Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Waterfront Neighborhood of Santa Barbara, CA from $1,700 (36 Rentals)

How Many Bedrooms?Done
Select your price rangeDone
to
Lifestyle Matching SearchDone
By AmenitiesDone
By Community TypeDone
Features and AvailabilityDone
Done

Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the Waterfront area of Santa Barbara.

close
View Me
Paseo Chapala
Studio Apartments

Paseo Chapala

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

302 W Montecito St

302 W Montecito StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
close
View Me
203 Ladera St
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

203 Ladera St

203 Ladera StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
Furnished
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
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
close
View Me
103 Chapala St
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

103 Chapala St

103 Chapala StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
close
View Me
224 W Yanonali St
Studio Apartments

224 W Yanonali St

224 W Yanonali 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.

close
View Me
Burrton Circle
Studio Apartments

Burrton Circle

200 W Mason StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
close
View Me
310 Ladera St
2 Bedroom Apartments

310 Ladera St

310 Ladera StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
close
View Me
123 Natoma Ave
Studio Apartments

123 Natoma Ave

123 Natoma AveSanta Barbara, CA 93101
close
View Me
125-129 W Yanonali St
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

125-129 W Yanonali St

125-129 W Yanonali StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
close
View Me
20 W Mason St
1 Bedroom Apartments

20 W Mason St

20 W Mason StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
close
View Me
El Andaluz
Studio Apartments

El Andaluz

531 Chapala StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
close
View Me
450 Por La Mar Dr
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

450 Por La Mar Dr

450 Por La Mar DrSanta Barbara, CA 93103
close
View Me
222 W Yanonali St
Studio Apartments

222 W Yanonali St

222 W Yanonali 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.

close
View Me
Chapala One
2 Bedroom Apartments

Chapala One

401-415 Chapala StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
Corporate Housing
close
View Me
633 De La Vina St
Studio Apartments

633 De La Vina St

633 De La Vina StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
close
View Me
116-118 Bath St
Studio Apartments

116-118 Bath St

116-118 Bath StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
close
View Me
Casalino Court
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Casalino Court

617-623 De La Vina StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
close
View Me
428 Corona Del Mar
2 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

428 Corona Del Mar

428 Corona Del MarSanta Barbara, CA 93103
close
View Me
509 Fig Ave
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

509 Fig Ave

509 Fig AveSanta Barbara, CA 93101
close
View Me
221 E Haley St
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

221 E Haley St

221 E Haley StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
close
View Me
Sycamore Creek Village
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Sycamore Creek Village

1130 Punta Gorda StSanta Barbara, CA 93103
  • Smoke Free

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.

close
View Me
414 Chapala St
Studio Apartments

414 Chapala St

414 Chapala StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
close
View Me
Monteria Village
3 to 5 Bedroom Apartments

Monteria Village

522 W Montecito StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
close
View Me
627 De La Vina St
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

627 De La Vina St

627 De La Vina StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
405 Corona del Mar
1 Bedroom Apartments

405 Corona del Mar

405 Corona del MarSanta Barbara, CA 93103
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
232 W Yanonali St
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

232 W Yanonali St

232 W Yanonali StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
close
View Me
104 Los Aguajes Ave
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

104 Los Aguajes Ave

104 Los Aguajes AveSanta Barbara, CA 93101
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
Vera Cruz Village
Studio Apartments

Vera Cruz Village

116 E Cota StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
Senior Living

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.

Cheapest Available Waterfront Apartments for Rent

 
Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Alena on HaleyStudioStudio,1BA$3,200
El JardinTwo Bedroom, Two Bathroom 2D (mkt)2BR,2BA$4,400

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Waterfront, CA

As of July 24, 2026 the best value apartment in the Waterfront 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 Waterfront apartment is the Two Bedroom, One Bathroom 2G Model at El Jardin starting at $5,800 with a $7.24 price per square foot in the Waterfront neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Waterfront 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
El JardinTwo Bedroom, One Bathroom 2G2BR,1BA$7.24
Alena on HaleyStudioStudio ,1BA$7.46

Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Waterfront Apartments

What is the lowest price for a Cheap Two Bedroom Waterfront Apartment for rent?

Today's best deal for a Cheap Two Bedroom Apartment in Waterfront is starting from $4,400 at El Jardin.

What is the most affordable Waterfront Three Bedroom Apartment?

The best deal on a cheap Waterfront Three Bedroom Apartment rental is at El Jardin and starts from $4,900.

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

decorative image for Rent According to Income: A Look at Income-Restricted Rentals   article

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.

decorative image for Renters Insurance 101: What It Is, What It Covers, and Why You Need It article

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.

decorative image for Apartment Occupancy Rates: Renter Attraction vs Renter Retention   article

Apartment Occupancy Rates: Renter Attraction vs Renter Retention

Written by: Robin Stewart

There’s a tenet in marketing about client or customer attraction and retention. Studies and data have consistently shown it costs less to keep a current customer than to attract a new one.

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

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

Written by: Robin Stewart

Evaluating rental properties for clients draws many parallels to house-hunting. Whether an apartment, loft, townhouse, or other rental, finding the right place means finding “home” for your client.