What's the average rent in Santa Barbara, CA?
Rental Market Trends in Santa Barbara, CA
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SOURCE: TRULIA DATA
Rental market highlights
As of October 2026, the average rent in Santa Barbara, CA is $4,300 per month, which is 121% higher than the national average rent of $1,948 per month.
AVERAGE RENT
$4,300
-2.3%-$100 decrease month-over-month
-8.5%-$400 decrease year-over-year
AVAILABLE RENTALS
442
APARTMENTS
HOUSES
TOWNHOUSES
As of October 2026, apartments are the most affordable rental option in Santa Barbara, CA at $3,333 per month, while houses are the most expensive at $7,995 per month. Townhomes average $4,400 per month, offering a mid-range alternative for renters.
Average rent by number of bedrooms
| Floor plan type | Average rent |
|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $2,900 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $4,250 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $7,500 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $10,500 |
| All | $4,300 |
As of October 2026, the average rent for a 1 bedroom rental in Santa Barbara, CA is $2,900 per month, followed by $4,250 for a 2 bedroom rental, $7,500 for a 3 bedroom rental, and $10,500 for a 4 bedroom rental.
| Floor plan type | Average rent |
|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $2,950 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $4,400 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $5,100 |
| 4 Bedrooms | — |
| All | $4,400 |
As of October 2026, the average rent for a 1 bedroom townhome in Santa Barbara, CA is $2,950 per month, followed by $4,400 for a 2 bedroom townhome, and $5,100 for a 3 bedroom townhome.
| Floor plan type | Average rent |
|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $2,895 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $4,111 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $5,400 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $9,875 |
| All | $3,550 |
As of October 2026, the average rent for a 1 bedroom apartment in Santa Barbara, CA is $2,895 per month, followed by $4,111 for a 2 bedroom apartment, $5,400 for a 3 bedroom apartment, and $9,875 for a 4 bedroom apartment.
| Floor plan type | Average rent |
|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $3,650 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $5,800 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $8,500 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $10,750 |
| All | $7,995 |
As of October 2026, the average rent for a 1 bedroom house in Santa Barbara, CA is $3,650 per month, followed by $5,800 for a 2 bedroom house, $8,500 for a 3 bedroom house, and $10,750 for a 4 bedroom house.
Average rent trends and rent ranges
Average rent price over time
In the past year, rent has decreased by -6% compared to the previous year, which is a $300 decrease.
This year (2026)
Last year (2025)
Rent distribution
36% of rentals have rent of $5,000 and above/month
Rental price range
The price range for rentals is $1,120 to $120,000.
