Cheap Apartments for Rent in Santa Cruz, CA from $1,300 (17 Rentals)

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307-309 Raymond St
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

307-309 Raymond St

307-309 Raymond StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
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Seabright Apartments
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Seabright Apartments

116 Seabright AveSanta Cruz, CA 95062
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Shearwater Apartments
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Shearwater Apartments

2333 Portola DrSanta Cruz, CA 95062
  • Utilities Included
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Seaside Studios
Studio Apartments

Seaside Studios

108 2nd StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
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240 River Street
Studio Apartments

240 River Street

232-240 River StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
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516 Center St
Studio Apartments

516 Center St

516 Center StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
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Coronado Apartments
1 Bedroom Apartments

Coronado Apartments

133 Morrissey BlvdSanta Cruz, CA 95062
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803 Laurel St
2 Bedroom Apartments

803 Laurel St

803 Laurel StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
  • Utilities Included

Santa Cruz, CA Local Guide

Photo of Justin Habersaat - Editing Staff
Written By:
Justin Habersaat
Editing Staff

Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in Santa Cruz, CA

Pricing Updated: 03/27/2025

Current apartment rentals in the Santa Cruz, CA area range in price from $1,800 to $9,500 with an overall median price of $5,043. The three Santa Cruz neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are Downtown Santa Cruz at $2,200, Western at $1,800, and Escolona at $2,200. Here is today’s list of the top 10 neighborhoods with the lowest median pricing for Santa Cruz Apartments for rent:

NeighborhoodMedian PriceMin PriceAvailable Units
Downtown Santa Cruz$4,795$2,200172
Western$4,800$1,800170
Escolona$4,805$2,200153
West King Street$4,831$2,200163
King Street$4,850$1,800157
UCSC$4,850$1,800157
Arana Gulch$4,900$2,20044
East Park$4,900$2,20045
Neary Lagoon$4,900$1,800167
Prospect Heights$4,900$2,20010

Cheapest Available Santa Cruz Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in Santa Cruz, CA is a 1 Bed unit found at Mission Street Cottages in the Escolona neighborhood priced from $1,602. St. George Apartments in the Escolona neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $2,200. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Santa Cruz apartments for rent:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Mission Street CottagesA11BR,1BA$1,602
St. George ApartmentsStudioStudio,1BA$2,200
108 Sycamore StStudioStudio,1BA$2,200
The BreakersThe BreakersStudio,1BA$2,245
1804 Mission StJr. 1 BedroomStudio,1BA$2,575

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Santa Cruz, CA

As of March 27, 2025 the best value apartment in the Santa Cruz area is the $3.51 price per square foot Plan 1 Model at Landing at Capitola in the in the Eastside neighborhood starting from $3,374. The second greatest value Santa Cruz apartment is the 2430 Felt St Model at 2430 Felt St, Unit 2430 starting at $2,995 with a $3.33 price per square foot in the Eastside neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Santa Cruz apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
Landing at CapitolaPlan 12BR,2BA$3.51
2430 Felt St, Unit 24302430 Felt St2BR,1BA$3.33
30th Ave TownhomesTH152BR,1.5BA$3.66
San Lorenzo Apartments2 Bed 1 Bath2BR,1BA$3.74
Breakwater ApartmentsB12BR,1BA$4.06
Emerald Bay ApartmentsTwo Bedroom2BR,1BA$3.98
311 Cypress Ave, Unit Cypress Avenue311 Cypress Ave2BR,1BA$4.27
Hidden Creek Apartments2 Bed 1 Bath2BR,1BA$4.52
1804 Mission StJr. 1 BedroomStudio ,1BA$4.55
118 1st St, Unit Walk to the Beach118 1st St1BR,1BA$4.50

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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.

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.

Remember the 3 Rules of Real Estate:
Location, Location, Location!

Explore Santa Cruz, CA Rentals by Map

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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

Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Santa Cruz Apartments

What is a cheap apartment in Santa Cruz?

A cheap apartment is any apartment up to the 30% percentile of cost for the area, which in Santa Cruz is under $2,915.

What is the price of a cheap apartment in Santa Cruz?

The cheapest apartment in Santa Cruz is Mission Street Cottages which is listed at $1,602, while the average apartment in Santa Cruz costs $5,043.

What types of apartments are the cheapest in Santa Cruz?

Student, low-income, and by-the-bed apartments are typically the cheapest rentals in most cities, though they require qualifying criteria to rent. There are 152 regular apartments in Santa Cruz that we think qualify as ‘cheap apartments’ that do not have special requirements to apply to rent.

How do the prices of cheap apartments compare to the average apartment in Santa Cruz?

Cheap apartments in Santa Cruz have an average cost of $500 which is $4,543 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in Santa Cruz.

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.

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Understanding Amenity Fees: Know Where You Might Be Able to Save Money

Written by: Amber Kanuckel

With the rising costs of housing, a lot of renters are asking this question: Is it possible to opt out of various amenities that your rental property offers so that you can avoid paying the fees.

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Renting Smart: Lease Basics Every Renter Needs

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Often, in the excitement of finding a new place to live, there’s a rush to make it happen, and - too often - a new tenant signs a lease without reading it carefully.

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Battling the Butts: Your Guide to the Reality of Smoke-Free Renting

Written by: Andrea Lee Negroni, JD

While many apartment buildings are “no smoking” properties, it’s hard to know exactly how many. In 2017, the National Apartment Association reported more than half of rental properties had smoke free policies.

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How Your Move-In Inspection Can Protect Your Security Deposit

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

If you’re anything like most people, housing costs represent a huge chunk of your monthly budget. On top of that, moving can be both a stressful and expensive affair.