How much is the average rent in Santa Barbara, CA for 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom apartments?

Santa Barbara's 2025 rental market shows 1-bedroom apartments averaging around $2,900 per month, remaining relatively stable from the previous year. 2-bedroom units average around $4,100 monthly, down 6.0% year over year.

When is the best time to look for an apartment in Santa Barbara, CA?

Late fall and winter months offer the best opportunities for apartment hunting in Santa Barbara, with December seeing the lowest rents of the year. June has the highest rent, with approximately 16% higher prices during peak season, while November and December experience less competition as demand softens.

What are the best neighborhoods to rent an apartment in Santa Barbara, CA?

West Beach, Lower East, Laguna, and West Downtown provide the strongest community connections for social living enthusiasts, featuring high walk scores and well-developed street infrastructure. Lower East and North State are the most in-demand neighborhoods, each generating significantly higher consumer interest than market average at around $3,900 monthly for 1-bedroom apartments.

What areas of Santa Barbara, CA are best for budget-conscious renters?

Oak Park offers the most affordable option at around $2,830 monthly, which is 10% below the city median. North State provides another budget-friendly choice at around $2,900 per month, 4% below city median, while West Downtown averages around $2,960 monthly.

Are there pet-friendly apartments in Santa Barbara, CA?

Pet owners will find excellent options in Lower State, Rutherford Park, Upper East, and West Downtown neighborhoods, where apartments feature pet flooring, outdoor space, and pet-safe windows. These areas offer pet spaces, waste facilities, and pet events, with many properties maintaining no breed restrictions.

Are utilities usually included in rent in Santa Barbara, CA?

Utilities are rarely included in Santa Barbara rental properties, appearing in less than 1% of all listings across the market. The inclusion rate remains consistently low across all bedroom types, from studios to 3-bedroom apartments, making separate utility payments the standard expectation.

Are most apartments in Santa Barbara, CA largely older buildings or new developments?

Santa Barbara's rental market features a mix of architectural styles reflecting different eras, with cottage-style homes representing 26% of properties and Spanish-style architecture accounting for 20.8% of the market. Contemporary homes make up 19.7% of rental options, showcasing the city's blend of historic charm and modern development.

Cheap Apartments for Rent in Santa Barbara, CA

25 rentals

Leadbetter Lofts Student Inspired Living - Photo 1 of 1

2d ago

Very good

Leadbetter Lofts Student Inspired Living

221 Bath St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Affordable | On-site laundry | Assigned parking

1–2 beds

1 bath

$1,095–$1,625

Apartment for rent

Top amenities

Dishwasher

On-Site Laundry

Wi-Fi

5d+ ago

Cheap house for rent in Santa Barbara

5381 Parejo Drive, Santa Barbara, CA 93111

Affordable | In-unit laundry | Dishwasher

1 bed

1 bath

$1,200

House for rent

Available Apr 28

Top amenities

Dishwasher

In-Unit Laundry

3d ago

8.3

Very good

6597 Trigo Road

6597 Trigo Rd, Isla Vista, CA 93117

Affordable | On-site laundry

1 bed

1 bath

$2,700

Apartment for rent

Top amenities

On-Site Laundry

5d+ ago

8.5

Very good

3453 Richland Dr.

3453 Richland Dr, Santa Barbara, CA 93105

Affordable

2 beds

1 bath

$3,200

Apartment for rent

5d+ ago

8.3

Very good

2400 De La Vina St

2400 De La Vina St, Santa Barbara, CA 93105

Affordable

2 beds

1 bath

$3,200

Apartment for rent

810 E Canon Perdido St #A - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

Cheap Laguna apartment for rent in Santa Barbara

APARTMENT - SANTA BARBARA, CA

810 E Canon Perdido St #A, Santa Barbara, CA 93103

Affordable | Assigned parking

2 beds

1 bath

$3,800

Apartment for rent

Nearby rental good for eco-living

Nearby rental good for pet owners

$4,038–$8,046

60 Willow Springs Ln

5d+ ago

Cheap Laguna apartment for rent in Santa Barbara

Affordable | On-site laundry | Central heat

2 beds

1 bath

$3,800

Apartment for rent

Top amenities

On-Site Laundry

1050 Vista Del Pueblo #32 - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

Cheap Alta Mesa condo for rent in Santa Barbara

CONDOS - Split Level - SANTA BARBARA, CA

1050 Vista Del Pueblo #32, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Affordable | In-unit laundry | Garage parking

2 beds

2 baths

$3,900

Condo for rent

Top amenities

Carpet

Dishwasher

In-Unit Laundry

On-Site Laundry

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3d ago

Cheap Alta Mesa house for rent in Santa Barbara

1106 Chino St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Affordable

2 beds

1 bath

$3,900

House for rent

5d+ ago

Cheap Oak Park condo for rent in Santa Barbara

130 W Alamar Ave #3, Santa Barbara, CA 93105

Affordable | Dishwasher | Fireplace

2 beds

2.5 baths

$4,200

$4,000

Price drop

Condo for rent

Top amenities

High Ceilings

Find sweet deals near Santa Barbara

These rentals are 10%-30% cheaper than the local average price for similar rentals.

