Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Central Santa Cruz Neighborhood of Santa Cruz, CA from $1,300 (14 Rentals)

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Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the Central Santa Cruz area of Santa Cruz.

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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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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
  • Utilities Included
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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
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317 Spruce St
2 Bedroom Apartments

317 Spruce St

317 Spruce StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
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  • Smoke Free

Central Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA Local Guide

Cheapest Available Central Santa Cruz Apartments for Rent

 

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

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 Central Santa Cruz, CA

As of March 31, 2025 the best value apartment in the Central Santa Cruz area is the $2.90 price per square foot D Model at Baytree Apartments in the in the Western neighborhood starting from $2,985. The second greatest value Central Santa Cruz apartment is the 2 Beds, 1 bath Model at Westmont Townhomes starting at $4,275 with a $4.75 price per square foot in the Escolona neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Central Santa Cruz apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
Baytree ApartmentsD2BR,2BA$2.90
Westmont Townhomes2 Beds, 1 bath2BR,1BA$4.75
Chestnut Street2 Bed 1 Bath2BR,1BA$4.75
San Lorenzo Apartments2 Bed 1 Bath2BR,1BA$3.74
Cormorant Court Apartments2-Bedroom, 1-Bathroom2BR,1BA$4.36
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
1010 Pacific ApartmentsResidence A11BR,1BA$4.82
118 1st St, Unit Walk to the Beach118 1st St1BR,1BA$4.50

Quick Rent Budget Calculator

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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.

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Lifestyle Ratings

ApartmentHomeLiving brings you comprehensive Lifestyle Ratings of rentals in cities across the United States and customized analysis for Central Santa Cruz. Lifestyle Ratings show you the best fit for your needs and interests. This takes in many factors including rankings of the best places for the best proximity to parks and outdoor amenities, luxury amenities, transit availability, pet-friendly communities, features that make it easier to raise kids, in addition to floorplans, availablity, and pricing. These search options are in the site filters at the top of this page.

Getting Around the Central Santa Cruz Neighborhood in Santa Cruz, CA

Walk Score®

65 / 100

Somewhat Walkable

Some errands can be accomplished on foot

Bike Score®

82 / 100

Very Bikeable

Biking is convenient for most trips

Transit Score®

33 / 100

Some Transit

A few nearby public transportation options

Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Central Santa Cruz Apartments

What is a cheap apartment in Central Santa Cruz?

A cheap apartment is any apartment up to the 30% percentile of cost for the area, which in Central Santa Cruz is under $2,855.

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

The cheapest apartment in Central Santa Cruz is Mission Street Cottages which is listed at $1,602, while the average apartment in Central Santa Cruz costs $5,180.

What types of apartments are the cheapest in Central 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 4 regular apartments in Central 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 Central Santa Cruz?

Cheap apartments in Central Santa Cruz have an average cost of $177 which is $5,003 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in Central 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.

decorative image for Understanding Amenity Fees: Know Where You Might Be Able to Save Money article

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.