Landlord Resources
How to Get a Loan for a Rental Property
Rental property loans differ from traditional mortgages, needing larger down payments, higher interest rates, and reserves, often disregarding projected rental income.
•11 min read
What to Know About
Life in Santa Barbara & Beyond
Santa Barbara shares many of the great qualities that make California a desirable place to live.
California is the most populous state in the United States and is home to some of the world's most iconic cities, such as Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco. It's known for its thriving economy and diverse landscapes, including beaches, deserts, and mountains. Immerse yourself in the state's history and traditions by visiting museums like the California Science Center and the Getty Center or attending worldwide renowned universities like Stanford University and the University of California, Berkeley.
There are also many outdoor recreation opportunities in the state, such as skiing in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, surfing along the Pacific Coast, and hiking in Yosemite National Park. There's something for everyone. Sports fans can enjoy cheering on the San Francisco 49ers (NFL), Los Angeles Kings (NHL), Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB), San Francisco Giants (MLB), Los Angeles Lakers (NBA), or Golden State Warriors (NBA). Also, check out famous attractions like the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, Disneyland, Hollywood, the historic city of San Francisco, and the mecca of Los Angeles.
With its warm and inviting climate, thriving economy, and high quality of life, Embrace the Golden State and discover why California is a great place to live.
Rental Market Trends
Santa Barbara, CA
As of June 2026, Santa Barbara's rental market is highly competitive, where rentals lease within days, often attracting multiple applications and above-asking offers. Santa Barbara's average rent is 50.0% ($1,379) higher than the California average of $2,756 and 130.1% ($2,338) higher than the U.S. average of $1,797.
Average Rent
$4,135
Monthly ChangeMonth Over Month Change
10.4% ($389)
Yearly ChangeYear Over Year Change
11.1% ($414)
Avg. Days on MarketAverage Days on Market
24
| Unit Type | Average Rent | Monthly ChangeMonth Over Month Change | Yearly ChangeYear Over Year Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Bed | $3,104 | 6% ($175) | 4.4% ($143) |
| 2 Beds | $4,057 | 0.7% ($28) | 0.5% ($19) |
| 3 Beds | $6,184 | 5.9% ($387) | 11.9% ($835) |
| Nearby Cities | Average Rent | Avg. Rent vs. Santa BarbaraAverage Rent vs. Santa Barbara | Avg. Days on MarketAverage Days on Market |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goleta | $3,256 | 21.3% ($879) | 27 days |
| Carpinteria | $5,055 | 22.2% ($920) | 27 days |
| Los Olivos | $3,189 | 22.9% ($946) | 31 days |
Rental market trends are calculated using listing data from RentalSource.
Frequently Asked Questions
Santa Barbara Rental Market FAQs
Explore rental prices, market trends, and availability in Santa Barbara, CA.
The average rent in Santa Barbara, CA is $4,135 per month.
Homes in Santa Barbara typically rent for between $2,173 and $8,039 per month, with an average of $4,135 per month.
In Santa Barbara, the average rent for a 1-bedroom home is $3,104 per month, for a 2-bedroom home, $4,057 per month, and a 3-bedroom home is $6,184 per month.
The average rent in Santa Barbara is 130.1% ($2,338) higher than the national average of $1,797 per month.
The average rent in Santa Barbara has increased by 10.4% ($389) in the last month and increased by 11.1% ($414) over the past year.
The rental market in Santa Barbara, CA, is currently highly competitive, where rentals lease within days, often attracting multiple applications and above-asking offers.
In Santa Barbara, CA, the average rental stays on the market for approximately 24 days. While most properties are rented within this timeframe, factors like seasonality, demand, and property type can affect how quickly a rental leases.
There are currently 75 rental properties available in Santa Barbara, CA.
Based on the current averages, a household would need an annual income of $162,280 to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom home in Santa Barbara.
