Median Age
25 Years
Largest Age Group
20-29 Years
Approximately 54% of Residents
Under 20
23%
Over 65
2%
Isla Vista
Isla Vista, CA Area Guide
Avg Rent
$1,591
Population
17,594
Renter Mix
96% Rent
This Pacific Coast college town embraces a laid-back beach town vibe
College Town
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Beach
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Coastal
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Restaurants
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Great Location
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Home to the University of California, Santa Barbara, Isla Vista is a coastal college town. The campus dominates the eastern part of town, while student dormitories and off-campus apartments reside in other parts of the city. Although Isla Vista is certainly a great option for college students, professors, and university employees, it’s also a great option for renters looking for the ultimate beach town with a laid-back vibe. There are several beaches, lagoons, and waterfront parks in Isle Vista for residents to enjoy.
Anchored by Anisq Oyo Park, Isle Vista’s downtown district is truly the heart of the city. In this commercial hub, residents gather at community centers like Embarcadero Hall, a lecture hall that also hosts fun events. Catering to the college crowd, Downtown Isla Vista is packed with casual eateries, study session worthy cafes, grocery stores, and lively bars. After you grab a comforting slice of pizza or refreshing bubble tea, catch a show at the Isla Vista Theater. If you’re looking for even more shopping, dining, entertainment, or nightlife options, Downtown Santa Barbara is only 20 minutes away. Isla Vista is certainly a haven for college students but it’s clear you certainly you don’t have to be in undergrad to enjoy its beauty.
Explore the City
The UCSB shore in Isla Vista is a picturesque coastal area near the university campus.
Isla Vista's well-maintained bike paths enhance transportation and promote sustainability.
The Sandpiper Golf Club in Isla Vista provides an excellent venue for golf enthusiasts.
Aerial of neighborhood streets in Isla Vista, Santa Barbara, CA.
Window to the Sea Park.
Isla Vista has one of the best surf spots in Santa Barbara.
Demographics
Median Household Income
$24,913
Average: $44,100
Education
6,896
Residents Have a Degree
Job Market
7,465
Workers Employed
Age Distribution
Get a sense of this area's population profile.
Housing Distribution
Isla Vista has more renters than homeowners.
Renters
96%
Non-Renters
4%
Education Distribution
Review this city's overall education levels.
Bachelor's or Higher
28%
Other Education
72%
Rent Trends
As of May 2026, the average apartment rent in Isla Vista, CA is $1,591 for one bedroom, and $3,171 for two bedrooms. Apartment rent in Isla Vista has increased by 1.1% in the past year.
Property Type
Average Rent
Average Sq Ft
Apartment
$1,591/month
500 Sq Ft
Getting Around
Explore how walkable, bikeable, drivable, and transit-friendly Isla Vista, CA is for everyday living.
Fairly Walkable
Walkability
40
/ 100
Some Public Transit
Transit
40
/ 100
Very Drivable
Drivability
80
/ 100
Exceptionally Bikeable
Bikeability
90
/ 100
Scores provided by
Points of Interest
Shopping Centers
Parks and Recreation
- Isla Vista County Park
- Lake Los Carneros Park
- Stow Grove Park
- Center for Urban Agriculture at Fairview Gardens
- Tuckers Grove County Park
Commuter Rail
Airports
- Santa Barbara Municipal
Top Apartments in Isla Vista
Houses for Rent in Isla Vista
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Methodology
† Our analysis of utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, home prices, and other goods and services is sourced from the Cost of Living Index, a respected benchmark published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) that provides a thorough overview of living expenses across different regions.
Rent data is provided by CoStar Group’s Market Trend reports. As the industry leader in commercial real estate information, analytics, and news, CoStar conducts extensive research to produce and maintain a comprehensive database of commercial real estate information. We combine this data with public record to provide the most up-to-date rental information available.
Consumer goods, services, and home prices are sourced from the Cost of Living Index published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER). The data on this page is updated quarterly. It was last published in February 2026.
Demographic information comes from Neustar and combines detailed address data with U.S. Census and American Community Survey statistics to produce reliable local estimates.