Cheap Apartments for Rent in Santa Barbara County, CA from $600 (42 Rentals)

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

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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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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property at 1025 W Boone St

$1,695 - $1,995

1 To 2 Bedroom Rentals

Available Now

1025 W Boone St

Santa MariaCA93458
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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

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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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
  • Utilities Included

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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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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Berkshire Terrace
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Berkshire Terrace

6661 Berkshire TerGoleta, CA 93117
Student Housing
  • Utilities Included

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.

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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
Showing Results 1-42, 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. Centennial Gardens Apartments in the Harvest Glen neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 2 Beds apartment currently listed from $1,136. 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
Centennial Gardens ApartmentsMagnolia2BR,2BA$1,136
The Arroyo House Student Living.Old Mesa3BR,1BA$1,285
Villa del Sol Senior Apts 55+Plan 9Studio,1BA$1,350
La VistaStudioStudio,1BA$1,384
Copper Kettle Apartments1 bed1BR,1BA$1,550
Arbor Square Apartments1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom1BR,1BA$1,650
FiestaStudio UnitStudio,1BA$1,664
Cassia ApartmentsOne Bed B1BR,1BA$1,811
Gateway ApartmentsStudioStudio,1BA$1,835

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Santa Barbara County, CA

As of January 12, 2026 the best value apartment in the Santa Barbara County area is the $2.14 price per square foot Sundrop Model at Centennial Gardens Apartments in the in the Harvest Glen neighborhood starting from $2,999. The second greatest value Santa Barbara County apartment is the 3X2 Pine Finish Model at St Claire starting at $3,020 with a $2.40 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.
Centennial Gardens ApartmentsSundrop4BR,2BA$2.14
St Claire3X2 Pine Finish3BR,2BA$2.40
RefugioMonterey3BR,2.5BA$2.53
Sierra Sands3 Bedroom 2 Bath3BR,2BA$2.12
Park Avenue Arms Apartments2 Beds, 2 baths2BR,2BA$2.33
Windscape VillageTwo Bed/Two Bath2BR,2BA$2.70
Tropicana Student HousingTropicana Gardens3BR,2BA$2.01
Arbor Square Apartments2 Bedroom 1 Bathroom2BR,1BA$2.60
3735 San Remo DrLegacy Trust1BR,1BA$2.60
Copper Kettle Apartments1 bed1BR,1BA$2.61

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 $1,835.

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 $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 99 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 $742 which is $18,258 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

decorative image for A Renters Guide for Tips on Writing Your Notice for Not Renewing Your Apartment article

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.

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Renting with Roommates: Realistic Expectations for Shared Lease

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Given the high costs for housing, I have found that many people are looking for a roommate to share expenses. These arrangements can increase opportunities for more desirable and larger spaces.

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Apartment Common Area Rules: What Renters Need to Know

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Back in the day when I rented one of my first apartments, the property didn’t even have laundry in the building. Now, rental properties are often competing against each other to provide the best amenities.

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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!