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 July 2026, the average rent in Santa Barbara, CA is $4,500 per month, which is 131% higher than the national average rent of $1,951 per month.
AVERAGE RENT
$4,500
-1.7%-$79 decrease month-over-month
-10.0%-$500 decrease year-over-year
AVAILABLE RENTALS
409
APARTMENTS
HOUSES
TOWNHOUSES
As of July 2026, apartments are the most affordable rental option in Santa Barbara, CA at $3,437 per month, while houses are the most expensive at $7,850 per month. Townhomes average $5,000 per month, offering a mid-range alternative for renters.
Average rent by number of bedrooms
| Floor plan type | Average rent |
|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $2,895 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $4,500 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $6,500 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $12,000 |
| All | $4,500 |
As of July 2026, the average rent for a 1 bedroom rental in Santa Barbara, CA is $2,895 per month, followed by $4,500 for a 2 bedroom rental, $6,500 for a 3 bedroom rental, and $12,000 for a 4 bedroom rental.
| Floor plan type | Average rent |
|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $5,800 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $5,000 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $5,400 |
| 4 Bedrooms | — |
| All | $5,000 |
As of July 2026, the average rent for a 1 bedroom townhome in Santa Barbara, CA is $5,800 per month, followed by $5,000 for a 2 bedroom townhome, and $5,400 for a 3 bedroom townhome.
| Floor plan type | Average rent |
|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $2,850 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $4,375 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $5,600 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $6,000 |
| All | $3,600 |
As of July 2026, the average rent for a 1 bedroom apartment in Santa Barbara, CA is $2,850 per month, followed by $4,375 for a 2 bedroom apartment, $5,600 for a 3 bedroom apartment, and $6,000 for a 4 bedroom apartment.
| Floor plan type | Average rent |
|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $3,300 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $5,900 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $8,400 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $12,500 |
| All | $7,850 |
As of July 2026, the average rent for a 1 bedroom house in Santa Barbara, CA is $3,300 per month, followed by $5,900 for a 2 bedroom house, $8,400 for a 3 bedroom house, and $12,500 for a 4 bedroom house.
Average rent trends and rent ranges
Average rent price over time
In the past year, rent has decreased by -9% compared to the previous year, which is a $450 decrease.
This year (2026)
Last year (2025)
Rent distribution
35% of rentals have rent of $5,000 and above/month
Rental price range
The price range for rentals is $985 to $120,000.
