All Filters
Price
Beds

Select two tiles for min/max range

Baths
Home Type
Home Styles
Specialty Housing

Housing Type

Additional Specialties

Pet Policy
Move-In Date
Popular Amenities
Square Feet
to

Rating
Show Only
Keyword

Searching for student living options?

Select your school and find the perfect place nearby or on-campus.

All Universities
Pricing Type
Amenities
Clear
Nearby
Nearby

Cheap Apartments for Rent in Santa Barbara CA - 311 Rentals

Santa Barbara, CA Cheap Apartments for Rent

Whether you're on a budget or just looking to save, there are plenty of ways to find cheap apartments and affordable rent in Santa Barbara. Start by defining your list of apartment “must-haves.” What features can you not live without? If you want to live within walking distance to your favorite downtown locations, you may find that apartment size and upscale amenities are not as important to you. On the other hand, if you value space, access to community amenities, or high-end appliances, you may be willing to move farther out from Santa Barbara hot spots where you can afford more apartment for less.

How to Find a Cheap Apartment in Santa Barbara, CA

Rent in the city center tends to be more expensive. Try looking for budget-friendly apartments in neighborhoods farther from downtown. These areas offer mid-range prices and can still be close enough to everything you need. Try looking for areas of Santa Barbara that might have more available rental units than others. In places with higher vacancy rates, landlords may be more likely to offer cheaper rent to fill the space.

When Are Apartments in Santa Barbara, CA Cheapest?

If you want to find cheap rent in Santa Barbara, timing can make a big difference. Apartments are usually cheaper during the off-season, typically December through March. During this time, fewer people are looking to move, so landlords are often more willing to offer lower rent to fill empty units. Another good time to search is at the end of the month when leases are up, and landlords want to fill vacancies quickly.

Cheap apartments in Santa Barbara tend to go fast. Keep an eye on timing, neighborhood options, and special deals to score the best rental price.

Santa Barbara, CA Rental Insights

Average Rent Rates

What is the average rent in Santa Barbara, CA?

The average rent in Santa Barbara is $2,197. When you rent an apartment in Santa Barbara, you can expect to pay as little as $1,919 or as much as $4,289, depending on the location and the size of the apartment.

What is the average rent of a Studio apartment in Santa Barbara, CA?

The average rent for a studio apartment in Santa Barbara, CA is $1,919 per month.

What is the average rent of a 1 bedroom apartment in Santa Barbara, CA?

The average rent for a one bedroom apartment in Santa Barbara, CA is $2,201 per month.

What is the average rent of a 2 bedroom apartment in Santa Barbara, CA?

The average rent for a two bedroom apartment in Santa Barbara, CA is $3,262 per month.

What is the average rent of a 3 bedroom apartment in Santa Barbara, CA?

The average rent for a three bedroom apartment in Santa Barbara, CA is $4,289 per month.

Transportation

How transit friendly is Santa Barbara, CA?

Transit options in Santa Barbara vary, but overall, it has a transit score of 39.

Education

What are the top Elementary schools in Santa Barbara, CA?

In Santa Barbara, you’ll find top-ranking elementary schools like Montecito Union, Vieja Valley Elementary, and Cold Spring Elementary.

What are the top middle schools in Santa Barbara, CA?

Santa Barbara is home to some top-ranking middle schools, including La Colina Junior High, Santa Barbara Junior High, and La Cumbre Junior High.

What are the top high schools in Santa Barbara, CA?

Moving is tough for high school students! Look for Santa Barbara apartments near top-ranking high schools like San Marcos Senior High, Santa Barbara Senior High, and Santa Barbara County Special Education School.

What colleges and universities are in Santa Barbara, CA?

If you’re a student moving to an apartment in Santa Barbara, you’ll have access to Santa Barbara City College, UC Santa Barbara, and Ventura College.

Helpful Rental Guides for Santa Barbara, CA

10 Things to Do Before Moving Day
10 Things to Do Before Moving Day
How to Handle Water Damage in Your Apartment
How to Handle Water Damage in Your Apartment
The Different Types of Rental Lease Agreements
The Different Types of Rental Lease Agreements
Everything You Need to Know About Renting with an Emotional Support or Service Animal
Everything You Need to Know About Renting with an Emotional Support or Service Animal
Explore More on the Rentverse

Search Nearby Rentals

Apartment Rentals Near Santa ...

Neighborhood Apartment Rentals

Nearby Santa Barbara House ...

New Rental Listings

Map Options
Map View
Default
Satellite
Nearby Point of Interests
Travel Time
Travel Time

Set a destination, transportation method, and your ideal commute time to see results.

*Please enter your address or point of interest