Last updated
Average Rent in Santa Barbara, CA & Rent Trends
Rent prices and market trends across 4 apartment communities in Santa Barbara, CA. Updated daily.
Market Average
$3,709/mo
Lowest Available
$3,000/mo
cheapest unit on market
Communities
4
tracked daily
Units Listed
5
available now
Rent by Neighborhood in Santa Barbara, CA
Compare average rent across Santa Barbara, CA neighborhoods. Click any area to see detailed trends. View these neighborhoods on the rent map
| Neighborhood | Avg Rent | 30d Change | From | Properties | Units |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alta Mesa | $6,150 | ▲ $109 | $2,750 | 1 | 3 |
| Eastside | $3,670 | - | $3,095 | 1 | 2 |
| Westside | $3,615 | - | $2,500 | 4 | 13 |
| Santa Barbara 93105 | $3,450 | - | $3,450 | 1 | 1 |
| Hope | $2,874 | ▲ $215 | $2,687 | 1 | 6 |
Is Rent Going Up or Down in Santa Barbara, CA?
As of July 2026, the average rent in Santa Barbara, CA is $3,709 per month across 4 apartment communities and 5 available units.
The most affordable option is La Brezza Apartment Homes starting at $3,000/mo. By unit type, a 2-bedroom averages $3,709/mo.
Prices range from $3,000 to $4,245 per month. The most common price point is the $4,200 range, where 2 units are currently listed.
Rent Price Distribution
Rent by Bedroom Type in Santa Barbara, CA
Rent Prices by Apartment in Santa Barbara, CA
| Property | Starting at | Average | Units | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| La Brezza Apartment Homes | $3,000/mo | $3,000/mo | 1 | 2.7 |
| The Messina Townhomes | $3,450/mo | $3,450/mo | 1 | 3 |
| Ivy Apartment Homes Santa Barbara | $3,650/mo | $3,925/mo | 2 | 2.7 |
| Plaza Riviera | $4,245/mo | $4,245/mo | 1 | 4.9 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Rent in Santa Barbara, CA
What is the average rent in Santa Barbara, CA?
Is rent going up or down in Santa Barbara, CA?
What is the cheapest apartment in Santa Barbara, CA?
How many apartments are available in Santa Barbara, CA?
What salary do I need to live comfortably in Santa Barbara, CA?
Built on the 25 to 30 percent rent-to-income guideline used by most landlords and credit-scoring models.
Minimum to afford average rent
$148,000/year
Based on the 30 percent rule, using our tracked average rent of $3,709/mo.
Comfortable income
$178,000/year
Based on the 25 percent rule, leaving more room for savings, transport, and groceries.
To afford the cheapest tracked apartment ($3,000/mo), you need to earn at least $120,000/year.
Cost of living in Santa Barbara, CA
We only have live rent data for Santa Barbara, CA so far. The full cost of living breakdown (utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare) is coming soon.
| Category | Monthly estimate |
|---|---|
| Rent (market average) | $3,709 |
| Estimated total | $3,709/mo |
Methodology
Rent data
Sourced directly from each tracked apartment community and refreshed every 24 hours. Every listed unit price on this page is real and listed today.
Cost of living
Estimates combine national consumer-spending baselines from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (Consumer Expenditure Survey) with the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities (MARPP dataset). Both are peer-reviewed federal data releases published annually.
Salary to live comfortably
Applies the standard 25 to 30 percent rent-to-income rule on top of the listed rent. This is the same affordability guideline used by most landlords and credit-scoring models.
Demographic figures
Median household income, population, median age, commute time, Census median rent, and rent as percentage of income come from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey 5-year estimates, the most recent complete release.
Cost of living and demographic figures are refreshed annually.
Google Search Trends for Santa Barbara, CA Apartments
Search interest for apartments in this area over the past 12 months.
Search Interest Over Time
Explore Santa Barbara, CA Apartments
Browse all 4 communities with daily-updated pricing and availability.