Cheap Apartments for Rent in Santa Maria, CA from $600 (13 Rentals)

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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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424 East Mill Street
1 to 4 Bedroom Apartments

424 East Mill Street

418-424 E Mill StSanta Maria, CA 93454
Student Housing

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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Hummel Village
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Hummel Village

4454-4468 Hummel DrOrcutt, CA 93455
Senior Living
  • Utilities Included

Santa Maria, CA Local Guide

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Local Guide Expert

Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in Santa Maria, CA

Pricing Updated: 12/21/2025

Current apartment rentals in the Santa Maria, CA area range in price from $950 to $3,629 with an overall median price of $3,376. The three Santa Maria neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are Downtown Orcutt at $1,895, Old Mill at $950, and The Enclave at Harp Springs at $1,700. Here is today’s list of the top 7 neighborhoods with the lowest median pricing for Santa Maria Apartments for rent:

NeighborhoodMedian PriceMin PriceAvailable Units
Downtown Orcutt$3,195$1,8959
Old Mill$3,195$95014
The Enclave at Harp Springs$3,195$1,70014
Blosser Southeast$3,513$95095
Harvest Glen$3,513$95099
Outer Santa Maria$3,513$950112
South West Santa Maria$3,513$95095

Cheapest Available Santa Maria Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in Santa Maria, CA is a 1 Bed unit found at Sierra Sands in the Harvest Glen neighborhood priced from $981. 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 Maria apartments for rent:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Sierra Sands1 Bedroom 1 Bath1BR,1BA$981
Centennial Gardens ApartmentsMagnolia2BR,2BA$1,136
Villa del Sol Senior Apts 55+Plan 9Studio,1BA$1,350
La Vista1 BED 1 BATH1BR,1BA$1,528
Amara Apartments1x1 DS1BR,1BA$1,758

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Santa Maria, CA

As of December 22, 2025 the best value apartment in the Santa Maria 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 Maria apartment is the 3X2 Pine Finish Model at St Claire starting at $3,031 with a $2.41 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 ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
Centennial Gardens ApartmentsSundrop4BR,2BA$2.14
St Claire3X2 Pine Finish3BR,2BA$2.41
RefugioMonterey3BR,2.5BA$2.53
MontiavoUmbria2BR,2BA$2.66
Sierra Sands3 Bedroom 2 Bath3BR,2BA$2.12
Parke West Apartments2bd/2ba2BR,2BA$2.74
Park Avenue Arms Apartments2 Beds, 2 baths2BR,2BA$2.33
Azure Apartments2 Bedroom 1 Bathroom2BR,1BA$2.95
Hancock Terrace ApartmentsDeco1BR,1BA$2.84
Amara Apartments1x1 DS1BR,1BA$2.68

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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The Ultimate Long-Distance Moving Checklist: Tips from a Real Estate Pro

Moving is tough, especially long-distance. Learn how to minimize stress & expenses with proven strategies from a real estate pro, covering everything from logistics to finances.

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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.

Remember the 3 Rules of Real Estate:
Location, Location, Location!

Explore Santa Maria, CA Rentals by Map

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Getting Around Santa Maria, CA

Walk Score®

58 / 100

Somewhat Walkable

Some errands can be accomplished on foot

Bike Score®

53 / 100

Bikeable

Some bike infrastructure

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 Sierra Sands which is listed at $981, while the average apartment in Santa Maria costs $3,376.

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 40 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 $1,022 which is $2,354 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

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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! 

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The Rental Move-In Inspection Checklist: A Guide for Renters

Written by: Trey Huguley

The move-in inspection checklist is a crucial tool for both tenants and landlords. This checklist, provided by the team at ApartmentHomeLiving.com, helps document the condition of an apartment at the time of move-in.