Santa Barbara, CA Rent History
125 months of data, 2016–2026. Source: ZORI (Zillow Observed Rent Index, smoothed seasonally adjusted).
Today (2026-09)
$3,642
1-year change
+4.4%
$154/mo
5-year change
+30.5%
$852/mo
10-year change
+80.1%
$1,620/mo
Monthly rent trend
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Year-by-year rent in Santa Barbara
| Year | Median rent | YoY change | vs 2016 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | $2,024/mo | — | 0.0% |
| 2017 | $2,107/mo | +4.1% | +4.1% |
| 2018 | $2,170/mo | +3.0% | +7.2% |
| 2019 | $2,257/mo | +4.0% | +11.5% |
| 2020 | $2,347/mo | +4.0% | +16.0% |
| 2021 | $2,619/mo | +11.6% | +29.4% |
| 2022 | $3,111/mo | +18.8% | +53.7% |
| 2023 | $3,199/mo | +2.8% | +58.1% |
| 2024 | $3,315/mo | +3.6% | +63.8% |
| 2025 | $3,486/mo | +5.2% | +72.2% |
| 2026 | $3,552/mo | +1.9% | +75.5% |
Frequently asked questions
How much has rent in Santa Barbara changed since 2016?
Median rent in Santa Barbara, CA was $2,024 in 2016-05 and is $3,642 as of 2026-09 — a change of $1,618 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 +30.5% ($852 per month). The current median is $3,642.
What has rent in Santa Barbara done over the past decade?
Over the past 10 years, median rent in Santa Barbara, CA has changed +80.1% ($1,620 per month). It is now $3,642.
Is rent in Santa Barbara going up or down year over year?
Year over year, median rent in Santa Barbara, CA has increased +4.4% ($154/mo). Current median: $3,642.