City · 12,121 residents · Santa Barbara County, California
University of California-Santa Barbara, California
In University of California-Santa Barbara, a typical home is worth $452,900 and typical rent is $1,526 a month. Compared with all of Santa Barbara County, the typical home value is 43% lower and typical household income is 29% lower.
University of California-Santa Barbara is in Santa Barbara County. The FHA loan limit ($941,850 for a one-unit home), the fair market rents and the help on this page are those of all of Santa Barbara County. See the county
What sets University of California-Santa Barbara apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
1
The typical home in University of California-Santa Barbara is worth $452,900,43% less than in Santa Barbara County as a whole ($790,700).
2
The typical household income in University of California-Santa Barbara is $69,327,29% less than in Santa Barbara County as a whole ($98,161).
3
The typical rent in University of California-Santa Barbara is $1,526 a month, 28% less than in Santa Barbara County as a whole ($2,131).
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau (Average 2020–2024).
The homes here
Housing in University of California-Santa Barbara
What homes there are in University of California-Santa Barbara, what they cost, how that changed and how people live, from Census figures (2020–2024).
What homes there are
U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year, 2020–2024
Kind of home
Detached houseAttached houseBuilding of 2 to 4Apartments (5 or more)Mobile homeBoat, RV and otherUnreliable estimate
University of California-Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara County
California
United States
Kind of home: University of California-Santa Barbara and its comparisons
Measure
University of California-Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara County
California
United States
Detached house
Unreliable estimate
56%
57%
61%
Attached house
Unreliable estimate
8%
7%
6%
Building of 2 to 4
Unreliable estimate
9%
8%
8%
Apartments (5 or more)
Unreliable estimate
22%
24%
19%
Mobile home
Unreliable estimate
5%
4%
6%
Boat, RV and other
Unreliable estimate
Unreliable estimate
0%
0%
Year built
Before 19601960–19791980–19992000–20092010 or laterUnreliable estimate
University of California-Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara County
California
United States
Year built: University of California-Santa Barbara and its comparisons
Measure
University of California-Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara County
California
United States
Before 1960
Unreliable estimate
23%
27%
26%
1960–1979
33%
38%
29%
24%
1980–1999
47%
24%
25%
25%
2000–2009
9%
9%
11%
14%
2010 or later
Unreliable estimate
7%
8%
11%
Homes in University of California-Santa Barbara are newer: the typical year built is 1982; in Santa Barbara County, 1974.
What it costs here
U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year, 2020–2024
Value of owner-occupied homes
Unreliable estimate
Under $100KUnreliable
$100K–$200KUnreliable
$200K–$300KUnreliable
$300K–$500K89%
$500K–$750KUnreliable
$750K–$1MUnreliable
$1M or moreUnreliable
Value of owner-occupied homes: University of California-Santa Barbara and its comparisons
Measure
University of California-Santa Barbara
Under $100K
Unreliable
$100K–$200K
Unreliable
$200K–$300K
Unreliable
$300K–$500K
89%
$500K–$750K
Unreliable
$750K–$1M
Unreliable estimate
$1M or more
Unreliable estimate
Monthly rent with utilities
Unreliable estimate
Under $500Unreliable
$500–$999Unreliable
$1,000–$1,49940%
$1,500–$1,99945%
$2,000–$2,499Unreliable
$2,500–$2,999Unreliable
$3,000 or moreUnreliable
Monthly rent with utilities: University of California-Santa Barbara and its comparisons
Measure
University of California-Santa Barbara
Under $500
Unreliable
$500–$999
Unreliable estimate
$1,000–$1,499
40%
$1,500–$1,999
45%
$2,000–$2,499
Unreliable estimate
$2,500–$2,999
Unreliable estimate
$3,000 or more
Unreliable estimate
With a mortgage
$3,190 a month
Santa Barbara County: $2,973 a month
Without a mortgage
$1,293 a month
Santa Barbara County: $831 a month
Owning costs more in University of California-Santa Barbara: with a mortgage, the typical cost is $3,190 a month; in Santa Barbara County, $2,973. Without one, $1,293.
