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118 1st St, Unit Walk to the Beach
118 1st StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
Cheap Apartments for Rent in Santa Cruz, CA from $1,300 (18 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in Santa Cruz.
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from $2,0991 to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now
Hidden Creek Apartments
200 Button StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
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from $2,200Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments Available Now
108 Sycamore St
108 Sycamore StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
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from $2,200Studio Apartments Available Now
St. George Apartments
833 Front StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
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Showing Results 1-18, Page 1 of 1
Santa Cruz, CA Local Guide
Santa Cruz Lighthouses and the Setting Sun by Anita Ritenour is licensed under CC BY 2.0
How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Santa Cruz?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cheap Santa Cruz Studio Apartments | $3,062 | $2,200 | $4,020 |
| Cheap Santa Cruz 1 Bedroom Apartments | $3,612 | $1,800 | $5,095 |
| Cheap Santa Cruz 2 Bedroom Apartments | $4,971 | $2,395 | $6,043 |
| Cheap Santa Cruz 3 Bedroom Apartments | $6,425 | $4,850 | $8,000 |
Browse Top Apartments in Santa Cruz
See all Apartments in Santa CruzExplore Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, CA Local Guide
Written By:
Justin HabersaatEditing Staff
- Santa Cruz Neighborhoods
- Nearby Cities
- ZIP codes
- Local Counties
- School Districts
Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in Santa Cruz, CA
Pricing Updated: 02/26/2025Current apartment rentals in the Santa Cruz, CA area range in price from $1,800 to $9,500 with an overall median price of $5,246. The three Santa Cruz neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are Arana Gulch at $2,200, East Park at $2,200, and Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk at $1,800. Here is today’s list of the top 10 neighborhoods with the lowest median pricing for Santa Cruz Apartments for rent:
| Neighborhood | Median Price | Min Price | Available Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arana Gulch | $4,850 | $2,200 | 174 |
| East Park | $4,850 | $2,200 | 684 |
| Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk | $4,995 | $1,800 | 5113 |
| Downtown Santa Cruz | $5,162 | $2,200 | 4923 |
| Neary Lagoon | $5,162 | $1,800 | 5003 |
| Western | $5,162 | $1,800 | 5054 |
| West King Street | $5,195 | $2,200 | 4928 |
| Lighthouse | $5,205 | $1,800 | 4917 |
| Escolona | $5,217 | $2,200 | 4776 |
| King Street | $5,217 | $1,800 | 4838 |
Cheapest Available Santa Cruz Apartments for Rent
The cheapest available apartment rental in Santa Cruz, CA is a Studio unit found at 108 Sycamore St in the Prospect Heights neighborhood priced from $2,200. 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 Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| 108 Sycamore St | Studio | Studio,1BA | $2,200 |
| St. George Apartments | Studio | Studio,1BA | $2,200 |
| 1804 Mission St | Jr. 1 Bedroom | Studio,1BA | $2,575 |
| Cypress Point | Residence 1 | Studio,1BA | $2,598 |
| Chestnut Street | 1 Bed 1 Bath | 1BR,1BA | $2,710 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Santa Cruz, CA
As of February 26, 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 C1 Model at Breakwater Apartments starting at $4,295 with a $4.50 price per square foot in the Arana Gulch neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Santa Cruz apartments based on price per square foot:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Landing at Capitola | Plan 1 | 2BR,2BA | $3.51 |
| Breakwater Apartments | C1 | 3BR,2BA | $4.50 |
| Westmont Townhomes | 2 Beds, 1 bath | 2BR,1BA | $4.75 |
| 30th Ave Townhomes | TH15 | 2BR,1.5BA | $4.28 |
| Emerald Bay Apartments | Two Bedroom | 2BR,1BA | $3.98 |
| Cormorant Court Apartments | 2-Bedroom, 1-Bathroom | 2BR,1BA | $4.23 |
| Hidden Creek Apartments | 2 Bed 1 Bath | 2BR,1BA | $4.52 |
| 285 Cypress Park, Unit 285 Cypress Park | 285 Cypress Park | 1BR,1BA | $4.04 |
| 1804 Mission St | Jr. 1 Bedroom | Studio ,1BA | $4.55 |
| 118 1st St, Unit Walk to the Beach | 118 1st St | 1BR,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.
Best Local Schools in Santa Cruz, CA
Brook Knoll Elementary
Scotts Valley Unified School District
Public School - Grades K-5 (464)
8 out of 10
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
Santa Cruz, CA Apartments MapSanta Cruz, CA Rental Homes MapGetting 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 Cheap Santa Cruz Apartments
What is the Cheapest Studio apartment in Santa Cruz?
Currently the most affordable Cheap Studio Apartment in Santa Cruz is at 108 Sycamore St listed at $2,200.
How much is rent for a Cheap One Bedroom Santa Cruz Apartment?
The lowest price for a Cheap One Bedroom Santa Cruz Apartment is $2,710 at Chestnut Street.
What is the lowest price for a Cheap Two Bedroom Santa Cruz Apartment for rent?
Today's best deal for a Cheap Two Bedroom Apartment in Santa Cruz is starting from $2,999 at The Sands.
What is the most affordable Santa Cruz Three Bedroom Apartment?
The best deal on a cheap Santa Cruz Three Bedroom Apartment rental is at 108 Sycamore St and starts from $4,250.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.