The Messina
2541 Modoc Rd,
Santa Barbara, CA 93105
2 Beds | $3,400 - $3,600
Rental Market Trends in Santa Barbara, CA
What is the average rent in Santa Barbara, CA?
$2,201/month
Average Rent
517 Sq Ft
Average Apartment Size
+3.3%
Increase in the Last Year
As of February 2025, the average rent in Santa Barbara, CA is $2,201 per month. This is 42% higher than the national average rent price of $1,555/month, making Santa Barbara one of the most expensive cities in the US. When you rent an apartment in Santa Barbara, you can expect to pay about $1,917 per month for a studio, $2,201 for a one-bedroom apartment, and around $3,260 for a two-bedroom apartment. If you opt for a three-bedroom rental, you could pay $4,294 or more.
Floor Plan Type
Average Rent
Average Sq Ft
Floor Plan Type
Average Rent
Average Sq Ft
Floor Plan Type
Average Rent
Average Sq Ft
Floor Plan Type
Average Rent
Average Sq Ft
How much has average rent changed in Santa Barbara, CA?
In the past year, rent has increased by 3.3%, which averages out to $73 more per month.
Market Trends Over Time
The chart below compares average rent prices to the previous year during the same time period.
Last Updated February 2025
Legend
2024
2025
Rent Ranges in Santa Barbara, CA
Last Updated February 2025
Above $2,000
Most rental prices fall within this range
Percentage*
Rent Range
0%
Below $700/month
1%
$700 - $1,000/month
12%
$1,001 - $1,500/month
23%
$1,501 - $2,000/month
64%
Above $2,000/month
Rent by Neighborhood
Last Updated Today
What are the most affordable neighborhoods in Santa Barbara?
Based on current rent prices, Alta Mesa, Hidden Valley and Lower Riviera are the most affordable neighborhoods in Santa Barbara.
Neighborhood
Average Rent
Average Sq Ft
What are the most expensive neighborhoods in Santa Barbara?
Based on current rent prices, Downtown Santa Barbara, Lower State and East Beach are the most expensive neighborhoods in Santa Barbara.
Neighborhood
Average Rent
Average Sq Ft
What salary do I need to live comfortably in Santa Barbara, CA?
Because the average rent in Santa Barbara is $2,201, you’ll want to make about $7,336 per month or $88,032 per year. The general guideline is to pay no more than 30 percent of your monthly income on rent. However, you’ll want to consider additional factors, such as your monthly bills and other expenses. Use our rent affordability calculator to help determine how much to budget for rent.
How does Santa Barbara, CA compare to other nearby cities and neighborhoods?
Use the tool below to compare Santa Barbara, CA to other nearby cities and neighborhoods. The Apartments.com neighborhood guides provide you with insight into the area’s transportation, things to do, and more.
Studio
$2,061/month
$2,205/month
One Bedroom
$2,220/month
$3,087/month
Two Bedroom
$2,572/month
$3,802/month
Three Bedroom
$1,289/month
$4,874/month
Nearby City Rent Trends
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73
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52
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AMC
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675
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130,487
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265
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Essex
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184
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Lyon Living
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Methodology
† Rent data is provided by CoStar Group’s Market Trend reports. As the industry leader in commercial real estate information, analytics, and news, CoStar conducts extensive research to produce and maintain a comprehensive database of commercial real estate information. We combine this data with public record to provide the most up-to-date rental information available.
* Percentages may not total 100 due to rounding.