How it changed
U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year, 2015–2019 and 2020–2024
Change since 2015–2019
Typical home value
University of California-Santa BarbaraBoundaries changed
Santa Barbara County+37%
California+46%
United States+53%
Typical rent
University of California-Santa BarbaraBoundaries changed
Santa Barbara County+30%
California+36%
United States+33%
Typical household income
University of California-Santa BarbaraBoundaries changed
Santa Barbara County+32%
California+32%
United States+29%
Change since 2015–2019: University of California-Santa Barbara and its comparisons
Measure
University of California-Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara County
California
United States
Typical home value
Boundaries changed
+37%
+46%
+53%
Typical rent
Boundaries changed
+30%
+36%
+33%
Typical household income
Boundaries changed
+32%
+32%
+29%
University of California-Santa Barbara does not have the same boundaries as in 2015–2019: that is why there is no change to compare. For reference, in Santa Barbara County the typical home value rose 37%.
How people live
U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year, 2020–2024
How people live: University of California-Santa Barbara and its comparisons
Measure
University of California-Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara County
California
United States
Rental vacancy
Unreliable estimate
3.3%
4.2%
5.5%
Homeowner vacancy
Unreliable estimate
0.6%
0.8%
0.9%
More than one person per room
Unreliable estimate
9.7%
8.2%
3.4%
People per household
2.44
2.81
2.84
2.53
Drive alone
23%
65%
66%
69%
Carpool
5%
12%
10%
9%
Public transit
7%
2%
3%
3%
Walk or bike
48%
6%
3%
3%
Work from home
17%
13%
17%
15%
Other means
Unreliable estimate
2%
2%
2%
Typical commute
10 to 19 minutes
10 to 19 minutes
20 to 29 minutes
20 to 29 minutes
Fewer people live in each home here: 2.44 on average, against 2.81 in Santa Barbara County.
In University of California-Santa Barbara, 48% of workers walk or bike to work; in Santa Barbara County, 6%.
Do the math
What would you pay each month for a home in University of California-Santa Barbara?
A typical home costs more than the typical income allows
We start with a typical home in University of California-Santa Barbara, worth $452,900, an FHA loan with 3.5% down and the latest average rate (7.18%). That payment would take 67% of the typical household income in University of California-Santa Barbara, which is $69,327 a year. For that payment to be 28% of income, a household would need to earn about $165,676 a year.
The calculator's FHA and conventional loan limits are those of all of Santa Barbara County.
Change the price, the down payment or the loan: the payment updates right away.
Your numbers
Local data
$
Starts at the typical home value in University of California-Santa Barbara. Change it to the price you have in mind.
Your score changes which loans apply and FHA's minimum down payment. Your real rate also depends on your credit.
Down payment
%
That is $15,852 (3.5% of the price). The usual minimum for this loan is 3.5%.
This week's average ± a quarter or half point.
National average as of November 5, 2026 (Freddie Mac); your rate may be different.
Adjust advanced details⌄
Estimated monthly payment
Local data
$3,866
at 7.18% · 30 years
Loan amount
$444,696
Total interest
$639,814
Paid off in
November 2056
Includes $7,648 FHA upfront mortgage insurance premium.
Does it fit the income?
Comfortable
up to $1,618 a month
Tight
$1,618 to $2,080 a month
Hard
more than $2,080 a month
Your payment · 67%
Compared with the typical household income in University of California-Santa Barbara ($69,327 a year). Reference: HUD calls paying more than 30% of income for housing a cost burden.
Monthly payment breakdown
Principal & interest
$3,013
Property tax
$464
Home insurance
$189
FHA mortgage insurance (MIP)
$200
You need at least $15,852 for the down payment, plus closing costs.
This is an estimate to give you an idea, not a loan offer. Your real payment depends on your rate, your credit, and the insurance and taxes on the home you buy.
Total monthly payment $3,866; principal and interest $3,013.
The city and its county
University of California-Santa Barbara and Santa Barbara County
University of California-Santa Barbara is in Santa Barbara County, California. The U.S. Census Bureau publishes its own numbers for the city: home values, rent, household income, how many households own their home and the property tax. They are American Community Survey estimates (average 2020–2024).