$3,500

Santa Barbara

$3,900

Alta Mesa

$3,900

Alta Mesa

$4,750

Westside

3D tour

5d+ ago

Cheap Westside townhouse for rent in Santa Barbara

1318 San Andres St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Affordable | In-unit laundry | Garage parking

3 beds

2 baths

$4,750

House for rent

Top amenities

Dishwasher

In-Unit Laundry

5d+ ago

Cheap house for rent in Santa Barbara

SINGLE_FAMILY - Cottage - SANTA BARBARA, CA

5071 Del Monaco Dr, Santa Barbara, CA 93111

Affordable | In-unit laundry | Garage parking

3 beds

2 baths

$4,950

House for rent

Top amenities

Dishwasher

In-Unit Laundry

On-Site Laundry

Residents Lounge

Storage

5d+ ago

Cheap house for rent in Santa Barbara

SINGLE_FAMILY - SANTA BARBARA, CA

334 Consuelo Dr #B, Santa Barbara, CA 93110

Affordable | On-site laundry | Garage parking

3 beds

2 baths

$5,200

$4,975

Price drop

House for rent

Top amenities

On-Site Laundry

5d+ ago

Cheap Laguna condo for rent in Santa Barbara

CONDOS - Spanish - SANTA BARBARA, CA

1005 N Milpas St #A, Santa Barbara, CA 93103

Affordable | On-site laundry | Garage parking

3 beds

2 baths

$5,600

Condo for rent

Top amenities

Air Conditioning

On-Site Laundry

5d+ ago

Cheap Westside townhouse for rent in Santa Barbara

820 W Victoria St B

820 W Victoria St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Affordable | In-unit laundry | Garage parking

3 beds

2.5 baths

$5,700

House for rent

Top amenities

High Ceilings

In-Unit Laundry

5d+ ago

Cheap Lower West apartment for rent in Santa Barbara

APARTMENT - SANTA BARBARA, CA

415 Rancheria St #4, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Affordable | On-site laundry

4 beds

1.5 baths

$6,000

Apartment for rent

Top amenities

On-Site Laundry

5d+ ago

Cheap West Mesa apartment for rent in Santa Barbara

4 Bed 3 Bath Mesa Home

350 Oliver Rd #A, Santa Barbara, CA 93109

Affordable | In-unit laundry | Garage parking

4 beds

3 baths

$6,100

Apartment for rent

Available May 31

Top amenities

Assigned Parking

Fireplace

In-Unit Laundry

On-Site Laundry

Wheelchair Accessible

5d+ ago

Cheap Milpas house for rent in Santa Barbara

733 N Voluntario St, Santa Barbara, CA 93103

Affordable | In-unit laundry | Dishwasher

5 beds

2.5 baths

$6,200

House for rent

Top amenities

In-Unit Laundry

On-Site Laundry

5d+ ago

Cheap Eastside house for rent in Santa Barbara

616 N Voluntario St, Santa Barbara, CA 93103

Affordable

3 beds

2 baths

$6,250

House for rent

5d+ ago

Cheap house for rent in Santa Barbara

345 N Ontare Rd

345 N Ontare Rd, Santa Barbara, CA 93105

Affordable | In-unit laundry | Furnished

4 beds

2.5 baths

$7,300

House for rent

Top amenities

In-Unit Laundry

1001-1009 Chino Street, Santa Barbara - Photo 1 of 1

3D tour

2d ago

8.8

Very good

1001-1009 Chino Street, Santa Barbara

1001 Chino St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Affordable | In-unit laundry | Garage parking

4 beds

3 baths

$8,500

Apartment for rent

Top amenities

EV Charging

Fireplace

In-Unit Laundry

On-Site Laundry

San Simeon Dr & Santa Ana Ave - Photo 1 of 1

5d+ ago

Cheap house for rent in Santa Barbara

San Simeon Dr & Santa Ana Ave, Santa Barbara, CA 93111

Affordable | In-unit laundry | Assigned parking

7 beds

4 baths

$9,450

House for rent

Available Jun 1

Top amenities

Air Conditioning

Central Heat

Dishwasher

Hardwood Floor

In-Unit Laundry

5d+ ago

Cheap Isla Vista apartment for rent in Isla Vista

6535 El Nido Ln, Isla Vista, CA 93117

Affordable | On-site laundry | Dishwasher

3 beds

2.5 baths

$14,000

Apartment for rent

Top amenities

On-Site Laundry

3D tour

5d+ ago

Cheap Isla Vista apartment for rent in Isla Vista

4BR/3.0BA

6773 Del Playa Dr, Isla Vista, CA 93117

Affordable

4 beds

3 baths

$17,000

Apartment for rent

3D tour

5d+ ago

Cheap Isla Vista apartment for rent in Isla Vista

5BR/2.0BA

6741 Del Playa Dr, Isla Vista, CA 93117

Affordable

5 beds

2 baths

$19,000

Apartment for rent

Showing 1 - 25 of 25 results

Home > Apartments in Santa Barbara > Santa Barbara Cheap Apartments For Rent

Updated: June 5, 2026

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💰Best rent deal	221 Bath St
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