Apartments for Rent in Santa Cruz, CA(330 Rentals)
Anton Pacific
NANDA ON PACIFIC
Five55
Pacific Shores
Westmont Townhomes
Cypress Point
1010 Pacific Apartments
251 High St APT G, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
1804 Mission St
Pacific View Courts
23705 E Cliff Dr, Unit #1
152 C Leibrandt Ave 3 Bed/2 Bath
108 Sycamore St
517 Ocean View Ave, Unit Downstairs
121 Marnell Ave, Unit # A
2430 Felt St, Unit 2430
127 Younger Way, Unit A
125 Dake Ave
224 Wilkes Cir
1200 Capitola Rd
620.5 Laurel St
905 Nobel Dr
724 Darwin St
832 Paget Ave
218 Highland Ct
404 High St
1901 Kinsley St
317 Spruce St
Seabright Apartments
755 14th Ave
Shearwater Apartments
Seaside Studios
240 River Street
Granava Garden Apartments
516 Center St
Coronado Apartments
Corcoran Gardens Apartments
803 Laurel St
Creekside Apartments
Breakwater
San Lorenzo Apartments
Live Oak Crossing
816 Riverside Ave
Chestnut Street
Emerald Bay Apartments
Santa Cruz, CA Local Guide
How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Santa Cruz?
Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
---|---|---|---|
Santa Cruz Studio Apartments | $3,255 | $2,000 | $5,240 |
Santa Cruz 1 Bedroom Apartments | $3,740 | $1,895 | $5,185 |
Santa Cruz 2 Bedroom Apartments | $5,108 | $2,750 | $6,211 |
Santa Cruz 3 Bedroom Apartments | $4,687 | $3,800 | $5,750 |
Santa Cruz 4 Bedroom Apartments | $4,500 | $4,500 | $4,500 |
Browse Top Apartments in Santa Cruz
Explore Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, CA Local Guide
- Santa Cruz Neighborhoods
- Nearby Cities
- ZIP codes
- Local Counties
- School Districts
Quick Rent Budget Calculator
How much rent can you afford?
The common "Rule of Thumb" is that rent should be no more than 30% of your income. How much is that? Enter your monthly income and click "Calculate My Budget" to find out.
Santa Cruz Overview
Known across the globe for its famed redwood trees and sweeping ocean views, Santa Cruz is a darling city of the California scene. Home to plenty of historic hot spots as well as an inviting downtown mixture of nightlife and retail shopping, this west coast destination should be on the 'must-consider' list for anyone seriously considering a move to Cali.
What is the history of Santa Cruz?
By 1847 the city had established a basic wharf as well as a black smithery, and California Powder Works called the area home through much of the Civil War. Steadily growing in popularity over the years thanks to its impressively mild climate, Santa Cruz became a bedstone of progressive and liberal politics throughout the 1970s. Today, this thriving west coast epicenter continues to draw a large mix of young and older residents, with a current city population of just over 60K.
How is the weather in Santa Cruz?
California weather doesn't get much better than life in a Santa Cruz apartment. Sunny, warm summers are the norm, with winters generally mild and requiring only a light jacket. Autumn and spring are likewise spectacular, with cool oceanic breezes and plenty of sunshine.
How do I get around town?
Santa Cruz Metro Transit provides plenty of bus lines for locals, and Greyhound also has a station in the city for longer trips. Amtrak likewise can be found with ease, and while many living in Santa Cruz rentals rely on a personal auto for most typical travel needs, bicycling and even skateboarding are both hugely popular as well. Trendy semi-electric tourist trains can also be found near the boardwalk district, and the San Jose International Airport is about half an hour drive away.
What is the Santa Cruz commute like?
State Route 17 and 1 are both primary roadways in and around Santa Cruz, with the aptly-titled Ocean Street acting as a default main drag through the city center. Those working in the downtown region will have little trouble traversing the city on most days, although those commuting from Santa Cruz apartments to the job markets of San Francisco or San Jose may have to deal with that notorious California traffic on most days.
What are the local media outlets?
Print news is dominated by the 'Santa Cruz Sentinel', while the events weekly 'Good Times' covers much of the arts and entertainment options in the city. Broadcast television is wide reaching as well, with local hubs such as KAAP and KION both popular in their programming. Radio is a pleasing mix of classic rock, modern pop and the heavier end of the spectrum thanks to the infamous KPIG 107.5 FM.
Why live in Santa Cruz, CA?
