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ZIP Code · CA

ZIP 93109

Pop. 10,915·Santa Barbara County·38th most expensive ZIP in California
Median rent (all units)
$4,838/mo
Year-over-Year
-18.9%
Month-over-Month
-12.8%
vs US Median
+$2,873
Falling (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
ZIP 93109 · $4,838
More expensive than 99% of US ZIP codes · National median $1,965/mo
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Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$3,500
1 BR
$3,900
2 BR
$4,440
3 BR
$5,790
4 BR+
$6,600
Research median
$4,440/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
$58,056/yr
At $4,838/mo median
Location
StateCA
CountySanta Barbara County
Rent Market Meter
Strong Renter's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are down 18.9% year-over-year. Push hard on price, concessions, and lease terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (-18.9% YoY, -12.8% MoM), not inventory.
Demographics

Who lives here

ZIP 93109 (Santa Barbara, CA) is majority owner-occupied, has a large retiree population, has a median income above the national average, 58.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
10,915
Median income
$123,347
Median age
42.4
Renters
44.5%
Age distribution
13.3%
29%
19.7%
12.8%
25.2%
Under 1813.3%
18–3429%
35–5419.7%
55–6412.8%
65+25.2%
Gender
49.2%
50.8%
Male49.2%
Female50.8%
Race & ethnicity
72.3%
19.1%
White72.3%
Black2.3%
Hispanic19.1%
Asian2.3%
Other4%
Education (25+)
26.1%
58.7%
No HS diploma3.4%
HS diploma11.8%
Some college26.1%
Bachelor's+58.7%
Housing tenure
55.5%
44.5%
Owner55.5%
Renter44.5%

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

2021 vs 2026

How ZIP 93109 in Santa Barbara, CA has changed in 5 years

Income
$107,364 → $123,347
up 14.9%
Population
11,291 → 10,915
down 3.3%
Renter share
46.3% → 44.5%
-1.8 pts
Bachelor's+
57.5% → 58.7%
+1.2 pts
Median age
43.6 → 42.4
-1.2 yrs

Local incomes tracked alongside that move, going from a median of $107,364 in 2021 to $123,347 more recently. The population has contracted by 3.3% since 2021, moving from about 11,291 residents to roughly 10,915. Renters now make up 44.5% of households, compared with 46.3% five years ago.

Community

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Local insights

Tips for renters in ZIP 93109

About renting in ZIP 93109

Last updated: July 20, 2026

ZIP code 93109 covers Santa Barbara, CA. The median rent here is $4,838/mo as of July 2026. A 1-bedroom rents for a median of $3,900/mo. A 2-bedroom rents for a median of $4,440/mo.

At 47% of local median household income ($123,347/yr), ZIP 93109 ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have decreased 18.9% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How much is rent in ZIP code 93109?

As of July 20, 2026, the median monthly rent in ZIP 93109 (Santa Barbara, CA) is $4,838. This is based on aggregated data from public sources and community submissions.

How does ZIP 93109 rent compare to the US average?

ZIP 93109's median rent of $4,838/mo is $2,873 (146%) above the US national median of $1,965/mo.

How does ZIP 93109 compare to other ZIPs in California?

ZIP 93109 is one of the pricier ZIP codes in California, ranking #38 out of 907 ZIPs tracked at $4,838/mo.

How much income do you need to rent in ZIP 93109?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $194,000/year (~$93/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $4,838/mo in ZIP 93109. The local median household income is $123,347/yr, meaning the typical household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in ZIP 93109?

Rent in ZIP 93109 has decreased 18.9% over the past year as of July 20, 2026, offering some relief compared to 12 months ago.

Is ZIP 93109 an affordable place to rent?

ZIP 93109 is considered stretched for renters. At $4,838/mo, rent takes approximately 47% of the local median household income ($123,347/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. ZIP 93109 significantly exceeds that threshold, making it challenging for many renters.

What percentage of ZIP 93109 residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 44.5% of ZIP 93109 households are renters, while 55.5% are owner-occupied. ZIP 93109 leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does ZIP 93109 compare to the rest of Santa Barbara?

ZIP 93109 is pricier than Santa Barbara as a whole. At $4,838/mo, it's $871 above the Santa Barbara citywide median of $3,967/mo.

When was rent data for ZIP 93109 last updated?

Rent data for ZIP 93109 reflects July 20, 2026. RentDataNow refreshes all data monthly using public and private datasets.
Income Affordability
47%
STRETCHED

At $4,838/mo, rent takes ~47% of ZIP 93109's median household income ($123,347/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

ZIP 93109 47%Benchmark 30%
State income tax1–13.3%
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Schools nearby

Public schools near ZIP 93109 (Santa Barbara, CA)

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