartments for Rent in Upper State, CA with pricing that ranges from $1,900 to $12,000. There are also 22 Single Family Homes for rent, Condos, and Townhome rentals currently available in Upper State ranging from $2,750 to $40,000.

What is the current price range for Rental Homes in Upper State?

Today's rental pricing for Homes for Rent, Condos and Townhomes in Upper State ranges from $2,750 to $40,000 with an average monthly rent of $13,144.

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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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.

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18 Must-Ask Rental Tour Questions That Reveal the Truth about a Property

Written by: Lauren Harrington

Renting your next home can feel thrilling and overwhelming at the same time.

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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.