Why in the world not? Easily one of the most in-demand locales of the entire west coast, life in a Santa Cruz apartment for rent is about as good as it gets. Flush with area schools and plenty of employers such as Plantronics, this forward-thinking and environmentally-conscious hotspot is a fantastic place to call home.
What Santa Cruz landmarks should I see?
The local redwood forest is simply a must-see, and nature lovers will also undoubtedly want to stroll among the floral glory at the UCSC Arboretum. The Looff Rollercoaster is a visual and historic high point of the boardwalk, while the Golden Gate Villa hallmarks the city architecture flourishes.
What is there to do around Santa Cruz?
Spend an afternoon seaside at the boardwalk, trying your luck at games of chance or feasting on fried dough, an easy commute from most apartments in Santa Cruz. The Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History is an excellent spot to stroll and contemplate, while the famous Santa Cruz Skatepark often draws big name athletes on the regular.
Any annual festivals or Santa Cruz events to know?
Santa Cruz is home to a number of yearly events, including the popular Wharf to Wharf Race, which has been ongoing for over three decades. The Santa Cruz Film Festival is always a star-studded affair, and Shakespear in the Park is a constant summer appearance.
Where are the nearby vacation spots?
Visit Alcatraz and other famous hot spots with a trip to San Francisco, located about 90 minutes from the city, or spend a long weekend camping and exploring much of inland California. Of course, with fishing and boating right at your fingertips, a stay-cation is always a winning option as well for those calling Santa Cruz apartments home.
Where is the best place to move in Santa Cruz?
From the sweeping ocean views of the historic boardwalk region to the bustle of the retail center, Santa Cruz apartments for rent are as varied as the individuals that make up the ever-growing population. Start your search for that next great California rental in your life today!
Santa Cruz, CAPopulation: 64,725
Ranked #582
in US Census Population by City
Best Local Schools in Santa Cruz, CA
Brook Knoll Elementary
School data provided by Great Schools
Remember the 3 Rules of Real Estate:Location, Location, Location!
Explore Santa Cruz, CA Rentals by Map
See the most popular apartments and homes in Santa Cruz, CA
Getting Around Santa Cruz, CA
Walk Score®
81 / 100
Very Walkable
Most errands can be accomplished on foot
Bike Score®
93 / 100
Biker's Paradise
Daily errands can be accomplished on a bike
Transit Score®
36 / 100
Some Transit
A few nearby public transportation options
What Are Walk Score®, Transit Score®, and Bike Score® Ratings?
- Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address.
- Transit Score® measures access to public transit.
- Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Frequently Asked Questions about Santa Cruz
How much are Studio apartments in Santa Cruz?
There are currently 53 Studio Apartments in Santa Cruz with rent ranges from $2,000 to $5,240 with an average price of $3,255.
What is the current price range for One Bedroom Santa Cruz Apartments for rent?
Today's rental pricing for One Bedroom Apartments in Santa Cruz ranges from $1,895 to $5,185 with an average monthly rent of $3,740.
What does renting a Two Bedroom Apartment in Santa Cruz cost?
The monthly rent prices of Two Bedroom Apartments currently available in Santa Cruz range from $2,750 to $6,211. Today's average rental price for Two Bedrooms here is $5,108.
How expensive are Santa Cruz Three Bedroom Apartments?
There are currently 41 Three Bedroom Apartments listings available in Santa Cruz on ApartmentHomeLiving.com. The pricing ranges from $3,800 to $5,750 - averaging $4,687 for the location.
Expert Rental Resources
Helpful Apartment Articles, How-To's and Tips
The rental experts at ApartmentHomeLiving.com provide you with top advice, tools, and tips for understanding the leasing process and finding the perfect rental. Here are a few helpful rental and leasing articles from our experts to guide you on your search.
Signing Your Apartment Lease: The Basics
Written by: Trey Huguley
When you're about to sign a lease for the first time, it can feel a bit overwhelming. You don’t want to miss any important details hidden in the fine print. While most leases...
What to Know About Fees and Fines When Renting
Written by: Trey Huguley
When it comes to renting a new apartment or home there can be a number of fees that you will want to keep in mind going into the process. While fees will range depending on...
Real Estate Term Glossary: Your Guide to The A to Zs of Renting
Written by: Kevin Ready
Navigating the world of real estate can reveal an abundance of terminology and phrasing around the topics of renting and buying that for some may seem like a brand-new...
Navigating the World of Low-Income Housing: A Comprehensive Guide
Written by: Kevin Ready
Are you having difficulty keeping up with bills or paying the rent? If so, you are not alone. Many families struggle to keep up with rents that have increased up to 40% in...