A coastal town with a beach, houses, and mountains in the background.

Santa Barbara Budget Hotels from RM662

  • Change your mind

    Book hotels with free cancellation

  • Treat yourself

    Sign in to save 10% or more on thousands of hotels
    Sign in

  • Be picky

    Search almost a million properties worldwide

Check availability on Santa Barbara Budget Hotels

Tonight
23 Oct - 24 Oct
Tomorrow
24 Oct - 25 Oct
This weekend
23 Oct - 25 Oct
Next weekend
30 Oct - 1 Nov

Our top choices for Santa Barbara cheap hotels

A hotel room with a large bed, a sofa, a desk, and a nightstand.
A hotel room with a bed, a desk, and a chair. There is a large window with a view of palm trees and a balcony.
A building entrance with a set of stairs leading up to a door marked with the number 128.
A modern kitchen with a central island, wooden flooring, and a dining area with orange chairs and a table.

1. Avania Inn of Santa Barbara

Avania Inn of Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara Beach
United States
Anne
RM584
RM698 total
includes taxes & fees
26 Oct - 27 Oct
Avania Inn of Santa Barbara
A spacious living room with a round wooden coffee table, two blue armchairs, and a patterned armchair.
A spacious living area with a sofa, armchairs, a coffee table, and a reception desk.
A modern kitchen with built-in appliances, a refrigerator, a coffee maker, and a toaster.
A swimming pool with a tiled deck, lounge chairs, and a palm tree.

2. Sandpiper Lodge

Sandpiper Lodge
North State
United States
alva
RM460
RM524 total
includes taxes & fees
25 Oct - 26 Oct
Sandpiper Lodge
A modern living room with two grey sofas, a small woven stool, and a large wall clock.
A hotel room with a bed, two armchairs, a small table with a lamp, and a large window offering a view of the beach and palm trees.
A spacious lobby with large windows, comfortable seating, a reception desk, and a bookshelf.
A balcony with two chairs and a small table, overlooking a marina with boats and palm trees.

3. Beachside Inn

Beachside Inn
Santa Barbara Beach
United States
Jose
RM670
RM765 total
includes taxes & fees
27 Oct - 28 Oct
Beachside Inn
A hotel room with two beds, a desk, and a window.
A hotel reception area with a coffee machine, jars, a tray, a mirror, and a certificate on the wall.
A variety of cacti in a planter on a balcony with a view of a pool and lounge chairs.
A cactus plant in a terracotta pot on a table.

4. The Presidio

The Presidio
Santa Barbara
United States
Rhea
RM526
RM600 total
includes taxes & fees
5 Nov - 6 Nov
The Presidio
A hotel room with two beds, a wooden floor, a desk with a chair, and a door leading to a bathroom.
A Rose Garden Inn sign with a rose logo and the name.
A bathroom with a white sink, a mirror, a hairdryer, and a towel rack.
A hotel room with a large bed, a chair, a nightstand with a lamp, and a framed picture on the wall.

5. Rose Garden Inn

Rose Garden Inn
North State
United States
K.
RM459
RM524 total
includes taxes & fees
25 Oct - 26 Oct
Rose Garden Inn
A reception area with a counter, potted plants, a coffee station, and a view through large glass doors.
A hotel room with a bed, a TV, a desk, and a view of the street and palm trees outside.
A hotel entrance with a sign reading "The Inn at East Beach," a covered patio area, and bicycles parked outside.
A modern kitchen with a central island, a coffee station, and a view of greenery outside.

6. The Inn at East Beach

The Inn at East Beach
Santa Barbara Beach
United States
Gustavo
RM496
RM566 total
includes taxes & fees
2 Nov - 3 Nov
The Inn at East Beach
A two-story building with a balcony, palm trees, and a sign that reads "Castillo Inn."
A building with a sign reading "Castillo Inn at the Beach" indicating a hotel.
A living room with a TV, a painting, and a red chair with a patterned pillow.
A hotel reception desk with a computer monitor, a newspaper, and a sign stating "NO PETS - NO CHECKS - NO LATE CHECK-OUTS".

7. Castillo Inn at the Beach

Castillo Inn at the Beach
Santa Barbara Beach
United States
Wesley
RM649
RM741 total
includes taxes & fees
2 Nov - 3 Nov
Castillo Inn at the Beach
A coastal road leading to a pier with a view of the ocean and beach.
A spacious indoor area with large windows, wooden benches, a sofa, and a coffee table.
A modern kitchen with a wooden countertop, a blue chair, and a television mounted on the wall.
A building with a central courtyard, surrounded by palm trees and a clear blue sky.

