Rentometer, Inc. | Data as of 10/23/2025
Santa Barbara County offers a diverse rental landscape that blends coastal charm with vibrant university and tech communities. Prospective renters can choose from historic downtown apartments near the iconic Mission Santa Barbara, modern lofts in the bustling Funk Zone, and spacious family homes in the scenic neighborhoods of Hope Ranch and the Eastside. The county’s appeal is further enhanced by nearby beaches, the Santa Ynez wine country, and cultural hubs such as the Santa Barbara County Courthouse and the University of California, Santa Barbara, making it a sought‑after destination for professionals, students, and retirees alike.
The rental market accommodates a full spectrum of housing options. Apartment studios typically sit in the low $2000s, while one‑ and two‑bedroom units range from the mid $2000s to the low $3000s, providing affordable entry points for singles and couples. Larger three‑ and four‑plus bedroom apartments command premium rates in the $4000–$5000 range, reflecting the demand for spacious living near the waterfront and downtown amenities. For those preferring detached homes, studio‑style houses begin around the $2600 median, and three‑bedroom homes average in the $5500s, with luxury four‑plus bedroom properties reaching the $7,000 range, ideal for families seeking expansive yard space and panoramic ocean views.
Beyond the numbers, Santa Barbara County’s rental scene benefits from a strong sense of community and a high quality of life. Residents enjoy year‑round mild weather, an active outdoor culture with surfing, hiking, and cycling trails, and a thriving culinary scene that highlights local produce and seafood. These lifestyle advantages, combined with a stable rental market, make Santa Barbara an attractive place to call home for a wide variety of renters.
| Property Type | Bedrooms | Average | Median | Min - Max | 25th - 75th |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apartment | Studio | $2,166 | $1,972 | $900 - $4,200 | $1,795 - $2,520 |
| Apartment | 1 Bedroom | $2,662 | $2,562 | $850 - $5,600 | $1,950 - $3,110 |
| Apartment | 2 Bedroom | $3,137 | $2,880 | $956 - $7,500 | $2,290 - $3,795 |
| Apartment | 3 Bedroom | $3,848 | $3,200 | $1,285 - $6,207 | $2,922 - $5,500 |
| Apartment | 4+ Bedroom | $4,915 | $5,500 | $3,295 - $5,950 | $3,295 - $5,950 |
| House | Studio | $2,774 | $2,625 | $2,150 - $3,850 | $2,400 - $3,550 |
| House | 1 Bedroom | $2,697 | $2,400 | $850 - $5,500 | $1,895 - $3,375 |
| House | 2 Bedroom | $4,581 | $4,100 | $1,050 - $12,800 | $2,800 - $5,800 |
| House | 3 Bedroom | $5,937 | $5,500 | $1,750 - $18,000 | $3,200 - $7,650 |
| House | 4+ Bedroom | $10,958 | $7,500 | $2,950 - $45,000 | $4,800 - $13,000 |
In the current period, the average rent in Santa Barbara was $2,388 for Studio, $2,668 for 1 Bedroom, $3,810 for 2 Bedroom, $5,608 for 3 Bedroom, and $10,007 for 4+ Bedroom.
Data provided by Rentometer, Inc.