Find Cheap Hotels in Santa Barbara, CA

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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, (2002)
"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 ₩159,569
₩181,909 total
includes taxes & fees
Jan 20 - Jan 21, 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, (1197)
"Great location,very nice staff!"
United States
Patricia
The price is ₩152,905
₩174,609 total
includes taxes & fees
Jan 11 - Jan 12, 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, (1817)
"Love the architecture / courtyard of the hotel"
United States
Ohlisa
The price is ₩234,147
₩267,385 total
includes taxes & fees
Jan 11 - Jan 12, 2026
Inn By The Harbor

The Franciscan Hotel

The Franciscan Hotel
2.5 star property
Santa Barbara Beach
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (1011)
"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, (1000)
"Perfect location, great value, cute rooms"
United States
Stan
The price is ₩184,686
₩210,897 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 24 - Dec 25
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, (1014)
"great stay"
United States
Prabhat
The price is ₩204,706
₩233,763 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 22 - Dec 23
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, (1000)
"It was a nice room at a nice price - and nice staff too."
United States
Jessica
The price is ₩93,082
₩109,822 total
includes taxes & fees
Jan 4 - Jan 5, 2026
Town and Country Inn

Lemon Tree Inn

Lemon Tree Inn
3.5 star property
North State
8.4 out of 10, Very Good, (1150)
"Clean, comfortable, quiet, and excellent restaurant and staff"
United States
Davita
The price is ₩126,325
₩144,262 total
includes taxes & fees
Jan 5 - Jan 6, 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, (1008)
"Staff was welcoming and check in was quick."
United States
Mike
The price is ₩218,342
₩253,703 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 22 - Dec 23
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 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.

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

Frequently asked questions

What is Santa Barbara like for travelers on a budget?
Santa Barbara has a variety of cheap accommodations and things to do, making it a budget-friendly vacation choice. You can find ways to save money while getting to know this destination, which is home to attractions like Santa Barbara Museum of Art, Granada Theatre, and Arlington Theater.
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 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, 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.