8. ITH Santa Barbara Surf Hostel

ITH Santa Barbara Surf Hostel
Santa Barbara Beach
United States
NAYA
RM445
RM508 total
includes taxes & fees
26 Oct - 27 Oct
ITH Santa Barbara Surf Hostel
A large, two-story building with a tiled roof, surrounded by palm trees and a well-maintained garden.
A table with a pitcher, wine glasses, and snacks by a window with a view of palm trees and a building.
A pathway flanked by lush greenery and palm trees, leading to a building with a tiled roof.
An outdoor patio with tables and chairs, a pergola with vines, and a view of greenery.

9. Inn By The Harbor

Inn By The Harbor
Santa Barbara Beach
United Kingdom
Tricia
RM923
RM1,054 total
includes taxes & fees
25 Oct - 26 Oct
Inn By The Harbor
A hotel room with two beds, a desk, a chair, a mirror, and a refrigerator.
A vending machine with multiple beverage options and snack choices.
A spacious lobby with large windows, a tiled floor, and an exit sign.
An aerial view of a hotel with a rooftop pool, parking lot, and surrounding greenery.

10. Vagabond Inn Santa Barbara - Carpinteria South

Vagabond Inn Santa Barbara - Carpinteria South
Carpinteria
United States
Stephen
RM310
RM373 total
includes taxes & fees
8 Nov - 9 Nov
Vagabond Inn Santa Barbara - Carpinteria South
View all properties

Find out more about Santa Barbara

Discover cheap things to do in Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, with its stunning coastal views and vibrant culture, offers plenty for the budget-conscious traveller. Start your adventure at the Santa Barbara Mission, a historical gem known as the 'Queen of the Missions,' where you can explore beautiful gardens and learn about California’s history for just a small donation. Next, take a leisurely stroll along the beachfront at East Beach, where you can soak up the sun and enjoy a picnic with stunning ocean views—all for free! Don’t miss the bustling Santa Barbara Farmers Market on Tuesdays and Saturdays, where you can taste local produce and grab affordable snacks while supporting local vendors. For those keen on art, the Santa Barbara Contemporary Arts Forum hosts free exhibitions showcasing regional artists. When it comes to accommodation, consider staying in the Funk Zone, a trendy area dotted with budget-friendly hotels and hostels. This vibrant neighbourhood is packed with local eateries and tasting rooms, making it easy to sample the renowned Santa Barbara wine scene without breaking the bank. With easy access to both the beach and local attractions, you can truly enjoy an enriching experience without overspending.

Find the best cheap hotels in Santa Barbara

For travellers seeking budget-friendly options in Santa Barbara, these hotels offer excellent value without sacrificing comfort or convenience.Marina Beach Motel

  • Why it's great for a budget-friendly vacation: For those seeking exceptional value, the Marina Beach Motel shines with a stellar review rating of 9.8. This budget-friendly motel offers free continental breakfast and Wi-Fi, along with free self-parking, making it a convenient choice for beach lovers. Guests can enjoy comfortable rooms equipped with kitchenettes, allowing for easy meal preparation during their stay.
  • Other amenities: Beyond the essentials, the Marina Beach Motel features a furnished patio and patio for outdoor enjoyment, as well as complimentary bicycles to explore the coastal area. With nearby access to the beach, winery tours, and various outdoor activities, travelers can immerse themselves in the vibrant Santa Barbara lifestyle without overspending.
  • Neighborhood: Santa Barbara Beach
  • Nearby attractions: MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation - 0.7 km, Santa Barbara Harbor - 0.2 km, Stearns Wharf - 0.9 km

La Playa Inn

  • Why it's great for a budget-friendly vacation: La Playa Inn is a charming budget option with a solid guest review rating of 9.6, ideal for travellers looking for affordability without sacrificing comfort. The hotel features free Wi-Fi and toiletries, along with free self-parking to make your stay as convenient as possible. Its prime location near Santa Barbara Beach allows guests to enjoy the sun and sand just a short walk away.
  • Other amenities: Guests can relax on the terrace or patio, and the hotel offers air conditioning for added comfort. With a concierge service available, guests can easily plan their local adventures. The hotel also boasts a balcony for those looking to enjoy the ocean breeze right from their room.
  • Neighborhood: Santa Barbara Beach
  • Nearby attractions: Leadbetter Beach - 0.9 km, MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation - 1 km, Santa Barbara Harbor - 1 km

