Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Downtown Santa Barbara Neighborhood of Santa Barbara, CA from $1,200 (9 Rentals)

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

Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the Downtown Santa Barbara area of Santa Barbara.

close
View Me
Brentwood
Studio Apartments

Brentwood

1429 De La Vina StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
Park East Apartments
1 Bedroom Apartments

Park East Apartments

322-324 E Micheltorena StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
Arlington Village
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Arlington Village

1330 Chapala StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
close
View Me
Palm Gardens Apartments
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Palm Gardens Apartments

1120-1130 San Andres StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
203 Ladera St
1 Bedroom Apartments

203 Ladera St

203 Ladera StSanta Barbara, CA 93101
Furnished
  • 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.

Downtown Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA Local Guide

Cheapest Available Downtown Santa Barbara Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in the Downtown Santa Barbara area of Santa Barbara, CA is a 3 Beds unit found at The Arroyo House Student Living. priced from $1,285. 152- 1825 Chapala LLC has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $2,000. Here are the most affordable Downtown Santa Barbara apartments for rent in Santa Barbara, CA:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
The Arroyo House Student Living.Old Mesa3BR,1BA$1,285
152- 1825 Chapala LLC1bed/1bath1BR,1BA$2,000
Villa Flores Apartments1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$2,400

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Downtown Santa Barbara, CA

As of April 23, 2025 the best value apartment in the Downtown Santa Barbara area is the $3.16 price per square foot 2 BEDROOM Model at Natoma Apartments in the in the Westside neighborhood starting from $3,950. The second greatest value Downtown Santa Barbara apartment is the 3 bedroom 1.5 Bathroom Model at Ivy at Anapamu starting at $4,900 with a $4.26 price per square foot in the Westside neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Downtown Santa Barbara apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
Natoma Apartments2 BEDROOM2BR,2BA$3.16
Ivy at Anapamu3 bedroom 1.5 Bathroom3BR,1.5BA$4.26
The Messina2Bed2Bath-A2BR,2BA$4.00
152- 1825 Chapala LLC1bed/1bath1BR,1BA$2.80
Ivy at CarrilloTwo Bedroom2BR,1BA$4.66
20 E Islay St, Unit B20 E Islay St1BR,1BA$4.00
La Brezza2Bed1Bath-A2BR,1BA$4.54
Villa Flores Apartments1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$4.00
609 W Junipero St1Bed/1Bath1BR,1BA$5.52
The Arroyo House Student Living.Foothill1BR,1BA$3.75

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

Pet Friendly Lifestyle
Downtown Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA

Ranked #33

Among neighborhoods in Santa Barbara, CA for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities

Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score

3.5
Pet Friendly

decorative image of woman handing cat to small boy

Getting Around the Downtown Santa Barbara Neighborhood in Santa Barbara, CA

Walk Score®

98 / 100

Walker’s Paradise

Daily errands do not require a car

Bike Score®

95 / 100

Biker's Paradise

Daily errands can be accomplished on a bike

Transit Score®

55 / 100

Good Transit

Many nearby public transportation options

Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Downtown Santa Barbara Apartments

What is the Cheapest Studio apartment in Downtown Santa Barbara?

Currently the most affordable Cheap Studio Apartment in Downtown Santa Barbara is at 825 De la Vina St listed at $3,800.

How much is rent for a Cheap One Bedroom Downtown Santa Barbara Apartment?

The lowest price for a Cheap One Bedroom Downtown Santa Barbara Apartment is $1,285 at The Arroyo House Student Living..

What is the lowest price for a Cheap Two Bedroom Downtown Santa Barbara Apartment for rent?

Today's best deal for a Cheap Two Bedroom Apartment in Downtown Santa Barbara is starting from $1,285 at The Arroyo House Student Living..

What is the most affordable Downtown Santa Barbara Three Bedroom Apartment?

The best deal on a cheap Downtown Santa Barbara Three Bedroom Apartment rental is at The Arroyo House Student Living. and starts from $1,285.

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.

decorative image for Know Your Rights - How Discrimination Laws Impact Landlords and Tenants article

Know Your Rights - How Discrimination Laws Impact Landlords and Tenants

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Everyone needs a place to live and to call home. For decades, the federal government has established protections to ensure that individuals and families can find housing free from discriminatory barriers.

decorative image for Renting Smart: Lease Basics Every Renter Needs article

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.

decorative image for Battling the Butts: Your Guide to the Reality of Smoke-Free Renting article

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.