University of California-Santa Barbara
Map of Santa Barbara County, California, with University of California-Santa Barbara marked. Around it, the neighboring counties.
University of California-Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara County
Other cities with a page
University of California-Santa Barbara's own numbers
Typical home value
$452,900
Typical monthly rent
$1,526
Typical yearly household income
$69,327
Effective property tax rate
1.23%
U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (average 2020–2024).
Numbers for all of Santa Barbara County
FHA limit, one-unit home
$941,850
Conventional limit, one unit
$941,850
HUD fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
$3,106
Price change over 5 years (FHFA)
+56%
Homes in a high flood-risk zone
3.6%
HUD, FHFA and FEMA don't publish these numbers by city.
Other numbers are not published by city, only for the whole county: FHA and conventional loan limits, HUD’s fair market rents, FHFA’s price index and FEMA’s flood data. On this page, those numbers always say they are for all of Santa Barbara County.
Buying a home in University of California-Santa Barbara
A typical home in University of California-Santa Barbara is worth $452,900: 43% below the county and 38% below California. With the typical household income in University of California-Santa Barbara ($69,327 a year), a typical home costs 6.5 times what the household earns in a year.
Years of income to pay for a typical home
The typical home value divided by the typical household income for one year. The lower it is, the less buying weighs.
University of California-Santa Barbara6.5 years
Santa Barbara8.1 years
California7.4 years
United States4.1 years
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Average 2020–2024
How prices have changed in Santa Barbara County
According to FHFA’s house price index, home prices in Santa Barbara County rose 88% in the 10 years through 2025.
FHFA does not publish this index by city: these are the numbers for all of Santa Barbara County.
Yearly change in FHFA’s price index in Santa Barbara County, 2016 to 2025
2016: +6.6% +6.6% 2016
2017: +3.7% +3.7% 2017
2018: +3.9% +3.9% 2018
2019: +2.8% +2.8% 2019
2020: +1.8% +1.8% 2020
2021: +12.1% +12.1% 2021
2022: +19.4% +19.4% 2022
2023: +6.9% +6.9% 2023
2024: +5.8% +5.8% 2024
2025: +3.3% +3.3% 2025
Change in FHFA’s price index in Santa Barbara County, California and the United States
Period
County
California
U.S.
Last year (2025)
+3.3%
+0.8%
+2.9%
5 years (2020–2025)
+56%
+40%
+47%
10 years (2015–2025)
+88%
+80%
+85%
The index follows the price of the same homes over time (sales and appraisals with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loans). It is not the average price of a home. FHFA considers its annual county indexes experimental. Source: FHFA, 2025 data
University of California-Santa Barbara next to Santa Barbara County, California and the U.S.
Three numbers side by side. “Typical” means the median: half are above it and half below.
Typical home value
University of California-Santa Barbara$452,900
Santa Barbara$790,700
California$734,700
United States$332,700
Typical monthly rent
University of California-Santa Barbara$1,526
Santa Barbara$2,131
California$2,036
United States$1,413
Typical yearly household income
University of California-Santa Barbara$69,327
Santa Barbara$98,161
California$99,122
United States$80,734
See the full table
University of California-Santa Barbara next to Santa Barbara County and California
Measure
University of California-Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara County
California
U.S.
Typical home value
$452,900 ▼43% below the county
$790,700
$734,700
$332,700
Typical monthly rent
$1,526 ▼28% below the county
$2,131
$2,036
$1,413
Typical yearly household income
$69,327 ▼29% below the county
$98,161
$99,122
$80,734
Typical yearly property tax
$5,560 ▲9% above the county
$5,103
$5,124
$3,119
Effective property tax rate
1.23% ▲0.58 points above the county
0.65%
0.7%
0.94%
Renters with high rent for their income
45% ▼12 points below the county
58%
55%
51%
“Typical” means the median: half are above and half are below. ▲ and ▼ say whether the city is above or below Santa Barbara County. “High rent” is the Census measure: renter households that pay 30% or more of their income in rent.
