
Cheap Homes for Rent in Santa Maria, CA from $800 (12 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Homes available for rent right now in Santa Maria.


241 E Rice Ranch Rd

2537 Knightbridge Dr

208 E Hermosa St

923 Francis Ln

303 E Park Ave
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.

926 Louisa Terrace

329 E Mariposa Way

327 W Tunnell St

0 S Lincoln St, Unit D

330 Siler Ln

0 S E Ave
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.
Santa Maria, CA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent a home in Santa Maria?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Maria 2 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $2,732 | $2,195 | $5,500 |
| Santa Maria 3 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $3,175 | $875 | $3,995 |
| Santa Maria 4 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $4,626 | $3,250 | $5,980 |
| Santa Maria 6 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $10,000 | $10,000 | $10,000+ |
Browse Top Homes for Rent in Santa Maria
Explore Santa Maria
Santa Maria, CA Local Guide
- Santa Maria Neighborhoods
- Nearby Cities
- ZIP codes
- Local Counties
- School Districts
Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in Santa Maria, CA
Pricing Updated: 07/05/2026Current apartment rentals in the Santa Maria, CA area range in price from $1,200 to $3,700 with an overall median price of $3,307. 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 | 8 |
| Old Mill | $3,195 | $1,200 | 10 |
| The Enclave at Harp Springs | $3,195 | $1,795 | 9 |
| Outer Santa Maria | $3,258 | $1,200 | 106 |
| Blosser Southeast | $3,436 | $1,200 | 86 |
| Harvest Glen | $3,436 | $1,200 | 84 |
| South West Santa Maria | $3,436 | $1,200 | 87 |
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 | $1,639 |
| Hancock Terrace | 0x1 Speak | Studio,1BA | $1,799 |
| Park Avenue Arms Apartments | 1 Bed, 1 bath | 1BR,1BA | $1,900 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Santa Maria, CA
As of July 05, 2026 the best value apartment in the Santa Maria area is the $2.58 price per square foot Burgundy Model at Montiavo in the in the Santa Maria neighborhood starting from $3,356. The second greatest value Santa Maria apartment is the 3x2Ap T2 - 3X2 Model at St Claire starting at $2,861 with a $2.28 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. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montiavo | Burgundy | 3BR,2BA | $2.58 |
| St Claire | 3x2Ap T2 - 3X2 | 3BR,2BA | $2.28 |
| Refugio | Monterey | 3BR,2.5BA | $2.61 |
| Centennial Gardens Apartments | Magnolia | 2BR,2BA | $2.29 |
| Bradley Garden Apartments | Plan C | 2BR,2BA | $2.88 |
| Park Avenue Arms Apartments | 2 Beds, 2 baths | 2BR,2BA | $2.56 |
| 610 Union Ave, Unit C | 610 Union Ave | 2BR,1BA | $2.94 |
| Siena Apartments | Casita | 1BR,1BA | $3.12 |
| Amara Apartments | 1x1 US | 1BR,1BA | $3.16 |
| 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.
Read ArticleReal 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.
Read ArticleQuick Rent Budget Calculator
How much rent can you afford?
The common "Rule of Thumb" is that rent should be no more than 30% of your income. How much is that? Enter your monthly income and click "Calculate My Budget" to find out.
Santa Maria, CAPopulation: 107,408
Ranked #284
in US Census Population by City
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 Santa Maria
What type of rentals are currently available in Santa Maria?
There are currently 129 Apartments for Rent in Santa Maria, CA with pricing that ranges from $1,200 to $3,700. There are also 58 Single Family Homes for rent, Condos, and Townhome rentals currently available in Santa Maria ranging from $850 to $15,985.
What is the current price range for Rental Homes in Santa Maria?
Today's rental pricing for Homes for Rent, Condos and Townhomes in Santa Maria ranges from $850 to $15,985 with an average monthly rent of $5,670.
How much are larger Three and Four Bedroom Rentals in Santa Maria?
For those who are looking for larger living arrangements, Three Bedroom Apartments in Santa Maria range from $2,785 to $3,700, while Three Bedroom Homes, Condos, and Townhomes for rent range from $875 to $3,995. Four Bedroom Single-Family rentals are also available starting from $3,250 and Four Bedroom Apartments start at $2,999.
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.