0 E Newlove Dr
Santa MariaCA93454
Cheap Apartments for Rent in Santa Maria, CA from $600 (35 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in Santa Maria.
241 E Rice Ranch Rd
Santa MariaCA93455
2537 Knightbridge Dr
Santa MariaCA93455
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$1,200Studio Apartments Available Now
Santa Maria Studios - Seniors 55+
2660 Santa Maria WaySanta Maria, CA 93455
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$1,250 - $2,900Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now
Villa del Sol Senior Apts 55+
1311 W Battles RdSanta Maria, CA 93458
923 Francis Ln
Santa MariaCA93455
124 E Sunset Ave
Santa MariaCA93454
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Rent Specials
$1,400 - $2,200Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now
Park Vista
406 Morrison AveSanta Maria, CA 93458
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.
303 E Park Ave
Santa MariaCA93454
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$1,586 - $10,037
Total Monthly Price
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments Available NowTotal Monthly Price
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$1,586 - $10,037
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La Vista
740 S Western AveSanta Maria, CA 93458
329 E Mariposa Way
Santa MariaCA93454
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$1,6951 Bedroom Apartments Available Now
327 W Tunnell St
327 W Tunnell StSanta Maria, CA 93458
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$1,795 - $2,950Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now
Elements Apartments
3517 Mercury DrSanta Maria, CA 93455
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$1,799 - $3,199Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments Available Now
Hancock Terrace
534 E Boone StSanta Maria, CA 93454
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$1,800Studio Apartments Available Now
0 W Cypress St, Unit A
0 W Cypress StSanta Maria, CA 93458
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$1,801 - $2,111
Total Monthly Price
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available NowTotal Monthly Price
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$1,801 - $2,111
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Amara Apartments
329 W Carmen LnSanta Maria, CA 93458
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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$1,8501 Bedroom Apartments Available Now
0 S Lincoln St, Unit D
0 S Lincoln StSanta Maria, CA 93458
2035 Lassen Dr
Santa MariaCA93458
1025 W Boone St
Santa MariaCA93458
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$1,900 - $2,3001 to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now
Park Avenue Arms Apartments
517 E Park AveSanta Maria, CA 93454
0 S E Ave
Santa MariaCA93454
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1 to 4 Bedroom Apartments
424 East Mill Street
418-424 E Mill StSanta Maria, CA 93454
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1 Bedroom Apartments
223 North School Street
223 N School StSanta Maria, CA 93454
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Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments
Vandenberg Senior Residence
1316 S BroadwaySanta Maria, CA 93454
Cash or credit? Understanding the Importance of Credit Score in Real Estate and Renting
Discover how your credit score impacts your ability to lease or buy a home. Learn how credit scores are determined, how to check yours, and strategies to improve it for real estate success.
208 E Hermosa St
Santa MariaCA93454
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2 Bedroom Apartments
Hummel Cottages- 55+ Community
619 Hummel Village CtSanta Maria, CA 93455
926 Louisa Terrace
Santa MariaCA93455
501 Cabo San Lucas Cir
Santa MariaCA93455
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1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments
Arbor Ridge
330 E Enos DrSanta Maria, CA 93454
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Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments
Gateway Apartments
101 N BroadwaySanta Maria, CA 93454
311 E McElhany Ave
Santa MariaCA93454
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1 to 4 Bedroom Apartments
Vizcaya Apartments
1720 S Depot StSanta Maria, CA 93458
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.
520 E Cypress St
Santa MariaCA93454
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Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments
Hummel Village
4454-4468 Hummel DrOrcutt, CA 93455
330 Siler Ln
OrcuttCA93455
Showing Results 1-35, Page 1 of 1
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 | $1,712 | $1,200 | $2,035 |
| Cheap Santa Maria 1 Bedroom Apartments | $2,190 | $1,250 | $2,696 |
| Cheap Santa Maria 2 Bedroom Apartments | $2,752 | $1,947 | $3,687 |
| Cheap Santa Maria 3 Bedroom Apartments | $3,388 | $2,350 | $3,700 |
| Cheap Santa Maria 4 Bedroom Apartments | $2,999 | $2,999 | $2,999 |
Note: Properties with the Total Monthly Price badge include all required fees. Hover over the badge for details.
