Cheap Apartments for Rent in Goleta, CA from $800 (5 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

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.

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Berkshire Terrace
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Berkshire Terrace

6661 Berkshire TerGoleta, CA 93117
Student Housing
  • Utilities Included

Navigating the Rental Market: Tips for First-Time Renters

Entering the rental market? Learn these simple tips and strategies to avoid common pitfalls and make confident choices. Rent with peace of mind.

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The Beachwood
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

The Beachwood

312 Ellwood Beach DrGoleta, CA 93117
  • Utilities Included

Know Your Rights - How Discrimination Laws Impact Landlords and Tenants

Read our practical guide to landlord and tenant rights. Understand protected classes, reasonable accommodations, and legal exceptions to prevent housing discrimination.

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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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Local Guide Expert

Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in Goleta, CA

Pricing Updated: 05/10/2025

Current apartment rentals in the Goleta, CA area range in price from $1,190 to $30,000 with an overall median price of $15,429. The three Goleta neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are Santa Barbara Municipal Airport at $1,190, Downtown Goleta at $2,450, and Encina at $2,991. Here is today’s list of the top 8 neighborhoods with the lowest median pricing for Goleta Apartments for rent:

NeighborhoodMedian PriceMin PriceAvailable Units
Santa Barbara Municipal Airport$5,662$1,19022
Downtown Goleta$5,887$2,4509
Encina$5,887$2,9918
Cabrillo Business Park$19,000$1,19019
El Encanto Heights$19,000$1,19019
Isla Vista$19,000$1,19022
Outer West Santa Barbara$19,000$1,19026
West Santa Barbara$30,000$1,19032

Cheapest Available Goleta Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in Goleta, CA is a 1 Bed unit found at Hollister Village in the Outer Lompoc Santa Ynez neighborhood priced from $3,034. Sumida Gardens Apartments in the Hope Ranch neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $3,078. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Goleta apartments for rent:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Hollister VillagePlan A11BR,1BA$3,034
Sumida Gardens ApartmentsThe Palm1BR,1BA$3,078
Cortona PointOne Bedroom A1BR,1BA$3,350

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Goleta, CA

As of May 10, 2025 the best value apartment in the Goleta area is the $4.30 price per square foot 3 Bedroom 2.5 Bath Model at Arrive Los Carneros II in the in the Downtown Goleta neighborhood starting from $6,125. The second greatest value Goleta apartment is the 2 BR / 1BA Model at 408 Ellwood Beach Dr starting at $3,500 with a $3.18 price per square foot in the Cabrillo Business Park 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$4.30
408 Ellwood Beach Dr2 BR / 1BA2BR,1BA$3.18
Arrive Los Carneros3 Bedroom + 2 Bath | Arrive I3BR,2BA$5.20
Encina MeadowsMonarch2BR,1BA$3.92
Tropicana Student HousingTropicana Gardens3BR,2BA$2.01
Hollister VillagePlan A21BR,1BA$4.62
Sumida Gardens ApartmentsThe Palm1BR,1BA$4.56
Cortona PointOne Bedroom A1BR,1BA$5.18
Breakpointe CoronadoCoronado 1x1B1BR,1BA$2.12
6587 Cervantes1BR/1.0BA1BR,1BA$6.36

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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

View MapGoleta, CA Apartments MapView MapGoleta, CA Rental Homes Map

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 $15,429.

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 30 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 $911 which is $14,518 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.

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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.

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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.

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Navigating the Rental Market: Tips for First-Time Renters

Written by: Sandy Baker

Making the decision to rent is exciting and terrifying at the same time. For many people, there are a lot of unknowns.

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Rise of Digital Nomads: Remote Work Tips for Apartment Renters

Written by: Brandie Parton

As a digital nomad, you no longer call a set address or office building your home for eight hours of the day or more.