Hostels in Santa Barbara

Book a private room or dorm bed for the cheapest price in Santa Barbara

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Look out for hostels with free cancellation, breakfast, local tours and more

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Prices may change – pop in your dates for the best estimate. Note that prices are based on previous traveller searches and partner prices.
Prices may change – pop in your dates for the best estimate. Note that prices are based on previous traveller searches and partner prices.
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Other backpackers love these Santa Barbara hostels

Rated by travellers as the best in the city, these stays are all full marks for cleanliness, customer service and location.
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Fast facts

Sleep easy, armed with the stuff that's good to know before you go.
Cheapest monthDecember
Most expensive monthJune
Top rated by travellersITH Santa Barbara Surf Hostel, C$158
Cheapest bed foundSocial Stays - Santa Barbara's First Hostel on State Street, C$115

Finding cheap hotels in Santa Barbara: FAQs

According to our pricing calendar data, you can bag the cheapest bed in December.
Yes. Party hostels and youth hostels with 20-person dorms do still exist in most cities, but so do ultra-modern boutique hostels with plenty of private rooms, cosy bars, and even swimming pools. These kinds of hostels are popular with solo travellers over 30.
Since you’ll be surrounded by other likeminded travellers, hostels are always the safest (and most sociable!) places to stay in Santa Barbara. You’ll meet new friends to go out with, share tips and advice on how to get around and find out if there are any unsafe places to avoid. Most major Santa Barbara hostels even have female-only dorms. And if you’re worried about your belongings, don’t be — you can lock them away in a padlocked locker or safe while you’re out exploring.
Yes! Hostels in Santa Barbara generally tend to be the most budget-friendly option in Santa Barbara. Not only can you bag a bed for as little as C$115 per night, you can cook your own food in the hostel kitchen.
Other backpackers rated Social Stays - Santa Barbara's First Hostel on State Street and ITH Santa Barbara Surf Hostel as the best central Santa Barbara hostels for value, cleanliness and comfort.