
Cheap Homes for Rent in Santa Barbara County, CA from $800 (23 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Homes available for rent right now in Santa Barbara County.


241 E Rice Ranch Rd

265 Quail Cir

130 S M St

303 E Park Ave

4972 Foxen Canyon Rd

0 E Chapel St
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.

405 E Cook St

0 E Chapel St

6545 Trigo Rd

926 Louisa Terrace

321 Inger Dr

316 E Bunny Ave

6703 Del Playa, Unit OCEANFRONT Room A-2, Unit OCEANFRONT Room A-2
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.

2035 Lassen Dr

6703 Del Playa Dr A-1

1711 Adler Ct

520 E Cypress St

303 E Park Ave

530 2nd Pl, Unit D

511.5 N A St
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.

530 2nd Pl, Unit B

3490 Santa Maria Way
Santa Barbara County, CA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent a home in Santa Barbara County?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Barbara County 2 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $4,133 | $2,150 | $10,000+ |
| Santa Barbara County 3 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $7,080 | $2,600 | $10,000+ |
| Santa Barbara County 4 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $13,644 | $2,900 | $10,000+ |
| Santa Barbara County 5 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $31,900 | $4,500 | $10,000+ |
| Santa Barbara County 6 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $44,931 | $4,795 | $10,000+ |
| Santa Barbara County 7 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $39,000 | $10,000 | $10,000+ |
Browse Homes for Rent in Santa Barbara County
Explore Santa Barbara County
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 Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Loop | STUDIO - Affordable | Studio,1BA | $1,050 |
| Santa Maria Studios - Seniors 55+ | Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,200 |
| Breakpointe Coronado | Breakpointe 3x2 | 3BR,2BA | $1,250 |
| Villa del Sol Senior Apts 55+ | Plan 9 | Studio,1BA | $1,350 |
| Park Vista | Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,400 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Santa Barbara County, CA
As of April 18, 2026 the best value apartment in the Santa Barbara County area is the $0.66 price per square foot 5BR/5.5BA - Harbor Model at The Cove in the in the Cabrillo Business Park neighborhood starting from $1,600. The second greatest value Santa Barbara County apartment is the 3x2Ap T2 - 3X2 Model at St Claire starting at $2,907 with a $2.31 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. |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Cove | 5BR/5.5BA - Harbor | 5BR,5.5BA | $0.66 |
| St Claire | 3x2Ap T2 - 3X2 | 3BR,2BA | $2.31 |
| Centennial Gardens Apartments | Magnolia | 2BR,2BA | $2.22 |
| La Plaza Villas | 3/1 Flat | 3BR,1BA | $2.36 |
| Sierra Sands | 2 Bedroom 1 Bath | 2BR,1BA | $2.31 |
| Park Avenue Arms Apartments | 2 Beds, 2 baths | 2BR,2BA | $2.33 |
| Tropicana Student Housing | Tropicana Gardens | 3BR,2BA | $2.01 |
| 363 Palm Way | 1BR/1.0BA | 1BR,1BA | $2.44 |
| Tahitian Apartments | Tahitian 1x1 | 1BR,1BA | $1.77 |
| The Wave | 1 bed + 1 bath Upstaris | 1BR,1BA | $2.05 |
Frequently Asked Questions about Santa Barbara County
What type of rentals are currently available in Santa Barbara County?
There are currently 1214 Apartments for Rent in Santa Barbara County, CA with pricing that ranges from $1,100 to $19,000. There are also 183 Single Family Homes for rent, Condos, and Townhome rentals currently available in Santa Barbara County ranging from $850 to $85,000.
What is the current price range for Rental Homes in Santa Barbara County?
Today's rental pricing for Homes for Rent, Condos and Townhomes in Santa Barbara County ranges from $850 to $85,000 with an average monthly rent of $18,199.
How much are larger Three and Four Bedroom Rentals in Santa Barbara County?
For those who are looking for larger living arrangements, Three Bedroom Apartments in Santa Barbara County range from $1,250 to $14,000, while Three Bedroom Homes, Condos, and Townhomes for rent range from $2,600 to $40,000. Four Bedroom Single-Family rentals are also available starting from $2,900 and Four Bedroom Apartments start at $1,100.
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

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.

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.

18 Must-Ask Rental Tour Questions That Reveal the Truth about a Property
Written by: Lauren Harrington
Renting your next home can feel thrilling and overwhelming at the same time.

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.