Is a 1-bedroom or studio apartment a better value in Santa Maria?

In Santa Maria, 1-bedrooms average $1,901/mo versus $1,584/mo for a studio. For solo renters on a tight budget, compare both filters on Rentler before applying. If you work from home or spend significant time in your apartment, the extra separation of a larger unit may be worth the difference.

Are 1-bedroom apartments in Santa Maria pet-friendly?

Pet policies on 1-bedroom apartments vary by landlord and building — there's no blanket rule. Use Rentler's pet-friendly filter to narrow your search, then confirm breed, weight, and deposit requirements directly with the landlord before applying.

Can I find furnished 1-bedrooms in Santa Maria, CA?

Furnished 1-bedrooms are available in Santa Maria but represent a smaller share of total inventory compared to unfurnished units. Use Rentler's furnished filter to surface move-in-ready options. Furnished units are most common in newer construction buildings and in complexes that cater to corporate or short-term renters.

How much should I earn to rent a 1-bedroom in Santa Maria?

Most landlords in Santa Maria require gross monthly income of 2.5–3x the monthly rent. For a 1-bedroom at Santa Maria's current average of $1,901/mo, that means demonstrating roughly 2.5–3x that amount in gross income. If you're below that threshold, a co-signer, larger security deposit, or prepaid rent may be accepted by some landlords — always worth asking.

1-Bedroom Rentals in Santa Maria, CA

32 Results

$2,200

1 bed1 bath428 sqftHouse

2035 Lassen Dr A, Santa Maria, CA, 93458

$850

1 bed1 bathSingle Room

0 East Newlove Drive, Santa Maria, CA, 93454

$1,500

1 bed1 bath600 sqftHouse

311 E. McElhany Ave., Santa Maria, CA, 93454

$1,500

1 bed1 bath450 sqftHouse

539C E. Newlove Dr., Santa Maria, CA, 93454

$2,395

1 bed1 bath619 sqftApartment

3519 Mercury Dr, Santa Maria, CA, 93455

$1,975

1 bed1 bath1,150 sqftHouse

474 E. Battles Rd., Santa Maria, CA, 93454

$2,295

1 bed1 bath619 sqftApartment

3519 Mercury Dr, Santa Maria, CA, 93455

$2,395

1 bed1 bath619 sqftApartment

3519 Mercury Dr, Santa Maria, CA, 93455

$1,625

1 bed1 bath587 sqftApartment

1000-1042 W. Orange Street, Santa Maria, CA, 93458

$1,750

1 bed1 bathApartment

310 W. Chapel St. #L, Santa Maria, CA, 93458

$2,295

1 bed1 bath619 sqftApartment

3519 Mercury Dr, Santa Maria, CA, 93455

$1,550

1 bed1 bath494 sqftApartment

1311 W. Battles Road, Santa Maria, CA, 93458

$1,450

1 bed1 bathHouse

421 E. Mill St. #A-Studio, Santa Maria, CA, 93454

$2,495

1 bed1 bath1,368 sqftHouse

161 Palm Court, Santa Maria, CA, 93454

$1,695

1 bed1 bath391 sqftHouse

708 W Fesler St., Santa Maria, CA, 93458

$1,850

1 bed1 bathHouse

218 Oak St. Unit A, Santa Maria, CA, 93454

$2,350

1 bed1 bath619 sqftApartment

3519 Mercury Dr, Santa Maria, CA, 93455

$2,295

1 bed1 bath619 sqftApartment

3519 Mercury Dr, Santa Maria, CA, 93455

$1,695

1 bed1 bath698 sqftApartment

1025 W Boone St, Santa Maria, CA, 93458

$2,174

1 bed1 bath619 sqftApartment

3519 Mercury Dr, Santa Maria, CA, 93455

$1,550

1 bed1 bath494 sqftApartment

1311 W. Battles Road, Santa Maria, CA, 93458

$2,295

1 bed1 bath619 sqftApartment

3519 Mercury Dr, Santa Maria, CA, 93455

$2,395

1 bed1 bath619 sqftApartment

3519 Mercury Dr, Santa Maria, CA, 93455

$1,550

1 bed1 bath494 sqftApartment

1311 W. Battles Road, Santa Maria, CA, 93458

Showing 24 of 32 results

What to Know Before Renting a 1-Bedroom Apartment in Santa Maria, CA

A 1-bedroom apartment in Santa Maria hits the sweet spot for most solo renters and couples — enough space to have a real living room and a separated sleep area, without the cost of a 2-bedroom you don't fully use. For remote workers, a 1-bedroom is often the minimum viable setup: you can close a door between your workspace and your living space, which matters more than most people expect before they try working from a studio. When evaluating 1-bedrooms in Santa Maria, pay attention to bedroom size (some 1-bedrooms are technically 1-bedrooms with a bedroom that fits a queen bed and nothing else), closet space, and whether the kitchen opens to the living room or is walled off. In-unit laundry, a parking spot, and a dedicated storage unit are the three amenities most renters wish they'd prioritized when they didn't have them. 1-bedrooms in Santa Maria also tend to have the most competitive rental market of any unit type — more supply than studios, but more demand than 2-bedrooms, which means good 1-bedrooms in desirable Santa Maria neighborhoods at fair prices move quickly.