
Cheap Apartments for Rent in Santa Maria, CA from $600 (8 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in Santa Maria.


Centennial Gardens Apartments

Villa del Sol Senior Apts 55+

Total Monthly Price
Park Vista
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.

223 North School Street

424 East Mill Street

Vandenberg Senior Residence

Hummel Village
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.
Santa Maria, CA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Santa Maria?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cheap Santa Maria Studio Apartments | $1,630 | $950 | $2,210 |
| Cheap Santa Maria 1 Bedroom Apartments | $2,109 | $1,550 | $2,651 |
| Cheap Santa Maria 2 Bedroom Apartments | $2,682 | $1,999 | $4,148 |
| Cheap Santa Maria 3 Bedroom Apartments | $3,206 | $2,239 | $3,680 |
| Cheap Santa Maria 4 Bedroom Apartments | $2,999 | $2,999 | $2,999 |
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Santa Maria, CA Local Guide

- Santa Maria Neighborhoods
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Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in Santa Maria, CA
Pricing Updated: 02/26/2026Current apartment rentals in the Santa Maria, CA area range in price from $950 to $4,148 with an overall median price of $3,055. The three Santa Maria neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are Downtown Orcutt at $1,995, Old Mill at $950, and The Enclave at Harp Springs at $1,995. Here is today’s list of the top 7 neighborhoods with the lowest median pricing for Santa Maria Apartments for rent:
| Neighborhood | Median Price | Min Price | Available Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown Orcutt | $2,895 | $1,995 | 10 |
| Old Mill | $2,895 | $950 | 10 |
| The Enclave at Harp Springs | $2,895 | $1,995 | 10 |
| Outer Santa Maria | $3,157 | $950 | 138 |
| Blosser Southeast | $3,181 | $950 | 124 |
| Harvest Glen | $3,181 | $950 | 124 |
| South West Santa Maria | $3,181 | $950 | 125 |
Cheapest Available Santa Maria Apartments for Rent
 The cheapest available apartment rental in Santa Maria, CA is a 2 Beds unit found at Centennial Gardens Apartments in the Harvest Glen neighborhood priced from $1,136. Villa del Sol Senior Apts 55+ in the Harvest Glen neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $1,350. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Santa Maria apartments for rent:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Centennial Gardens Apartments | Magnolia | 2BR,2BA | $1,136 |
| 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 Maria, CA
As of February 26, 2026 the best value apartment in the Santa Maria area is the $2.49 price per square foot 3x2 Mahogany Finish Model at St Claire in the in the Harvest Glen neighborhood starting from $3,129. The second greatest value Santa Maria apartment is the Monterey Model at Refugio starting at $3,150 with a $2.53 price per square foot in the Harvest Glen neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Santa Maria apartments based on price per square foot:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| St Claire | 3x2 Mahogany Finish | 3BR,2BA | $2.49 |
| Refugio | Monterey | 3BR,2.5BA | $2.53 |
| Montiavo | Calabria | 2BR,2BA | $2.66 |
| Centennial Gardens Apartments | Magnolia | 2BR,2BA | $1.08 |
| Sierra Sands | 2 Bedroom 1 Bath | 2BR,1BA | $2.37 |
| Park Avenue Arms Apartments | 2 Beds, 2 baths | 2BR,2BA | $2.33 |
| Hancock Terrace | 1x1 Deco | 1BR,1BA | $2.80 |
| Siena Apartments | Casita | 1BR,1BA | $3.00 |
| Amara Apartments | 1x1 DS | 1BR,1BA | $2.93 |
| Cassia Apartments | One Bed B | 1BR,1BA | $3.21 |
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.
Read ArticleThe Ultimate Long-Distance Moving Checklist: Tips from a Real Estate Pro
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Santa Maria Overview
The California apartments in Santa Maria present unique opportunities for people who wish to enjoy their leisure time in a culturally diverse city with temperate seasonal weather and day-trip options. If you are thinking about relocating, Santa Maria apartments may deliver the quality of life experience you desire.
Why live in Santa Maria, CA?
People gravitate to Santa Maria apartments based on the pleasant weather, cultural diversity, and leisure amenities. The city enjoys lower prices for groceries and consumer goods than the California average. These cost-of-living benefits add to the quality of life experience residents and visitors embrace in Santa Maria.
Best Local Schools in Santa Maria, CA
Joe Nightingale Elementary
Ernest Righetti High
Lakeview Junior High
School data provided by Great Schools
Remember the 3 Rules of Real Estate:Location, Location, Location!
Explore Santa Maria, CA Rentals by Map
See the most popular apartments and homes in Santa Maria, CA
Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Santa Maria Apartments
What is a cheap apartment in Santa Maria?
A cheap apartment is any apartment up to the 30% percentile of cost for the area, which in Santa Maria is under $2,100.
What is the price of a cheap apartment in Santa Maria?
The cheapest apartment in Santa Maria is Villa del Sol Senior Apts 55+ which is listed at $1,550, while the average apartment in Santa Maria costs $3,055.
What types of apartments are the cheapest in Santa Maria?
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 48 regular apartments in Santa Maria 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 Maria?
Cheap apartments in Santa Maria have an average cost of $770 which is $2,285 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in Santa Maria.
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

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.

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.