Cheap Apartments for Rent in Santa Barbara County, CA from $600 (38 Rentals)

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

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.

property at 1025 W Boone St

1025 W Boone St

Santa MariaCA93458

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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424 East Mill Street
1 to 4 Bedroom Apartments

424 East Mill Street

418-424 E Mill StSanta Maria, CA 93454
Student Housing
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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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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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Embarcadero Apartments
1 Bedroom Apartments

Embarcadero Apartments

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

1495 Aarhus Dr

1495 Aarhus DrSolvang, CA 93463
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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
  • Utilities Included

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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363 Palm Way
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

363 Palm Way

363 Palm WayBuellton, CA 93427
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Berkshire Terrace
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Berkshire Terrace

6661 Berkshire TerGoleta, CA 93117
Student Housing
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De La Vina Apartments
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

De La Vina Apartments

3754 San Remo DrSanta Barbara, CA 93105
  • Utilities Included

Cheapest Available Santa Barbara County Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in Santa Barbara County, CA is a 1 Bed unit found at Sierra Sands in the Harvest Glen neighborhood priced from $981. 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 ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Sierra Sands1 Bedroom 1 Bath1BR,1BA$981
The Arroyo House Student Living.Old Mesa3BR,1BA$1,285
Villa del Sol Senior Apts 55+Plan 9Studio,1BA$1,350
La VistaStudioStudio,1BA$1,415
Copper Kettle Apartments1 bed1BR,1BA$1,550
Arbor Square Apartments1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom1BR,1BA$1,574
FiestaLoft UnitStudio,1BA$1,620
Amara Apartments1x1 US1BR,1BA$1,658
310 S H St. ApartmentsOne Bedroom1BR,1BA$1,800

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Santa Barbara County, CA

As of September 20, 2025 the best value apartment in the Santa Barbara County area is the $2.57 price per square foot Burgundy Model at Montiavo in the in the Harvest Glen neighborhood starting from $3,337. The second greatest value Santa Barbara County apartment is the 3x2 Mahogany Finish Model at St Claire starting at $2,913 with a $2.32 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.
MontiavoBurgundy3BR,2BA$2.57
St Claire3x2 Mahogany Finish3BR,2BA$2.32
RefugioMonterey3BR,2.5BA$2.41
Sierra Sands3 Bedroom 2 Bath3BR,2BA$1.27
Bradley Garden ApartmentsPlan C2BR,2BA$2.60
310 S H St. ApartmentsOne Bedroom1BR,1BA$2.00
Park Avenue Arms Apartments2 Beds, 2 baths2BR,2BA$2.33
Tropicana Student HousingTropicana Gardens3BR,2BA$2.01
Copper Kettle Apartments1 bed1BR,1BA$2.58
414 W Walnut Ave, Unit Studio414 W Walnut AveStudio ,1BA$2.50

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 $1,800.

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

The cheapest apartment in Santa Barbara County is Sierra Sands which is listed at $981, while the average apartment in Santa Barbara County costs $19,000.

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 56 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 $499 which is $18,501 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.

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How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Everything is a negotiation in real estate! 

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The Rental Move-In Inspection Checklist: A Guide for Renters

Written by: Trey Huguley

The move-in inspection checklist is a crucial tool for both tenants and landlords. This checklist, provided by the team at ApartmentHomeLiving.com, helps document the condition of an apartment at the time of move-in.

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Your Guide to Co-Signers: The Risks, Rewards, and Everything in Between

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

For many people, obstacles can arise during the rental application process for a variety of issues.

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The Ultimate Long-Distance Moving Checklist: Tips from a Real Estate Pro

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Hard truth. Moving is never easy. I’ve done it all – from local moves to cross-country relocations From packing to unpacking the last box, I have found moving to be an exhausting, expensive and stressful experience every time.