Browse Top Apartments in Santa Maria
See all Apartments in Santa MariaExplore Santa Maria
Santa Maria, CA Local Guide
Written By:
Staff Writer Local Guide Expert
- Santa Maria Neighborhoods
- Nearby Cities
- ZIP codes
- Local Counties
- School Districts
Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in Santa Maria, CA
Pricing Updated: 07/12/2026Current apartment rentals in the Santa Maria, CA area range in price from $1,200 to $3,700 with an overall median price of $3,353. The three Santa Maria neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are Downtown Orcutt at $1,795, Old Mill at $1,200, and The Enclave at Harp Springs at $1,795. 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 | $3,195 | $1,795 | 13 |
| Old Mill | $3,195 | $1,200 | 15 |
| The Enclave at Harp Springs | $3,195 | $1,795 | 13 |
| Outer Santa Maria | $3,437 | $1,200 | 120 |
| Blosser Southeast | $3,483 | $1,200 | 95 |
| Harvest Glen | $3,483 | $1,200 | 93 |
| South West Santa Maria | $3,483 | $1,200 | 96 |
Cheapest Available Santa Maria Apartments for Rent
The cheapest available apartment rental in Santa Maria, CA is a Studio unit found at Santa Maria Studios - Seniors 55+ in the Santa Maria neighborhood priced from $1,200. Park Vista in the Santa Maria neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $1,400. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Santa Maria apartments for rent:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Maria Studios - Seniors 55+ | Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,200 |
| Park Vista | Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,400 |
| La Vista | Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,586 |
| Elements Apartments | Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,795 |
| Hancock Terrace | 0x1 Speak | Studio,1BA | $1,799 |
| Amara Apartments | 1x1 US | 1BR,1BA | $1,801 |
| Park Avenue Arms Apartments | 1 Bed, 1 bath | 1BR,1BA | $1,900 |
| Cassia Apartments | One Bed B | 1BR,1BA | $1,963 |
| Villa del Sol Senior Apts 55+ | Plan 5 | 2BR,1BA | $2,150 |
| Siena Apartments | Villa | 1BR,1BA | $2,170 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Santa Maria, CA
As of July 12, 2026 the best value apartment in the Santa Maria area is the $2.26 price per square foot 3x2 Mahogany Finish Model at St Claire in the in the Santa Maria neighborhood starting from $2,845. The second greatest value Santa Maria apartment is the Magnolia Model at Centennial Gardens Apartments starting at $2,403 with a $2.29 price per square foot in the Santa Maria 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 | $2.26 |
| Centennial Gardens Apartments | Magnolia | 2BR,2BA | $2.29 |
| Bradley Garden Apartments | Plan C | 2BR,2BA | $2.88 |
| Parke West Apartments | 2bd/2ba | 2BR,2BA | $2.98 |
| Park Avenue Arms Apartments | 2 Beds, 2 baths | 2BR,2BA | $2.56 |
| Las Brisas | 1A.a | 1BR,1BA | $3.33 |
| Siena Apartments | Villa | 1BR,1BA | $3.20 |
| Amara Apartments | 1x1 DS | 1BR,1BA | $3.05 |
| Villa del Sol Senior Apts 55+ | Plan 5 | 2BR,1BA | $3.43 |
| Santa Maria Studios - Seniors 55+ | Studio | Studio ,1BA | $2.82 |
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.
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Real Estate and Rental Term Glossary | ApartmentHomeLiving.com Renter University
From the letter A all the way to the letter Z, the Real Estate and Rental Term Glossary from the content team at ApartmentHomeLiving.com provides our visitors and shoppers with a little clarity and helpful guidance in navigating the real estate world through definitions and explainers for the top subjects and terms that someone may come across during the leasing, buying, or selling process.
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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.
Santa Maria, CAPopulation: 107,408
Ranked #284
in US Census Population by City
Best Local Schools in Santa Maria, CA
Joe Nightingale Elementary
Orcutt Union Elementary School District
Public School - Grades K-5 (695)
9 out of 10
Ernest Righetti High
Santa Maria Joint Union High School District
Public School - Grades 9-12 (2416)
6 out of 10
Lakeview Junior High
Orcutt Union Elementary School District
Public School - Grades 6-8 (463)
4 out of 10
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 $2,170.
What is the price of a cheap apartment in Santa Maria?
The cheapest apartment in Santa Maria is La Vista which is listed at $1,781, while the average apartment in Santa Maria costs $3,353.
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 21 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 $1,136 which is $2,217 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
Renters Insurance 101: What It Is, What It Covers, and Why You Need It
Written by: Robin Stewart
Insurance seems to be a part of life. In some states, having insurance is the law, as is the case for automobile insurance. Renters are no exception.
Apartment Occupancy Rates: Renter Attraction vs Renter Retention
Written by: Robin Stewart
There’s a tenet in marketing about client or customer attraction and retention. Studies and data have consistently shown it costs less to keep a current customer than to attract a new one.
How I Find the Perfect Rental for My Clients: A Real Estate Pro's Guide
Written by: Robin Stewart
Evaluating rental properties for clients draws many parallels to house-hunting. Whether an apartment, loft, townhouse, or other rental, finding the right place means finding “home” for your client.
Pet-Friendly Renting: Everything You Need to Know Before You Move
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
For so many of us, pets are the best companions and a big part of our lives. For this reason, a pet-friendly house or apartment is often a very important - and nonnegotiable - part of a move.