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

Budget Hotels in Santa Barbara, California

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Check availability on Santa Barbara Budget Hotels

Tonight
Aug 26 - Aug 27
Tomorrow
Aug 27 - Aug 28
This weekend
Aug 28 - Aug 30
Next weekend
Sep 4 - Sep 6

Our top choices for Santa Barbara cheap hotels

1. Avania Inn of Santa Barbara

Avania Inn of Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara Beach
Canada
Julia
P9,941
P11,815 total
includes taxes & fees
Aug 30 - Aug 31
Avania Inn of Santa Barbara

2. Sandpiper Lodge

Sandpiper Lodge
North State
United States
Vania
P8,083
P9,214 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 7 - Sep 8
Sandpiper Lodge

3. Ramada by Wyndham Santa Barbara

Ramada by Wyndham Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara
United States
BRENDA
P10,337
P12,011 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 7 - Sep 8
Ramada by Wyndham Santa Barbara

4. Motel 6 Santa Barbara, CA - Beach

Motel 6 Santa Barbara, CA - Beach
Santa Barbara Beach
United States
David S
P8,840
P10,095 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 7 - Sep 8
Motel 6 Santa Barbara, CA - Beach

5. Hyatt Place Santa Barbara

Hyatt Place Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara
United States
michelle
P12,012
P14,142 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 8 - Sep 9
Hyatt Place Santa Barbara

6. Lemon Tree Inn

Lemon Tree Inn
North State
United States
Ian
P7,553
P8,626 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 1 - Sep 2
Lemon Tree Inn

7. Vagabond Inn Santa Barbara

Vagabond Inn Santa Barbara
North State
United States
Elizabeth
P7,099
P8,586 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 1 - Sep 2
Vagabond Inn Santa Barbara

8. Beachside Inn

Beachside Inn
Santa Barbara Beach
United States
Liam
P11,108
P12,684 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 8 - Sep 9
Beachside Inn

9. Casa Jardin

Casa Jardin
Laguna
United States
Yessica
P8,090
P13,797 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 21 - Sep 22
Casa Jardin

10. Haley Hotel

Haley Hotel
Downtown Santa Barbara
United States
Diana
P10,601
P12,702 total
includes taxes & fees
Aug 30 - Aug 31
Haley Hotel
View all properties

Find out more about Santa Barbara

Discover cheap things to do in Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara offers a delightful blend of budget-friendly activities and attractions for the discerning traveler. Start your adventure at the picturesque Santa Barbara Mission, a historic site with beautiful gardens that you can explore for free. Next, visit the Santa Barbara County Courthouse, where you can climb the clock tower for stunning panoramic views of the city and coastline at no cost. For a dose of art and culture, the Santa Barbara Museum of Art features free admission on Sundays, showcasing an impressive collection of American and European art. Families will love the Santa Barbara Zoo, where you can enjoy discounted tickets on certain days, making it an affordable outing with the kids. Lastly, head to the Funk Zone, a vibrant arts district filled with local galleries, street art, and wine tasting rooms—many of which offer reasonably priced options. For accommodations, consider the downtown area, where you’ll find various budget-friendly hotels that provide easy access to these attractions, allowing you to explore the charming streets, beautiful beaches, and local eateries without breaking the bank. Enjoy freshly caught seafood at local food trucks or grab a quick bite at one of the many cafes offering delicious meals at wallet-friendly prices.

La Playa Inn

  • Why it's great for a budget-friendly vacation: La Playa Inn offers travelers a budget-friendly stay with an excellent review rating of 9.6. This inviting inn provides free Wi-Fi and self-parking, ensuring that guests can enjoy their vacation without overspending. The hotel features a lovely terrace and patio area, perfect for guests looking to relax outside after a day of fun in the sun.
  • Other amenities: Guests can also benefit from a convenient location near the beach and boardwalk, allowing for easy access to Santa Barbara's attractions. Other amenities include air conditioning for comfort and designer toiletries for a touch of luxury at an affordable price. With off-street parking and a friendly concierge, La Playa Inn is an excellent choice for budget-minded travelers.
  • Neighborhood: Santa Barbara Beach
  • Nearby attractions: Leadbetter Beach - 0.58 miles, MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation - 0.64 miles, Santa Barbara Harbor - 0.65 miles

Avania Inn of Santa Barbara

  • Why it's great for a budget-friendly vacation: A fantastic choice for budget-conscious travelers, Avania Inn of Santa Barbara boasts a high guest review rating of 9.2. This hotel offers free self-parking and a complimentary daily breakfast, ensuring guests can start their day without added expenses. Guests will appreciate the outdoor pool and hot tub, perfect for relaxation after exploring nearby attractions.
  • Other amenities: Additional features include free Wi-Fi, designer toiletries, and air conditioning for a comfortable stay. The hotel is conveniently located near the beach and boardwalk, allowing guests to easily enjoy Santa Barbara's stunning coastline. With nearby golf and various outdoor activities, the Avania Inn makes for a great base to explore the area.
  • Neighborhood: Santa Barbara Beach
  • Nearby attractions: Leadbetter Beach - 0.62 miles, MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation - 0.62 miles, Santa Barbara Harbor - 0.69 miles

