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

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Check availability on Santa Barbara Cheap Hotels

Tonight
26 Sept - 27 Sept
Tomorrow
27 Sept - 28 Sept
Next weekend
2 Oct - 4 Oct
In two weeks
9 Oct - 11 Oct

Our top choices for Santa Barbara cheap hotels

1. Sandpiper Lodge

Sandpiper Lodge
North State
United States
Greg
Rp1.963.952
Rp2.238.783 total
includes taxes & fees
5 Oct - 6 Oct
Sandpiper Lodge

2. Avania Inn of Santa Barbara

Avania Inn of Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara Beach
Canada
Julia
Rp3.045.300
Rp3.611.853 total
includes taxes & fees
30 Sept - 1 Oct
Avania Inn of Santa Barbara

3. Vagabond Inn Santa Barbara

Vagabond Inn Santa Barbara
North State
United States
chris
Rp1.762.327
Rp2.151.919 total
includes taxes & fees
1 Oct - 2 Oct
Vagabond Inn Santa Barbara

4. Beachside Inn

Beachside Inn
Santa Barbara Beach
United States
Simon
Rp3.480.343
Rp3.974.377 total
includes taxes & fees
30 Sept - 1 Oct
Beachside Inn

5. Oasis Inn & Suites

Oasis Inn & Suites
San Roque
United States
Dipesh
Rp2.124.728
Rp2.422.190 total
includes taxes & fees
4 Oct - 5 Oct
Oasis Inn & Suites

6. Motel 6 Santa Barbara, CA - Beach

Motel 6 Santa Barbara, CA - Beach
Santa Barbara Beach
United States
Tammy
Rp2.434.629
Rp2.780.336 total
includes taxes & fees
25 Oct - 26 Oct
Motel 6 Santa Barbara, CA - Beach

7. Ala Mar by the Sea

Ala Mar by the Sea
Santa Barbara Beach
United States
cinthya
Rp2.242.566
Rp3.134.038 total
includes taxes & fees
28 Sept - 29 Sept
Ala Mar by the Sea

8. The Inn at East Beach

The Inn at East Beach
Santa Barbara Beach
United States
Joseph
Rp2.457.199
Rp2.801.208 total
includes taxes & fees
12 Oct - 13 Oct
The Inn at East Beach

9. Villa Rosa Inn

Villa Rosa Inn
Santa Barbara Beach
United States
Elizabeth
Rp2.655.856
Rp3.617.588 total
includes taxes & fees
27 Sept - 28 Sept
Villa Rosa Inn

10. Hyatt Place Santa Barbara

Hyatt Place Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara
United States
Robert
Rp3.423.949
Rp4.032.167 total
includes taxes & fees
27 Sept - 28 Sept
Hyatt Place Santa Barbara
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 budget-conscious travellers seeking an affordable yet enjoyable stay in Santa Barbara, here are five excellent hotel options. Each hotel offers comfortable accommodations and essential amenities to make your visit memorable without breaking the bank.Marina Beach Motel

  • Why it's great for a budget-friendly vacation: With a stellar review rating of 9.8, Marina Beach Motel is perfect for budget-conscious guests who value comfort and convenience. This motel offers free continental breakfast, WiFi, and self-parking, ensuring that guests can enjoy their stay while keeping costs low.
  • Other amenities: Guests will appreciate the onsite bicycle rentals, as well as the lovely terrace and furnished patio areas. The motel is also conveniently located near the beach and boardwalk, with opportunities for nearby winery tours, hiking, and biking. Each room comes equipped with kitchenettes, making it easy to prepare simple meals during your stay.
  • 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

Top Santa Barbara Hotel Reviews

The Milo

The Milo

10/10 Excellent
"Love the hotel its space was very clean. The staff are wonderful here. The staff makes this place great. So accommodating. HR was on the ball on whoever hired their staff here. ♥️"
Sophie 2-night trip
Posted 4 hours ago
The Milo
Sandpiper Lodge

Sandpiper Lodge

8/10 Good
"Very clean and breakfast was fine."
James 1-night trip
Posted 10 hours ago
Sandpiper Lodge
Brisas del Mar, Inn at the Beach

Brisas del Mar, Inn at the Beach

10/10 Excellent
"The pool was freezing cold, other than that excellent"
Cory 3-night trip
Posted 21 hours ago
Brisas del Mar, Inn at the Beach
Hotel Santa Barbara

Hotel Santa Barbara

10/10 Excellent
"I was thoroughly impressed with the cleanliness, the design, the professional, friendly staff. Everything was just amazing could not be happier."
Michael 1-night trip
Posted 2 days ago
Hotel Santa Barbara
Vagabond Inn Santa Barbara

Vagabond Inn Santa Barbara

10/10 Excellent
"Room was clean and ready and staff was very friendly"
chris 1-night trip
Posted 4 days ago
Vagabond Inn Santa Barbara
Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort

Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort

10/10 Excellent
"😊"
Nerissa 1-night trip
Posted 4 days ago
Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort

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, Beachside Inn is a popular hotel for our travellers who want a more economical choice, and features free buffet breakfast and free Wi-Fi. Other good options to stay on the cheap include Sandpiper Lodge and Avania Inn of Santa Barbara.
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.

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