Cheap Apartments for Rent in Goleta, CA from $800 (3 Rentals)

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La Loma Apartments
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

La Loma Apartments

851 Camino PescaderoGoleta, CA 93117
Student Housing
  • Utilities Included
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Berkshire Terrace
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Berkshire Terrace

6661 Berkshire TerGoleta, CA 93117
Student Housing
  • Utilities Included
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Embarcadero Apartments
1 Bedroom Apartments

Embarcadero Apartments

833 Embarcadero Del MarIsla Vista, CA 93117
  • Utilities Included

Goleta, CA Local Guide

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Written By:
Staff Writer
Local Guide Expert

Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in Goleta, CA

Pricing Updated: 04/14/2025

Current apartment rentals in the Goleta, CA area range in price from $1,190 to $30,000 with an overall median price of $8,588. The three Goleta neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are Outer West Santa Barbara at $1,190, Cabrillo Business Park at $1,190, and El Encanto Heights at $1,190. Here is today’s list of the top 8 neighborhoods with the lowest median pricing for Goleta Apartments for rent:

NeighborhoodMedian PriceMin PriceAvailable Units
Outer West Santa Barbara$4,999$1,19034
Cabrillo Business Park$5,515$1,19027
El Encanto Heights$5,515$1,19027
Isla Vista$5,595$1,19032
Santa Barbara Municipal Airport$5,595$1,19032
Downtown Goleta$5,745$2,99212
Encina$5,745$2,99212
West Santa Barbara$30,000$1,19042

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Goleta, CA

As of April 14, 2025 the best value apartment in the Goleta area is the $4.20 price per square foot 3 Bedroom 2.5 Bath Model at Arrive Los Carneros II in the in the Downtown Goleta neighborhood starting from $5,975. The second greatest value Goleta apartment is the 3 Bedroom + 2 Bath | Arrive I Model at Arrive Los Carneros starting at $5,515 with a $5.07 price per square foot in the Downtown Goleta neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Goleta apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
Arrive Los Carneros II3 Bedroom 2.5 Bath3BR,2.5BA$4.20
Arrive Los Carneros3 Bedroom + 2 Bath | Arrive I3BR,2BA$5.07
Encina MeadowsMonarch2BR,1BA$3.78
Tropicana Student HousingTropicana Gardens3BR,2BA$2.01
The Edge2 Bedroom 2 Bath Loft2BR,2BA$4.65
Pacific OaksMagnolia2BR,1BA$4.25
Willow SpringsOjai1BR,1BA$4.33
Hollister VillagePlan A21BR,1BA$4.62
Sumida Gardens ApartmentsThe Palm1BR,1BA$4.66
Breakpointe CoronadoBreakpointe StudioStudio ,1BA$2.69

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Goleta Overview

Apartments in Goleta are a great place to live, because Goleta is a diverse city that has a lot to offer. You'll find urban and residential areas, and beautiful beaches along the coastline. There are family friendly events like the lemon festival, and lots of natural parks and preserves to visit. 

Why live in Goleta, CA?

Goleta is perfect for those who love nature or technology. The economy is fortified with technology and education, while the Santa Ynez Mountains make it a haven for nature lovers. There are several parks and preserves, including the unique Goletta Butterfly Grove. Goleta provides good housing options and excellent schools, making it a great choice for families. It's known for being laid back and down to earth, with a relaxed and diverse culture. Unique museums are another draw, including South Coast Railroad Museum. 

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

Explore Goleta, CA Rentals by Map

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Getting Around Goleta, CA

Walk Score®

59 / 100

Somewhat Walkable

Some errands can be accomplished on foot

Bike Score®

83 / 100

Very Bikeable

Biking is convenient for most trips

Transit Score®

2 / 100

Minimal Transit

It may be possible to get on a bus

Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Goleta Apartments

What is the price of a cheap apartment in Goleta?

The cheapest apartment in Goleta is Hollister Village which is listed at $3,034, while the average apartment in Goleta costs $8,588.

What types of apartments are the cheapest in Goleta?

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 Goleta 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 Goleta?

Cheap apartments in Goleta have an average cost of $953 which is $7,635 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in Goleta.

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 Understanding Amenity Fees: Know Where You Might Be Able to Save Money article

Understanding Amenity Fees: Know Where You Might Be Able to Save Money

Written by: Amber Kanuckel

With the rising costs of housing, a lot of renters are asking this question: Is it possible to opt out of various amenities that your rental property offers so that you can avoid paying the fees.

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Renting Smart: Lease Basics Every Renter Needs

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Often, in the excitement of finding a new place to live, there’s a rush to make it happen, and - too often - a new tenant signs a lease without reading it carefully.

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Battling the Butts: Your Guide to the Reality of Smoke-Free Renting

Written by: Andrea Lee Negroni, JD

While many apartment buildings are “no smoking” properties, it’s hard to know exactly how many. In 2017, the National Apartment Association reported more than half of rental properties had smoke free policies.

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How Your Move-In Inspection Can Protect Your Security Deposit

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

If you’re anything like most people, housing costs represent a huge chunk of your monthly budget. On top of that, moving can be both a stressful and expensive affair.