
Cheap Homes for Rent in Santa Barbara County, CA from $800 (18 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Homes available for rent right now in Santa Barbara County.


4859 Stuart Dr

895 Sage Crest Dr

323 Tognazzini Ave

4052 Capella St

4052 Capella St
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.

409 El Sueno Rd

405 E Cook St

321 Inger Dr

232 Daytona Dr

1202 E Walnut

130 S M 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.

712 N Lincoln St

805 E Maple Ave

0 Farrell Dr

6703 Del Playa, Unit OCEANFRONT Room A-2

6703 Del Playa Dr A-1

303 E Park Ave
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.
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 | $4,233 | $2,195 | $10,000+ |
| Santa Barbara County 3 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $6,282 | $1,567 | $10,000+ |
| Santa Barbara County 4 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $10,642 | $2,900 | $10,000+ |
| Santa Barbara County 5 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $41,700 | $10,000 | $10,000+ |
| Santa Barbara County 6 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $56,323 | $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. 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 Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Loop | STUDIO - Affordable | Studio,1BA | $1,050 |
| Centennial Gardens Apartments | Magnolia | 2BR,2BA | $1,136 |
| The Arroyo House Student Living. | Old Mesa | 3BR,1BA | $1,285 |
| Villa del Sol Senior Apts 55+ | Plan 9 | Studio,1BA | $1,350 |
| La Vista | Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,413 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Santa Barbara County, CA
As of January 10, 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 Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Centennial Gardens Apartments | Sundrop | 4BR,2BA | $2.14 |
| St Claire | 3X2 Pine Finish | 3BR,2BA | $2.40 |
| Refugio | Monterey | 3BR,2.5BA | $2.53 |
| Sierra Sands | 3 Bedroom 2 Bath | 3BR,2BA | $2.12 |
| Park Avenue Arms Apartments | 2 Beds, 2 baths | 2BR,2BA | $2.33 |
| Windscape Village | Two Bed/Two Bath | 2BR,2BA | $2.66 |
| Tropicana Student Housing | Tropicana Gardens | 3BR,2BA | $2.01 |
| Arbor Square Apartments | 2 Bedroom 1 Bathroom | 2BR,1BA | $2.73 |
| 3735 San Remo Dr | Legacy Trust | 1BR,1BA | $2.60 |
| Copper Kettle Apartments | 1 bed | 1BR,1BA | $2.61 |
Frequently Asked Questions about Santa Barbara County
What type of rentals are currently available in Santa Barbara County?
There are currently 1206 Apartments for Rent in Santa Barbara County, CA with pricing that ranges from $950 to $19,000. There are also 190 Single Family Homes for rent, Condos, and Townhome rentals currently available in Santa Barbara County ranging from $850 to $100,000.
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 $100,000 with an average monthly rent of $22,618.
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 $1,285 to $14,000, while Three Bedroom Homes, Condos, and Townhomes for rent range from $1,567 to $31,000. 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

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.

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.

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.

How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Everything is a negotiation in real estate!