Top Santa Barbara Hotel Reviews

Brisas del Mar, Inn at the Beach

Brisas del Mar, Inn at the Beach

10/10 Excellent
"The front desk staff were very friendly and provided excellent service. However, the room felt a little dated, and the mattress was not very comfortable."
Jin Ying 2-night trip
Posted 5 hours ago
Brisas del Mar, Inn at the Beach
Avania Inn of Santa Barbara

Avania Inn of Santa Barbara

10/10 Excellent
"The room was fantastic! I had a few reservations when I found out staff isn’t there overnight but completely safe and so close to the beach!"
Rosalinda 2-night trip
Posted 6 hours ago
Avania Inn of Santa Barbara
The Milo

The Milo

10/10 Excellent
"Wonderful experience at character-filled property, staff super helpful and nice. We checked out the bikes every day twice and never had any issues. We swam in both pools and explored the fire pits. Our room was very close to the street so not very peaceful but we had a nice view of pool and a bit of ocean. Would definitely return. Love the Milo!"
Cornelia 3-night trip
Posted 8 hours ago
The Milo
Best Western Plus Santa Barbara

Best Western Plus Santa Barbara

8/10 Good
"Lovely hotel in a nice location. Free parking. A few issues with the shower not working initially however this seemed to resolve itself. Would stay again"
Rebekah 1-night trip
Posted 8 hours ago
Best Western Plus Santa Barbara
Vagabond Inn Santa Barbara

Vagabond Inn Santa Barbara

8/10 Good
"The room was very clean"
Jeff 1-night trip
Posted 12 hours ago
Vagabond Inn Santa Barbara
Hotel Santa Barbara

Hotel Santa Barbara

10/10 Excellent
"The staff were friendly and helpful! The rooms were clean. I got a historic queen room. I’d go back again to stay at this hotel!"
Sara 2-night trip
Posted 14 hours ago
Hotel Santa Barbara
Ramada by Wyndham Santa Barbara

Ramada by Wyndham Santa Barbara

10/10 Excellent
"Good"
Alex 1-night trip
Posted 16 hours ago
Ramada by Wyndham Santa Barbara
FOUND Hotels, Santa Barbara, Series by Marriott

FOUND Hotels, Santa Barbara, Series by Marriott

10/10 Excellent
"We really enjoyed our stay at Found! Very quaint, clean, and very enjoyable. Free parking was surprising and always appreciated! Would definitely stay here again when coming to the Santa Barbara area!"
Kelly 3-night trip
Posted 1 day ago
FOUND Hotels, Santa Barbara, Series by Marriott
Mar Monte Hotel, in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt

Mar Monte Hotel, in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt

10/10 Excellent
"The Mar Monte Hotel was a lovely place to stay for a girls getaway... it was right across the street from the beach; the restaurants on site were fantastic, we loved the free bikes and beach chairs, and the pool was great. We had a noisy air conditioner the first night and got moved to a new room with a balcony which was lovely. Great stay!"
Julie Marie 3-night trip
Posted 5 days ago
Mar Monte Hotel, in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt

Frequently asked questions

What is Santa Barbara like for travelers on a budget?
Santa Barbara has cheap accommodation options and a variety of places to visit, making it a great choice for a budget-friendly getaway. You can find ways to save money while getting to know this destination, which is home to attractions like Arlington Theater, Santa Barbara Bowl, and MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation.
What's the best accommodation for a budget-friendly stay in Santa Barbara?
Based on reviews, Inn By The Harbor is a popular hotel for our travelers who want a more economical choice, and features free breakfast and free WiFi. Other options to stay on the cheap include Sandpiper Lodge and Avania Inn of Santa Barbara.
How many budget hotels will I be able to 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, and keep 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 temp of 71°F, while the coldest months are February and January with an average of 56°F. Average annual precipitation for Santa Barbara is 15 inches.
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 plan some activities that cost little or nothing at all. If you're looking to enjoy the area's natural beauty, you can get outdoors at Leadbetter Beach, East Beach, or Arroyo Burro Beach.
How can I get to Santa Barbara and get around on a budget?
Checking out these ways to get around Santa Barbara is a smart way to keep your trip affordable. The closest airport is 7.6 mi (12.2 km) from the center in Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA). If that doesn't suit your budget, you can look into flights to Santa Ynez, CA (SQA), which is 24.7 mi (39.7 km) away. If you want to explore the larger area, hop aboard a train at Santa Barbara Station.

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