Search Cheap Hotels in Santa Barbara

Start date: Check-in selected.
To Date
End date: Check-out
  • Change your mind

    Book hotels with free cancellation
  • Treat yourself

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

    Search almost a million properties worldwide

Check availability on Santa Barbara Cheap Hotels

This weekend
Next weekend

Our top choices for Santa Barbara cheap hotels

Avania Inn of Santa Barbara

Avania Inn of Santa Barbara
2.5 star property
Santa Barbara Beach
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (2007)
"Definetly would stay here again!"
United States
David
Avania Inn of Santa Barbara

Blue Sands Inn, A Kirkwood Collection Hotel

Blue Sands Inn, A Kirkwood Collection Hotel
4.0 star property
Santa Barbara Beach
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (967)
"Great hotel, super clean and modern. Awesome little kitchen and a fantastic bathroom."
United States
James
The price is Rp1.811.916
Rp2.065.584 total
includes taxes & fees
20 Jan - 21 Jan 2026
Blue Sands Inn, A Kirkwood Collection Hotel

Motel 6 Santa Barbara, CA - Beach

Motel 6 Santa Barbara, CA - Beach
2.0 star property
Santa Barbara Beach
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (1202)
"Great location,very nice staff!"
United States
Patricia
The price is Rp1.736.252
Rp1.982.706 total
includes taxes & fees
11 Jan - 12 Jan 2026
Motel 6 Santa Barbara, CA - Beach

Inn By The Harbor

Inn By The Harbor
3.5 star property
Santa Barbara Beach
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (1825)
"Love the architecture / courtyard of the hotel"
United States
Ohlisa
The price is Rp2.800.600
Rp3.198.144 total
includes taxes & fees
22 Jan - 23 Jan 2026
Inn By The Harbor

The Franciscan Hotel

The Franciscan Hotel
2.5 star property
Santa Barbara Beach
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (1013)
"Great hotel"
United States
LEI
The Franciscan Hotel

Castillo Inn at the Beach

Castillo Inn at the Beach
2.5 star property
Santa Barbara Beach
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (1001)
"Perfect location, great value, cute rooms"
United States
Stan
The price is Rp2.093.750
Rp2.390.895 total
includes taxes & fees
5 Jan - 6 Jan 2026
Castillo Inn at the Beach

Best Western Plus Pepper Tree Inn

Best Western Plus Pepper Tree Inn
3.0 star property
North State
8.4 out of 10, Very good, (1019)
"great stay"
United States
Prabhat
The price is Rp2.491.563
Rp2.845.323 total
includes taxes & fees
30 Dec - 31 Dec
Best Western Plus Pepper Tree Inn

Town and Country Inn

Town and Country Inn
2.5 star property
North State
7.6 out of 10, Good, (1003)
"It was a nice room at a nice price - and nice staff too."
United States
Jessica
The price is Rp1.055.250
Rp1.245.028 total
includes taxes & fees
15 Jan - 16 Jan 2026
Town and Country Inn

Lemon Tree Inn

Lemon Tree Inn
3.5 star property
North State
8.4 out of 10, Very good, (1151)
"Clean, comfortable, quiet, and excellent restaurant and staff"
United States
Davita
The price is Rp1.432.125
Rp1.635.470 total
includes taxes & fees
5 Jan - 6 Jan 2026
Lemon Tree Inn

Ramada by Wyndham Santa Barbara

Ramada by Wyndham Santa Barbara
3.0 star property
Santa Barbara
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (1013)
"Staff was welcoming and check in was quick."
United States
Mike
The price is Rp2.552.621
Rp2.966.006 total
includes taxes & fees
24 Dec - 25 Dec
Ramada by Wyndham Santa Barbara
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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

Frequently asked questions

What is Santa Barbara like for travellers 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 such as Santa Barbara Museum of Art, Granada Theatre and Arlington Theater.
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 Sandpiper Lodge and Avania Inn of Santa Barbara.
How many low-cost hotels will I find in Santa Barbara?
Expedia has 11 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 Leadbetter Beach, East Beach or Arroyo Burro 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.