Cheap Homes for Rent in Santa Maria, CA from $1,800 (19 Rentals)

How Many Bedrooms?Done
Select your price rangeDone
By AmenitiesDone
By Community TypeDone
Features and AvailabilityDone
Done

Search the lowest-cost Homes available for rent right now in Santa Maria.

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.

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.

Smart Renter's Guide: Calculating Affordable Rent & Housing Costs

Wondering how to determine your rental budget? This comprehensive guide covers everything from the 30% rule to hidden fees and effective budgeting strategies.

Santa Maria, CA Local Guide

Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in Santa Maria, CA

Pricing Updated: 06/19/2025

Current apartment rentals in the Santa Maria, CA area range in price from $1,850 to $4,900 with an overall median price of $4,049. The three Santa Maria neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are South West Santa Maria at $1,850, Blosser Southeast at $1,850, and Harvest Glen at $1,850. Here is today’s list of the top 6 neighborhoods with the lowest median pricing for Santa Maria Apartments for rent:

NeighborhoodMedian PriceMin PriceAvailable Units
South West Santa Maria$3,197$1,85010
Blosser Southeast$3,200$1,85011
Harvest Glen$3,200$1,85011
Old Mill$4,900$2,2005
Outer Santa Maria$4,900$1,85020
The Enclave at Harp Springs$4,900$2,2004

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 Harvest Glen neighborhood priced from $950. Sierra Sands in the Harvest Glen neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 2 Beds apartment currently listed from $1,179. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Santa Maria apartments for rent:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Santa Maria Studios - Seniors 55+StudioStudio,1BA$950
Sierra Sands2 Bedroom 1 Bath2BR,1BA$1,179
La VistaStudioStudio,1BA$1,360
Amara Apartments1x1 US1BR,1BA$1,688
Elements ApartmentsStudioStudio,1BA$1,750

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Santa Maria, CA

As of June 20, 2025 the best value apartment in the Santa Maria area is the $2.29 price per square foot 3x2 Mahogany Finish Model at St Claire in the in the Harvest Glen neighborhood starting from $2,877. The second greatest value Santa Maria apartment is the Monterey Model at Refugio starting at $3,000 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.
St Claire3x2 Mahogany Finish3BR,2BA$2.29
RefugioMonterey3BR,2.5BA$2.41
MontiavoUmbria2BR,2BA$2.61
Sierra Sands1 Bedroom 1 Bath1BR,1BA$1.74
Bradley Garden ApartmentsPlan C2BR,2BA$2.60
Parke West Apartments2bd/2ba2BR,2BA$3.17
Azure Apartments2 Bedroom 1 Bathroom2BR,1BA$3.02
Hancock Terrace ApartmentsDeco1BR,1BA$2.93
Amara Apartments1x1 DS1BR,1BA$2.69
Santa Maria Studios - Seniors 55+StudioStudio ,1BA$2.23

Quick 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.

decorative image of people with a giant lease agreement

Frequently Asked Questions about Santa Maria

What type of rentals are currently available in Santa Maria?

There are currently 126 Apartments for Rent in Santa Maria, CA with pricing that ranges from $950 to $4,823. There are also 45 Single Family Homes for rent, Condos, and Townhome rentals currently available in Santa Maria ranging from $1,850 to $17,500.

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 $1,850 to $17,500 with an average monthly rent of $6,260.

Expert Rental Resources

Helpful Apartment Articles, How-To's and Tips

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.

decorative image for Roommate Matching: Finding the Right Fit and Avoiding Pitfalls article

Roommate Matching: Finding the Right Fit and Avoiding Pitfalls

Written by: Cheryl Bowman

A fantastic way to save money and enjoy a built-in community is to share an apartment. However, a bad roommate situation can turn your dream rental into a nightmare.

decorative image for The Art of the Rental Viewing: What to look for during a property tour article

The Art of the Rental Viewing: What to look for during a property tour

Written by: Marie Brown

You’ve scrolled through countless listings, walked through a blur of rentals, and finally found what feels like the one. The pictures? Fantastic. The neighborhood seems just right.

decorative image for Know Your Budget: Calculating What You Can Realistically Afford When Renting article

Know Your Budget: Calculating What You Can Realistically Afford When Renting

Written by: Lauren Harrington

Renting an apartment or house isn’t just about looking through online ads, choosing a few apartments or homes you want to tour, filling out an application, and putting down a deposit. Those things are all necessary and important.

decorative image for The Freedom of Short-Term Leases: Exploring the Advantages for Renters article

The Freedom of Short-Term Leases: Exploring the Advantages for Renters

Written by: Bobbi Jackson

If you’re looking to relocate right now, a popular solution that may best fit your current rental needs is a short-term lease.