Four ways to pay for a typical home in University of California-Santa Barbara
For a typical $452,900 home in University of California-Santa Barbara, at Freddie Mac's average rate (7.18% as of November 5, 2026) over 30 years. The monthly payment adds principal and interest, University of California-Santa Barbara's typical property tax, an example home insurance and mortgage insurance when it applies.
FHA, 3.5% down$3,866a month
Least cash to close
Down payment
$15,852
Cash to close
$29,439
Rate
7.18%
Mortgage insurance
FHA MIP · $200
Conventional, 5% down$3,783a month
Down payment
$22,645
Cash to close
$36,232
Rate
7.18%
Mortgage insurance
PMI · $215
Conventional, 20% down, no PMI$3,107a month
Down payment
$90,580
Cash to close
$104,167
Rate
7.18%
Mortgage insurance
None
ITIN, 15% down (example)$3,526a month
Down payment
$67,935
Cash to close
$81,522
Rate
8.18%
Mortgage insurance
None
Four ways to pay for a typical home in University of California-Santa Barbara
Loan
Monthly payment
Down payment
Loan amount
Rate
Mortgage insurance
Cash to close
Minimum score
FHA, 3.5% down Least cash to close
$3,866
$15,852
$444,697
7.18%
FHA MIP · $200
$29,439
580
Conventional, 5% down
$3,783
$22,645
$430,255
7.18%
PMI · $215
$36,232
620*
Conventional, 20% down, no PMI
$3,107
$90,580
$362,320
7.18%
None
$104,167
620*
ITIN, 15% down (example)
$3,526
$67,935
$384,965
8.18%
None
$81,522
Set by the lender
The option that asks for the least cash to close is FHA, 3.5% down.
Cash to close = down payment plus 3% of the price in closing costs (example).
Minimum score: FHA requires 580 or higher for the minimum down payment (HUD Handbook 4000.1). * Fannie Mae requires 620 when a loan is underwritten by hand; its automated system has no fixed minimum.
The ITIN row is an example with a rate 1 percentage point higher: ITIN loans follow no federal rule and each lender sets its own down payment and rate. Nothing in this table promises an approval.
Property tax and flood insurance raise or lower what you pay each month. Here are the numbers for University of California-Santa Barbara and for Santa Barbara County.
Property tax
Effective rate in University of California-Santa Barbara
1.23%of the home’s value each year
$5,560 a year for the typical owner in University of California-Santa Barbara.
University of California-Santa Barbara1.23%
Santa Barbara0.65%
California0.7%
What California publishesHomeowners' exemption (California State Board of Equalization (BOE))
Typical rent in University of California-Santa Barbara is $1,526 a month: 28% below the county. In University of California-Santa Barbara, 45% of renter households pay 30% or more of their income in rent.
HUD publishes a fair market rent for all of Santa Barbara County, by unit size. To pay the 2-bedroom one ($3,106 a month) without spending more than 30% of your income, you would need to earn $59.73 an hour working full time.
HUD fair market rent for all of Santa Barbara County
What you need to earn to pay it without spending more than 30% of income, working full time.
HUD fair market rent in Santa Barbara County (Fiscal year 2027)
Size
Fair rent a month
Hourly wage
Yearly income
Studio
$2,479
$47.67
$99,160
1 bedroom
$2,711
$52.13
$108,440
2 bedrooms
$3,106
$59.73
$124,240
3 bedrooms
$3,990
$76.73
$159,600
4 bedrooms
$4,557
$87.63
$182,280
Includes basic utilities. It isn't the lowest or highest rent: it's a reference point. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2027
By ZIP code
Fair market rent by ZIP code in University of California-Santa Barbara
HUD also publishes a fair market rent for each ZIP code (Small Area FMR, fiscal year 2027). University of California-Santa Barbara has 2 ZIP codes with their own.
For 2 bedrooms it is $3,360 in all of them.
2 of the 2 are above the fair market rent for Santa Barbara County ($3,106).
Fair market rent by ZIP code and size in University of California-Santa Barbara, fiscal year 2027.
