Looking for a fresh start in a new Santa Barbara neighborhood that is actually affordable? Fortunately, there are some neighborhoods that still offer affordable cost of living. Listed below are the most affordable neighborhoods in Santa Barbara for 2026, ranked by their cost of living index. The cost of living index includes various items such as: goods and services, groceries, utilities, real estate and rental rates. For reference, the national average for cost of living is 100.

Population 1,748
-14%
Cost of Living Index 193 vs 225
14% lower than Santa Barbara
Population 10,032
-13%
Cost of Living Index 195 vs 225
13% lower than Santa Barbara
Population 10,661
-12%
Cost of Living Index 199 vs 225
12% lower than Santa Barbara
Population 2,479
-11%
Cost of Living Index 199 vs 225
11% lower than Santa Barbara
Population 15,247
-10%
Cost of Living Index 201 vs 225
10% lower than Santa Barbara
Population 7,475
-1%
Cost of Living Index 222 vs 225
1% lower than Santa Barbara
Population 5,486
0%
Cost of Living Index 225 vs 225
equal to Santa Barbara
Population 1,410
35%
Cost of Living Index 303 vs 225
35% higher than Santa Barbara
Is This the Right Place for You? Local Insights Report
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Local Insights Report