Santa Barbara, CA Rent History

123 months of data, 20162026. Source: ZORI (Zillow Observed Rent Index, smoothed seasonally adjusted).

Today (2026-07)
$3,849
1-year change
+0.1%
$4/mo
5-year change
+23.8%
$739/mo
10-year change
+65.3%
$1,521/mo

Monthly rent trend

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Year-by-year rent in Santa Barbara

YearMedian rentYoY changevs 2016
2016$2,307/mo0.0%
2017$2,406/mo+4.3%+4.3%
2018$2,475/mo+2.9%+7.3%
2019$2,576/mo+4.1%+11.7%
2020$2,681/mo+4.1%+16.2%
2021$2,998/mo+11.8%+30.0%
2022$3,551/mo+18.4%+53.9%
2023$3,663/mo+3.2%+58.8%
2024$3,798/mo+3.7%+64.6%
2025$3,818/mo+0.5%+65.5%
2026$4,070/mo+6.6%+76.4%

Frequently asked questions

How much has rent in Santa Barbara changed since 2016?

Median rent in Santa Barbara, CA was $2,307 in 2016-05 and is $3,849 as of 2026-07 — a change of $1,542 per month over 10 years.

How much has Santa Barbara rent increased in the last 5 years?

Over the past 5 years, median rent in Santa Barbara, CA has changed +23.8% ($739 per month). The current median is $3,849.

What has rent in Santa Barbara done over the past decade?

Over the past 10 years, median rent in Santa Barbara, CA has changed +65.3% ($1,521 per month). It is now $3,849.

Is rent in Santa Barbara going up or down year over year?

Year over year, median rent in Santa Barbara, CA has increased +0.1% ($4/mo). Current median: $3,849.

See full rent data for Santa Barbara, CA
Methodology: Rent figures use ZORI (Zillow Observed Rent Index) monthly smoothed seasonally-adjusted values for all properties (single family + condo + multifamily). Year-by-year table uses April readings (or nearest available month) for consistency across years. 1-/5-/10-year change uses the same month 2026 as the anchor.