Avania Inn of Santa Barbara

  • Why it's great for a budget-friendly vacation: The Avania Inn of Santa Barbara is an ideal choice for budget-conscious travellers looking for comfort and convenience. With an impressive review rating of 9.2, travelers can enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi and a delicious free breakfast daily, ensuring a pleasant start to each day. The hotel also features free self-parking, making it easy for travelers to explore the stunning nearby beaches without the hassle of parking fees.
  • Other amenities: In addition to its budget-friendly amenities, the Avania Inn boasts a terrace for relaxation, an outdoor pool perfect for a refreshing dip, and easy access to the beach and boardwalk. Guests will appreciate the thoughtful touches, such as designer toiletries and air conditioning, ensuring a comfortable stay. With golf nearby and a scenic ocean location, this inn is a fantastic base for Santa Barbara adventures.
  • Neighborhood: Santa Barbara Beach
  • Nearby attractions: MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation - 1 km, Leadbetter Beach - 1 km, Santa Barbara Harbor - 1.1 km

Avania Inn of Santa Barbara

  • Why it's great for a budget-friendly vacation: Avania Inn of Santa Barbara is a fantastic choice for budget travellers, an impressive guest review rating of 9.2. Guests will appreciate the complimentary breakfast options, including a self-serve breakfast, which makes mornings a breeze. The hotel also features free self-parking, ensuring convenience without extra costs while being located just steps from the beautiful Santa Barbara Beach.
  • Other amenities: In addition to the budget-friendly offerings, guests can unwind on the terrace or take a refreshing dip in the outdoor pool. The hotel provides air conditioning for comfort, designer toiletries for a touch of luxury, and easy access to nearby beach locations for sun-soaked days. With features like hot tub access and nearby golf, Avania Inn is well-equipped for a fun-filled getaway.
  • Neighborhood: Santa Barbara Beach
  • Nearby attractions: Leadbetter Beach - 1 km, MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation - 1 km, Santa Barbara Harbor - 1.1 km

Top Santa Barbara Hotel Reviews

Sandpiper Lodge

Sandpiper Lodge

10/10 Excellent
"surprisingly nice /strong jets in hot tub!"
Harlan 1-night trip
Posted 14 hours ago
Sandpiper Lodge
West Beach Inn, a Coast Hotel

West Beach Inn, a Coast Hotel

10/10 Excellent
"We loved this hotel. It was our second time to stay there. The view is absolutely incredible. Will stay there again."
Kathi 2-night trip
Posted 2 days ago
West Beach Inn, a Coast Hotel
Motel 6 Santa Barbara, CA - Beach

Motel 6 Santa Barbara, CA - Beach

10/10 Excellent
"Super clean room and easy to get around."
Carlos 1-night trip
Posted 2 days ago
Motel 6 Santa Barbara, CA - Beach
Ramada by Wyndham Santa Barbara

Ramada by Wyndham Santa Barbara

10/10 Excellent
"Clean room"
Norma 1-night trip
Posted 3 days ago
Ramada by Wyndham Santa Barbara

Frequently asked questions

What is Santa Barbara like for travellers on a budget?
Santa Barbara has cheap accommodation options and a range of things to see and do, making it a budget-friendly holiday choice. You can find ways to save money while getting to know this destination, which is home to attractions such as Arlington Theater, Lobero Theater and Presidio Santa Barbara.
What's the best budget-friendly accommodation in Santa Barbara?
Based on reviews, Inn By The Harbor is a popular hotel for our travellers who want a more economical choice, and features free breakfast and free Wi-Fi. Other good options to stay on the cheap include Avania Inn of Santa Barbara and Sandpiper Lodge.
How many low-cost hotels will I find in Santa Barbara?
Expedia has 10 hotels in Santa Barbara that are ideal if you are watching your pennies.
When is the best time for a budget trip to Santa Barbara?
Weather will likely play an important role when you plan your trip to Santa Barbara, but bear in mind that cheaper options are usually available when the weather isn't as good. The hottest months are usually August and September, with an average temperature of 22°C, while the coldest months are February and January, with an average of 13°C. Average annual precipitation for Santa Barbara is 392 mm.
What is there to see and do in Santa Barbara?
Santa Barbara attracts visitors with its fine wine and fantastic dining options, and offers plenty to see and do without spending a fortune. You can budget for the local attractions that interest you most, and then make time for sights and activities that cost little or nothing at all. If you're looking to enjoy the area's natural beauty, you can get outdoors at West Beach, Leadbetter Beach or East Beach.
How can I get to Santa Barbara and get around on a budget?
Looking at these ways to get around Santa Barbara is a smart way to keep your trip affordable. The nearest airport is Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal), situated 7.6 mi (12.2 km) away. If that doesn't suit your budget, you can arrange flights in and out of Santa Ynez, CA (SQA), which is 24.7 mi (39.7 km) away. To see more of the larger area, hop on a train at Santa Barbara Station.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia