Rentometer, Inc. | Data as of 10/23/2025
Santa Maria‑Santa Barbara’s metro rental market offers a vibrant mix of apartments and single‑family homes, catering to a wide array of lifestyle preferences. Downtown Santa Barbara’s historic streets, the bustling waterfront, and the scenic Mission Plaza attract professionals and students alike, while Santa Maria’s growing commercial corridor and nearby wine country provide a more relaxed, suburban feel. Prospective renters can choose from sleek studio apartments that average in the $2,100 range to spacious multi‑bedroom homes suited for families and remote workers. The area’s diverse neighborhoods, including the coastal charm of Goleta, the arts‑focused community of Funk Zone, and the family‑friendly suburbs of Santa Maria, each bring unique amenities, dining options, and easy access to outdoor recreation.
Rental rates reflect the region’s desirable location and high quality of life. One‑bedroom units typically sit in the mid‑$2,000s, while two‑ and three‑bedroom apartments often command prices in the $3,000‑$4,500 range. Larger houses with four or more bedrooms can reach the $7,000‑$8,000 tier, especially those near premium school districts or ocean views. With a strong mix of historic architecture, modern developments, and proximity to renowned attractions such as the Santa Barbara County Courthouse, the University of California Santa Barbara campus, and the central coast’s beaches, the rental market remains both dynamic and competitive, making the Santa Maria‑Santa Barbara metro area an appealing destination for renters seeking convenience, culture, and coastal living.
| Property Type | Bedrooms | Average | Median | Min - Max | 25th - 75th |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apartment | Studio | $2,156 | $2,250 | $1,169 - $3,295 | $1,736 - $2,520 |
| Apartment | 1 Bedroom | $2,534 | $2,500 | $700 - $6,500 | $1,950 - $3,035 |
| Apartment | 2 Bedroom | $3,276 | $3,409 | $1,154 - $5,990 | $2,286 - $4,000 |
| Apartment | 3 Bedroom | $4,201 | $3,500 | $1,285 - $9,900 | $2,995 - $5,350 |
| Apartment | 4+ Bedroom | $6,569 | $5,950 | $3,300 - $10,000 | $3,695 - $9,900 |
| House | Studio | $2,550 | $2,450 | $1,900 - $3,550 | $2,200 - $2,750 |
| House | 1 Bedroom | $2,914 | $2,700 | $1,000 - $7,500 | $2,000 - $3,500 |
| House | 2 Bedroom | $4,322 | $3,950 | $995 - $12,800 | $2,500 - $5,200 |
| House | 3 Bedroom | $6,030 | $5,500 | $1,750 - $18,000 | $3,300 - $7,500 |
| House | 4+ Bedroom | $11,944 | $7,995 | $1,900 - $49,995 | $4,300 - $15,000 |
In the current period, the average rent in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA was $2,314 for Studio, $2,545 for 1 Bedroom, $3,707 for 2 Bedroom, $5,653 for 3 Bedroom, and $10,319 for 4+ Bedroom.
Data provided by Rentometer, Inc.