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ZIP Code · CA

ZIP 93103

Pop. 19,382·Santa Barbara County·55th most expensive ZIP in California
Median rent (all units)
$4,458/mo
Year-over-Year
+16.4%
Month-over-Month
+9.4%
vs US Median
+$2,493
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
ZIP 93103 · $4,458
More expensive than 98% of US ZIP codes · National median $1,965/mo
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Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$2,830
1 BR
$3,160
2 BR
$3,600
3 BR
$4,700
4 BR+
$5,350
Research median
$3,600/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost
$53,496/yr
At $4,458/mo median
Location
StateCA
CountySanta Barbara County
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 16.4% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+16.4% YoY, +9.4% MoM), not inventory.
Demographics

Who lives here

ZIP 93103 (Santa Barbara, CA) is majority renter-occupied, has a median income above the national average, 47.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
19,382
Median income
$122,159
Median age
41.7
Renters
56.9%
Age distribution
16.1%
26.7%
25.5%
12.2%
19.5%
Under 1816.1%
18–3426.7%
35–5425.5%
55–6412.2%
65+19.5%
Gender
49.2%
50.8%
Male49.2%
Female50.8%
Race & ethnicity
49.7%
48.8%
White49.7%
Black1.3%
Hispanic48.8%
Asian4.5%
Education (25+)
13.1%
15.2%
24.3%
47.4%
No HS diploma13.1%
HS diploma15.2%
Some college24.3%
Bachelor's+47.4%
Housing tenure
43.1%
56.9%
Owner43.1%
Renter56.9%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2021 vs 2026

How ZIP 93103 in Santa Barbara, CA has changed in 5 years

Income
$99,725 → $122,159
up 22.5%
Population
19,282 → 19,382
up 0.5%
Renter share
51.5% → 56.9%
+5.4 pts
Bachelor's+
45.1% → 47.4%
+2.3 pts
Median age
38.7 → 41.7
+3.0 yrs

On the earnings side, the typical household in ZIP 93103 in Santa Barbara, CA now reports about $122,159, up from $99,725 in 2021. Renters now make up 56.9% of households, compared with 51.5% five years ago. College-educated residents now make up 47.4% of adults here, versus 45.1% in 2021.

Community

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Local insights

Tips for renters in ZIP 93103

About renting in ZIP 93103

Last updated: July 20, 2026

ZIP code 93103 covers Santa Barbara, CA. The median rent here is $4,458/mo as of July 2026. A 1-bedroom rents for a median of $3,160/mo. A 2-bedroom rents for a median of $3,600/mo.

At 44% of local median household income ($122,159/yr), ZIP 93103 ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 16.4% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How much is rent in ZIP code 93103?

As of July 20, 2026, the median monthly rent in ZIP 93103 (Santa Barbara, CA) is $4,458. This is based on aggregated data from public sources and community submissions.

How does ZIP 93103 rent compare to the US average?

ZIP 93103's median rent of $4,458/mo is $2,493 (127%) above the US national median of $1,965/mo.

How does ZIP 93103 compare to other ZIPs in California?

ZIP 93103 is one of the pricier ZIP codes in California, ranking #55 out of 907 ZIPs tracked at $4,458/mo.

How much income do you need to rent in ZIP 93103?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $178,000/year (~$86/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $4,458/mo in ZIP 93103. The local median household income is $122,159/yr, meaning the typical household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in ZIP 93103?

Rent in ZIP 93103 has increased 16.4% over the past year as of July 20, 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

Is ZIP 93103 an affordable place to rent?

ZIP 93103 is considered stretched for renters. At $4,458/mo, rent takes approximately 44% of the local median household income ($122,159/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. ZIP 93103 significantly exceeds that threshold, making it challenging for many renters.

What percentage of ZIP 93103 residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 56.9% of ZIP 93103 households are renters, while 43.1% are owner-occupied. With a majority renter population, ZIP 93103 has a strong rental market.

How does ZIP 93103 compare to the rest of Santa Barbara?

ZIP 93103 is pricier than Santa Barbara as a whole. At $4,458/mo, it's $491 above the Santa Barbara citywide median of $3,967/mo.

When was rent data for ZIP 93103 last updated?

Rent data for ZIP 93103 reflects July 20, 2026. RentDataNow refreshes all data monthly using public and private datasets.
Income Affordability
44%
STRETCHED

At $4,458/mo, rent takes ~44% of ZIP 93103's median household income ($122,159/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

ZIP 93103 44%Benchmark 30%
State income tax1–13.3%
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Public schools near ZIP 93103 (Santa Barbara, CA)

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