Cheap Apartments for Rent in Santa Barbara County, CA from $600 (45 Rentals)

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Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in Santa Barbara County.

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.

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Chestnut Village
$1,885 - $2,085
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$1,885 - $2,085
Total Monthly Price
$1,885 - $2,085
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

Chestnut Village

960 W Chestnut AveLompoc, CA 93436
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424 East Mill Street
1 to 4 Bedroom Apartments

424 East Mill Street

418-424 E Mill StSanta Maria, CA 93454
Student Housing

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.

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Hummel Village
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Hummel Village

4454-4468 Hummel DrOrcutt, CA 93455
Senior Living
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Bahia La Paz
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Bahia La Paz

1001 E Cypress AveLompoc, CA 93436
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Bay Laurel Apartments
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Bay Laurel Apartments

812 W Laurel AveLompoc, CA 93436
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The Palms
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

The Palms

901-925 W Chestnut AveLompoc, CA 93436
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Tori Fore
1 Bedroom Apartments

Tori Fore

3790 San Remo DrSanta Barbara, CA 93105
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Embarcadero Apartments
1 Bedroom Apartments

Embarcadero Apartments

833 Embarcadero Del MarIsla Vista, CA 93117
Student Housing
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1495 Aarhus Dr
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

1495 Aarhus Dr

1495 Aarhus DrSolvang, CA 93463
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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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La Loma Apartments
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

La Loma Apartments

851 Camino PescaderoGoleta, CA 93117
Student Housing
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Brentwood
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Brentwood

1429 De La Vina StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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Amberwood Apartments
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Amberwood Apartments

1669 Maple AveSolvang, CA 93463
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405 Corona del Mar
1 Bedroom Apartments

405 Corona del Mar

405 Corona del MarSanta Barbara, CA 93103
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363 Palm Way
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

363 Palm Way

363 Palm WayBuellton, CA 93427
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De La Vina Apartments
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

De La Vina Apartments

3754 San Remo DrSanta Barbara, CA 93105
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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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Arbor Ridge
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Arbor Ridge

330 E Enos DrSanta Maria, CA 93454
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Gateway Apartments
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Gateway Apartments

101 N BroadwaySanta Maria, CA 93454
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3450 Richland Dr
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

3450 Richland Dr

3450 Richland DrSanta Barbara, CA 93105
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Park East Apartments
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Park East Apartments

322-324 E Micheltorena StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
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Vizcaya Apartments
1 to 4 Bedroom Apartments

Vizcaya Apartments

1720 S Depot StSanta Maria, CA 93458
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551-555 W Pueblo St
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

551-555 W Pueblo St

551-555 W Pueblo StSanta Barbara, CA 93105
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130 N G St
1 Bedroom Apartments

130 N G St

130 N G StLompoc, CA 93436

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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Showing Results 1-45, Page 1 of 1

Cheapest Available Santa Barbara County Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in Santa Barbara County, CA is a Studio unit found at The Loop in the Cabrillo Business Park neighborhood priced from $1,050. Santa Maria Studios - Seniors 55+ in the Harvest Glen neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $1,200. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Santa Barbara County apartments for rent:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
The LoopSTUDIO - AffordableStudio,1BA$1,050
Santa Maria Studios - Seniors 55+StudioStudio,1BA$1,200
Villa del Sol Senior Apts 55+Plan 61BR,1BA$1,225
Breakpointe CoronadoBreakpointe 3x23BR,2BA$1,250
Park VistaStudioStudio,1BA$1,400
Copper Kettle Apartments1 bed1BR,1BA$1,550
363 Palm Way1BR/1.0BA1BR,1BA$1,750
Sierra Sands1 Bedroom 1 Bath1BR,1BA$1,820
Fiesta2 bed 1 bath2BR,1BA$1,850
Cassia ApartmentsOne Bed B1BR,1BA$1,883

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Santa Barbara County, CA

As of May 02, 2026 the best value apartment in the Santa Barbara County area is the $0.61 price per square foot 5BR/5.5BA - Harbor Model at The Cove in the in the Cabrillo Business Park neighborhood starting from $1,495. The second greatest value Santa Barbara County apartment is the Bordeaux Model at Montiavo starting at $3,086 with a $2.28 price per square foot in the Harvest Glen neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Santa Barbara County apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
The Cove5BR/5.5BA - Harbor5BR,5.5BA$0.61
MontiavoBordeaux3BR,2BA$2.28
St Claire3x2Ap T2 - 3X23BR,2BA$2.37
Sierra Sands3 Bedroom 2 Bath3BR,2BA$2.12
Centennial Gardens ApartmentsMagnolia2BR,2BA$2.22
Fiesta2 bed 1 bath2BR,1BA$2.06
Tropicana Student HousingTropicana Gardens3BR,2BA$2.01
363 Palm Way1BR/1.0BA1BR,1BA$2.44
Tahitian ApartmentsTahitian 1x11BR,1BA$1.77
The Wave1 bed + 1 bath Upstaris1BR,1BA$2.05

Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Santa Barbara County Apartments

What is a cheap apartment in Santa Barbara County?

A cheap apartment is any apartment up to the 30% percentile of cost for the area, which in Santa Barbara County is under $1,883.

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

The cheapest apartment in Santa Barbara County is Villa del Sol Senior Apts 55+ which is listed at $1,225, while the average apartment in Santa Barbara County costs $3,250.

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

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 63 regular apartments in Santa Barbara County that we think qualify as ‘cheap apartments’ that do not have special requirements to apply to rent.

How do the prices of cheap apartments compare to the average apartment in Santa Barbara County?

Cheap apartments in Santa Barbara County have an average cost of $880 which is $2,370 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in Santa Barbara County.

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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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.

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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.

decorative image for What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much article

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.