
Cheap Apartments for Rent in Santa Barbara County, CA from $600 (41 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in Santa Barbara County.


The Arroyo House Student Living.

Villa del Sol Senior Apts 55+

1862 Gable Ln

La Vista

Copper Kettle Apartments

Arbor Square Apartments

221 Bath St

Amara Apartments
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516 N I St

322 N L St

611 Del La Guerra St W

Fiesta

508 S Oakley Ave

Elements Apartments

1025 W Boone St
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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.
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 County, CA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Santa Barbara County?
Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
---|---|---|---|
Santa Barbara County Studio Apartments | $2,288 | $950 | $4,200 |
Santa Barbara County 1 Bedroom Apartments | $2,579 | $1,285 | $7,500 |
Santa Barbara County 2 Bedroom Apartments | $3,103 | $1,190 | $7,500 |
Santa Barbara County 3 Bedroom Apartments | $3,533 | $1,285 | $10,000+ |
Santa Barbara County 4 Bedroom Apartments | $2,895 | $1,320 | $6,300 |
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Cheapest Available Santa Barbara County Apartments for Rent
 The cheapest available apartment rental in Santa Barbara County, CA is a Studio unit found at Santa Maria Studios - Seniors 55+ in the Harvest Glen neighborhood priced from $950. The Arroyo House Student Living. in the Downtown Santa Barbara neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 3 Beds apartment currently listed from $1,285. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Santa Barbara County apartments for rent:
Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
---|---|---|---|
Santa Maria Studios - Seniors 55+ | Studio | Studio,1BA | $950 |
The Arroyo House Student Living. | Old Mesa | 3BR,1BA | $1,285 |
La Vista | Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,360 |
Sierra Sands | 3 Bedroom 2 Bath | 3BR,2BA | $1,365 |
Copper Kettle Apartments | 1 bed | 1BR,1BA | $1,550 |
Arbor Square Apartments | 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom | 1BR,1BA | $1,574 |
Amara Apartments | 1x1 US | 1BR,1BA | $1,611 |
611 Del La Guerra St W | 611 Del La 7 | 1BR,1BA | $1,700 |
Fiesta | Loft Unit | Studio,1BA | $1,718 |
Elements Apartments | Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,750 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Santa Barbara County, CA
As of June 24, 2025 the best value apartment in the Santa Barbara County area is the $2.30 price per square foot 3x2 Mahogany Finish Model at St Claire in the in the Harvest Glen neighborhood starting from $2,885. The second greatest value Santa Barbara County apartment is the Monterey Model at Refugio starting at $3,000 with a $2.41 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 Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
---|---|---|---|
St Claire | 3x2 Mahogany Finish | 3BR,2BA | $2.30 |
Refugio | Monterey | 3BR,2.5BA | $2.41 |
611 Del La Guerra St W | 611 Del La 7 | 1BR,1BA | $1.75 |
La Plaza Villas | 2/2 | 2BR,2BA | $2.52 |
Sierra Sands | 2 Bedroom 1 Bath | 2BR,1BA | $2.09 |
Bradley Garden Apartments | Plan C | 2BR,2BA | $2.60 |
Tropicana Student Housing | Tropicana Gardens | 3BR,2BA | $2.01 |
Amara Apartments | 1x1 DS | 1BR,1BA | $2.60 |
Copper Kettle Apartments | 1 bed | 1BR,1BA | $2.58 |
Santa Maria Studios - Seniors 55+ | Studio | Studio ,1BA | $2.23 |
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 $1,750.
What is the price of a cheap apartment in Santa Barbara County?
The cheapest apartment in Santa Barbara County is The Arroyo House Student Living. which is listed at $1,285, while the average apartment in Santa Barbara County costs $30,000.
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 60 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 $593 which is $29,407 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in Santa Barbara County.
Expert Rental Resources
Helpful Apartment Articles, How-To's and Tips
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.

Roommate Matching: Finding the Right Fit and Avoiding Pitfalls
Written by: Cheryl Bowman
A fantastic way to save money and enjoy a built-in community is to share an apartment. However, a bad roommate situation can turn your dream rental into a nightmare.

The Art of the Rental Viewing: What to look for during a property tour
Written by: Marie Brown
You’ve scrolled through countless listings, walked through a blur of rentals, and finally found what feels like the one. The pictures? Fantastic. The neighborhood seems just right.

Know Your Budget: Calculating What You Can Realistically Afford When Renting
Written by: Lauren Harrington
Renting an apartment or house isn’t just about looking through online ads, choosing a few apartments or homes you want to tour, filling out an application, and putting down a deposit. Those things are all necessary and important.

The Freedom of Short-Term Leases: Exploring the Advantages for Renters
Written by: Bobbi Jackson
If you’re looking to relocate right now, a popular solution that may best fit your current rental needs is a short-term lease.