
Cheap Homes for Rent in Santa Barbara, CA from $1,200 (8 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Homes available for rent right now in Santa Barbara.


6703 Del Playa Dr

196 Lassen Dr

461 Ranchito Vista Rd
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.

47 Dearborn Pl

5518 Armitos Ave, Unit 86

43 Dearborn Pl

4344 Modoc Rd
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.
Santa Barbara, CA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent a home in Santa Barbara?
Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
---|---|---|---|
Santa Barbara 2 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $5,465 | $3,350 | $10,000+ |
Santa Barbara 3 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $9,232 | $1,300 | $10,000+ |
Santa Barbara 4 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $22,045 | $7,500 | $10,000+ |
Santa Barbara 5 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $31,875 | $7,800 | $10,000+ |
Santa Barbara 6 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $37,625 | $10,000 | $10,000+ |
Browse Top Homes for Rent in Santa Barbara
Explore Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA Local Guide
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Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in Santa Barbara, CA
Pricing Updated: 05/01/2025Current apartment rentals in the Santa Barbara, CA area range in price from $1,190 to $30,000 with an overall median price of $10,362. The three Santa Barbara neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are Coast Village at $2,500, Eastside at $2,500, and East Beach at $1,285. Here is today’s list of the top 10 neighborhoods with the lowest median pricing for Santa Barbara Apartments for rent:
Neighborhood | Median Price | Min Price | Available Units |
---|---|---|---|
Coast Village | $3,250 | $2,500 | 1 |
Eastside | $3,250 | $2,500 | 1 |
East Beach | $3,800 | $1,285 | 31 |
Milpas | $3,800 | $1,285 | 35 |
West Downtown Santa Barbar | $3,850 | $1,285 | 32 |
Eucalpytus Hill | $3,900 | $1,285 | 21 |
Lower West | $3,900 | $1,285 | 30 |
Waterfront | $3,900 | $1,285 | 31 |
Downtown Santa Barbara | $4,000 | $1,285 | 35 |
Lower East | $4,000 | $1,285 | 36 |
Cheapest Available Santa Barbara Apartments for Rent
 The cheapest available apartment rental in Santa Barbara, CA is a 3 Beds unit found at The Arroyo House Student Living. in the Westside neighborhood priced from $1,285. 152- 1825 Chapala LLC in the Westside neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $2,100. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Santa Barbara apartments for rent:
Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
---|---|---|---|
The Arroyo House Student Living. | Old Mesa | 3BR,1BA | $1,285 |
152- 1825 Chapala LLC | 1bed/1bath | 1BR,1BA | $2,100 |
Villa Flores Apartments | 1 Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $2,400 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Santa Barbara, CA
As of May 01, 2025 the best value apartment in the Santa Barbara area is the $4.22 price per square foot 3 Bedroom 2.5 Bath Model at Arrive Los Carneros II in the in the Downtown Goleta neighborhood starting from $6,005. The second greatest value Santa Barbara apartment is the 2 BEDROOM Model at Natoma Apartments starting at $3,950 with a $3.16 price per square foot in the Westside neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Santa Barbara apartments based on price per square foot:
Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
---|---|---|---|
Arrive Los Carneros II | 3 Bedroom 2.5 Bath | 3BR,2.5BA | $4.22 |
Natoma Apartments | 2 BEDROOM | 2BR,2BA | $3.16 |
Tropicana Student Housing | Tropicana Gardens | 3BR,2BA | $2.01 |
The Messina | 2Bed2Bath-A | 2BR,2BA | $4.00 |
152- 1825 Chapala LLC | 1bed/1bath | 1BR,1BA | $2.80 |
20 E Islay St, Unit B | 20 E Islay St | 1BR,1BA | $4.00 |
4674 Tajo Dr | 4674 Tajo Dr | 2BR,1BA | $4.00 |
Breakpointe Coronado | Coronado 1x1B | 1BR,1BA | $2.12 |
Villa Flores Apartments | 1 Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $4.00 |
The Arroyo House Student Living. | Foothill | 1BR,1BA | $3.75 |
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Frequently Asked Questions about Santa Barbara
What type of rentals are currently available in Santa Barbara?
There are currently 840 Apartments for Rent in Santa Barbara, CA with pricing that ranges from $1,190 to $30,000. There are also 95 Single Family Homes for rent, Condos, and Townhome rentals currently available in Santa Barbara ranging from $1,200 to $70,000.
What is the current price range for Rental Homes in Santa Barbara?
Today's rental pricing for Homes for Rent, Condos and Townhomes in Santa Barbara ranges from $1,200 to $70,000 with an average monthly rent of $21,019.
How much are larger Three and Four Bedroom Rentals in Santa Barbara?
For those who are looking for larger living arrangements, Three Bedroom Apartments in Santa Barbara range from $1,285 to $14,000, while Three Bedroom Homes, Condos, and Townhomes for rent range from $1,300 to $31,000. Four Bedroom Single-Family rentals are also available starting from $7,500 and Four Bedroom Apartments start at $1,320.
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.

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.

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.

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.

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.