What's the average rent in Santa Barbara, CA?

Rental Market Trends in Santa Barbara, CA

Search for Apartments in Santa Barbara, CA

SOURCE: TRULIA DATA

Rental market highlights

As of May 2026, the average rent in Santa Barbara, CA is $4,495 per month, which is 133% higher than the national average rent of $1,930 per month.

AVERAGE RENT

$4,495

7.0%$295 increase month-over-month

-4.8%-$225 decrease year-over-year

AVAILABLE RENTALS

441

APARTMENTS

$3,077

HOUSES

$7,500

TOWNHOUSES

$4,800

As of May 2026, apartments are the most affordable rental option in Santa Barbara, CA at $3,077 per month, while houses are the most expensive at $7,500 per month. Townhomes average $4,800 per month, offering a mid-range alternative for renters.

Average rent by number of bedrooms

Floor plan type	Average rent
1 Bedroom	$2,825
2 Bedrooms	$4,678
3 Bedrooms	$6,500
4 Bedrooms	$12,000
All	$4,600

As of May 2026, the average rent for a 1 bedroom rental in Santa Barbara, CA is $2,825 per month, followed by $4,678 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	$1,500
2 Bedrooms	$4,800
3 Bedrooms	$5,000
4 Bedrooms	—
All	$4,800

As of May 2026, the average rent for a 1 bedroom townhome in Santa Barbara, CA is $1,500 per month, followed by $4,800 for a 2 bedroom townhome, and $5,000 for a 3 bedroom townhome.

Floor plan type	Average rent
1 Bedroom	$2,800
2 Bedrooms	$4,250
3 Bedrooms	$5,400
4 Bedrooms	$6,000
All	$3,500

As of May 2026, the average rent for a 1 bedroom apartment in Santa Barbara, CA is $2,800 per month, followed by $4,250 for a 2 bedroom apartment, $5,400 for a 3 bedroom apartment, and $6,000 for a 4 bedroom apartment.

Floor plan type	Average rent
1 Bedroom	$3,333
2 Bedrooms	$5,995
3 Bedrooms	$7,500
4 Bedrooms	$12,500
All	$7,500

As of May 2026, the average rent for a 1 bedroom house in Santa Barbara, CA is $3,333 per month, followed by $5,995 for a 2 bedroom house, $7,500 for a 3 bedroom house, and $12,500 for a 4 bedroom house.