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Rent Specials
$4,549 - $7,2441 to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now
Anton Pacific
800 Pacific AveSanta Cruz, CA 95060
Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Downtown Santa Cruz Neighborhood of Santa Cruz, CA from $1,800 (18 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the Downtown Santa Cruz area of Santa Cruz.
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Rent Specials
$3,136 - $4,2901 to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now
1010 Pacific Apartments
1010 Pacific AveSanta Cruz, CA 95060
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$3,200 - $6,100Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now
NANDA ON PACIFIC
1547 Pacific AveSanta Cruz, CA 95060
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Your Guide to Co-Signers: The Risks, Rewards, and Everything in Between
Thinking about getting a co-signer for your rental application? We break down what a co-signer is, the potential benefits, and the serious risks for both parties. Find out if it's the right choice for you.
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Roommate Matching: Finding the Right Fit and Avoiding Pitfalls
When searching for a roommate, follow this list of essential steps and set clear expectations to create a solid foundation for a harmonious living situation.
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The Art of the Rental Viewing: What to look for during a property tour
Touring a rental? This guide helps you know exactly what to look for, from safety features to hidden flaws, so you can confidently sign your lease or keep searching.
Showing Results 1-18, Page 1 of 1
Downtown Santa Cruz, 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 Downtown Santa Cruz?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown Santa Cruz Studio Apartments | $2,581 | $2,169 | $3,200 |
| Downtown Santa Cruz 1 Bedroom Apartments | $3,537 | $2,500 | $4,944 |
| Downtown Santa Cruz 2 Bedroom Apartments | $5,129 | $4,250 | $6,122 |
| Downtown Santa Cruz 3 Bedroom Apartments | $3,300 | $3,300 | $3,300 |
Browse Apartments in this Neighborhood
There are currently 18 rentals with your search options within a 2 mile radius of the Downtown Santa Cruz Neighborhood of Santa Cruz, CA.
See all Apartments in Santa CruzExplore Santa Cruz
Downtown Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA Local Guide
- Nearby Santa Cruz neighborhoods
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Cheapest Available Downtown Santa Cruz Apartments for Rent
The cheapest available apartment rental in the Downtown Santa Cruz area of Santa Cruz, CA is a Studio unit found at 201 River Street Apartments priced from $2,169. St. George Apartments has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $2,200. Here are the most affordable Downtown Santa Cruz apartments for rent in Santa Cruz, CA:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| 201 River Street Apartments | Studio | Studio,1BA | $2,169 |
| St. George Apartments | Studio | Studio,1BA | $2,200 |
| 1010 Pacific Apartments | AT2 | 1BR,1BA | $3,136 |
| NANDA ON PACIFIC | Studio | Studio,1BA | $3,200 |
| Anton Pacific | 2 Bed/2 Bath-3A | 2BR,2BA | $4,549 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Downtown Santa Cruz, CA
As of December 29, 2025 the best value apartment in the Downtown Santa Cruz area is the $4.94 price per square foot 2 Bed/2 Bath-2A Model at Anton Pacific in the in the Downtown Santa Cruz neighborhood starting from $6,122. The second greatest value Downtown Santa Cruz apartment is the 514 Washington St Model at 514 Washington St, Unit Unit A starting at $3,300 with a $3.67 price per square foot in the Escolona neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Downtown Santa Cruz apartments based on price per square foot:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anton Pacific | 2 Bed/2 Bath-2A | 2BR,2BA | $4.94 |
| 514 Washington St, Unit Unit A | 514 Washington St | 3BR,1BA | $3.67 |
| 1010 Pacific Apartments | Residence A1 | 1BR,1BA | $6.17 |
| 201 River Street Apartments | One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $4.56 |
| NANDA ON PACIFIC | Studio | Studio ,1BA | $7.60 |
| St. George Apartments | Studio | Studio ,1BA | $9.52 |
Don't Settle: How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money
Discover the insider tips from an attorney and real estate agent on how to negotiate your next apartment lease. Find out what's on the table and what's not, so you can save money and get the best terms possible.
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The Ultimate Long-Distance Moving Checklist: Tips from a Real Estate Pro
Moving is tough, especially long-distance. Learn how to minimize stress & expenses with proven strategies from a real estate pro, covering everything from logistics to finances.
Read ArticleCash or credit? Understanding the Importance of Credit Score in Real Estate and Renting
Discover how your credit score impacts your ability to lease or buy a home. Learn how credit scores are determined, how to check yours, and strategies to improve it for real estate success.
Read ArticleQuick 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.
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Pet Friendly LifestyleDowntown Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA
Ranked #15
Among cities in California for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities.
Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score
3.0Pet Friendly
Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Downtown Santa Cruz Apartments
What is a cheap apartment in Downtown Santa Cruz?
A cheap apartment is any apartment up to the 30% percentile of cost for the area, which in Downtown Santa Cruz is under $4,549.
What is the price of a cheap apartment in Downtown Santa Cruz?
The cheapest apartment in Downtown Santa Cruz is 201 River Street Apartments which is listed at $2,479, while the average apartment in Downtown Santa Cruz costs $5,175.
What types of apartments are the cheapest in Downtown 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 12 regular apartments in Downtown Santa Cruz that we think qualify as ‘cheap apartments’ that do not have special requirements to apply to rent.
Expert Rental Resources
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.
Articles, How-To's, and Tips
How to Make Your Apartment Holiday-Ready: Renter-Friendly Tips
Written by: Justin Habersaat
Getting your apartment ready for the holidays can be exciting but sometimes challenging in a smaller space. Here are some modern tips to keep things festive, safe, and inviting this season.
Renting with Roommates: Realistic Expectations for Shared Lease
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Given the high costs for housing, I have found that many people are looking for a roommate to share expenses. These arrangements can increase opportunities for more desirable and larger spaces.
Apartment Common Area Rules: What Renters Need to Know
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Back in the day when I rented one of my first apartments, the property didn’t even have laundry in the building. Now, rental properties are often competing against each other to provide the best amenities.
How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Everything is a negotiation in real estate!