93106
$2,680
$2,930
$3,360
$4,320
$4,930
93117
$2,680
$2,930
$3,360
$4,320
$4,930
ZIP code2 bd3 bd
93106 $3,360$4,320
93117 $3,360$4,320
1 of these ZIP codes crosses the city line: HUD sets the rent by ZIP code, not by city. A ZIP code counts for University of California-Santa Barbara when at least 50% of its land is inside the city or it covers at least 15% of the city (Census 2020 boundaries). Source: Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD)Fiscal year 2027Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) (external site)Source: Census Bureau ZCTA-to-place relationship fileData from 2020 dataCensus Bureau ZCTA-to-place relationship file (external site)
Help to buy or rent in University of California-Santa Barbara
You do not have to do this alone. A HUD-approved housing counseling agency helps for free or at low cost: getting ready to buy, understanding your credit, or solving a problem with your rent.
We found no HUD-approved agencies with an office in Santa Barbara County. The nearest ones are below; many serve by phone or online.
Assistance programs in University of California-Santa Barbara
No down payment, repair or rent-help program on our list is for University of California-Santa Barbara or Santa Barbara County. The ones below are statewide in California: they work in University of California-Santa Barbara the same as in the rest of the state.
CalHFA second loan with deferred payments for the down payment or closing costs of first-time buyers in California.Offered by California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA).
CalHFA down payment loan for first-generation buyers in California; when you sell, you repay the loan plus a share of the home's appreciation.Offered by California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA).
CalHFA second loan with deferred payments for the down payment or closing costs of first-time buyers who use the CalPLUS Access mortgage (FHA or conventional).Offered by California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA).
Housing counselors near University of California-Santa Barbara
The HUD-approved agencies closest to the center of University of California-Santa Barbara, in a straight line, nearest first. If one says it serves in Spanish, its card says so.
MW
My Way Home
2231 Sturgis Rd Unit A, Oxnard · 43 miles away · Spanish
Help in Spanish near University of California-Santa Barbara
2 of the 3 agencies on this list say they serve in Spanish.
Ask for service in Spanish
When you call, say “Spanish, please” or ask if someone speaks Spanish. If not, ask whether they offer an interpreter.
Housing authorities of University of California-Santa Barbara
HUD’s record names them for University of California-Santa Barbara or Santa Barbara County. They run public housing or Section 8 vouchers. Ask whether their waiting list is open.
Housing Authority of the County of Santa BarbaraPublic housing and Section 8 vouchers(805) 736-3423
Legal help in University of California-Santa Barbara
No legal help resource on our list is for University of California-Santa Barbara or Santa Barbara County in particular.
If you have a problem with your landlord, an eviction notice or a scam, the Legal Services Corporation (LSC) search shows the free legal aid offices that serve your area.
Housing questions about University of California-Santa Barbara
Short answers with the numbers for University of California-Santa Barbara and all of Santa Barbara County. If your case is different, a HUD-approved counseling agency can guide you for free or at low cost.
How much does a typical home cost in University of California-Santa Barbara?
The typical home value in University of California-Santa Barbara is $452,900, according to the U.S. Census Bureau (average 2020–2024). For comparison, in Santa Barbara County it is $790,700.
How much does it cost to rent in University of California-Santa Barbara?
Typical rent in University of California-Santa Barbara is $1,526 a month, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. HUD’s fair market rent for 2 bedrooms in Santa Barbara County is $3,106.
What is the FHA loan limit in University of California-Santa Barbara?
University of California-Santa Barbara uses the FHA limit for all of Santa Barbara County (2026): $941,850 for a one-unit home and $1,811,300 for a four-unit home.
How much property tax do owners pay in University of California-Santa Barbara?
The typical homeowner in University of California-Santa Barbara pays $5,560 a year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. That is 1.23% of the home’s value; in Santa Barbara County, the rate is 0.65%.
Where can I find free help to buy or rent in University of California-Santa Barbara?
We found no HUD-approved counseling agencies with an office in Santa Barbara County; the nearest ones are on this page. They can help you get ready to buy, with your credit, or with rent.
