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 August 2026, the average rent in Santa Barbara, CA is $4,500 per month, which is 129% higher than the national average rent of $1,962 per month.
AVERAGE RENT
$4,500
0.0%No change month over month
-7.7%-$375 decrease year-over-year
AVAILABLE RENTALS
428
APARTMENTS
HOUSES
TOWNHOUSES
As of August 2026, apartments are the most affordable rental option in Santa Barbara, CA at $3,467 per month, while houses are the most expensive at $7,500 per month. Townhomes average $4,950 per month, offering a mid-range alternative for renters.
Average rent by number of bedrooms
| Floor plan type | Average rent |
|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $2,800 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $4,300 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $6,939 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $11,500 |
| All | $4,500 |
As of August 2026, the average rent for a 1 bedroom rental in Santa Barbara, CA is $2,800 per month, followed by $4,300 for a 2 bedroom rental, $6,939 for a 3 bedroom rental, and $11,500 for a 4 bedroom rental.
| Floor plan type | Average rent |
|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $3,150 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $5,000 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $4,900 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $6,800 |
| All | $4,950 |
As of August 2026, the average rent for a 1 bedroom townhome in Santa Barbara, CA is $3,150 per month, followed by $5,000 for a 2 bedroom townhome, $4,900 for a 3 bedroom townhome, and $6,800 for a 4 bedroom townhome.
| Floor plan type | Average rent |
|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $2,750 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $4,200 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $5,300 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $6,000 |
| All | $3,500 |
As of August 2026, the average rent for a 1 bedroom apartment in Santa Barbara, CA is $2,750 per month, followed by $4,200 for a 2 bedroom apartment, $5,300 for a 3 bedroom apartment, and $6,000 for a 4 bedroom apartment.
| Floor plan type | Average rent |
|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $4,300 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $5,800 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $7,900 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $12,000 |
| All | $7,500 |
As of August 2026, the average rent for a 1 bedroom house in Santa Barbara, CA is $4,300 per month, followed by $5,800 for a 2 bedroom house, $7,900 for a 3 bedroom house, and $12,000 for a 4 bedroom house.
Average rent trends and rent ranges
Average rent price over time
In the past year, rent has increased by +2% compared to the previous year, which is a +$95 increase.
This year (2026)
Last year (2025)
Rent distribution
34% of rentals have rent of $5,000 and above/month
Rental price range
The price range for rentals is $1,095 to $120,000.
