Cheap Homes for Rent in Santa Barbara, CA from $1,200 (8 Rentals)

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

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.

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

Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in Santa Barbara, CA

Pricing Updated: 05/01/2025

Current 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:

NeighborhoodMedian PriceMin PriceAvailable Units
Coast Village$3,250$2,5001
Eastside$3,250$2,5001
East Beach$3,800$1,28531
Milpas$3,800$1,28535
West Downtown Santa Barbar$3,850$1,28532
Eucalpytus Hill$3,900$1,28521
Lower West$3,900$1,28530
Waterfront$3,900$1,28531
Downtown Santa Barbara$4,000$1,28535
Lower East$4,000$1,28536

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 ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
The Arroyo House Student Living.Old Mesa3BR,1BA$1,285
152- 1825 Chapala LLC1bed/1bath1BR,1BA$2,100
Villa Flores Apartments1 Bedroom1BR,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 ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
Arrive Los Carneros II3 Bedroom 2.5 Bath3BR,2.5BA$4.22
Natoma Apartments2 BEDROOM2BR,2BA$3.16
Tropicana Student HousingTropicana Gardens3BR,2BA$2.01
The Messina2Bed2Bath-A2BR,2BA$4.00
152- 1825 Chapala LLC1bed/1bath1BR,1BA$2.80
20 E Islay St, Unit B20 E Islay St1BR,1BA$4.00
4674 Tajo Dr4674 Tajo Dr2BR,1BA$4.00
Breakpointe CoronadoCoronado 1x1B1BR,1BA$2.12
Villa Flores Apartments1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$4.00
The Arroyo House Student Living.Foothill1BR,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.

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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.

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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.

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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.