3509 N Main St
SoquelCA95073
Cheap Homes for Rent in Santa Cruz, CA from $2,500 (5 Rentals)
Cheap Homes in Santa Cruz.
212 Everson Dr
Santa CruzCA95060
Navigating the Rental Market: Tips for First-Time Renters
Entering the rental market? Learn these simple tips and strategies to avoid common pitfalls and make confident choices. Rent with peace of mind.
148 Everson Dr
Santa CruzCA95060
2861 S Palisades Ave
Santa CruzCA95062
Know Your Rights - How Discrimination Laws Impact Landlords and Tenants
Read our practical guide to landlord and tenant rights. Understand protected classes, reasonable accommodations, and legal exceptions to prevent housing discrimination.
431 Palm St
Santa CruzCA95060
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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 a home in Santa Cruz?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Cruz 2 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $3,902 | $3,150 | $4,600 |
| Santa Cruz 3 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $5,446 | $3,500 | $7,400 |
| Santa Cruz 4 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $8,515 | $7,600 | $9,000 |
| Santa Cruz 5 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $9,350 | $9,100 | $9,600 |
Browse Top Homes for Rent in Santa Cruz
Explore Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, CA Local Guide
- Santa Cruz Neighborhoods
- Nearby Cities
- ZIP codes
- Local Counties
- School Districts
Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in Santa Cruz, CA
Pricing Updated: 05/03/2025Current apartment rentals in the Santa Cruz, CA area range in price from $1,895 to $9,500 with an overall median price of $5,949. The three Santa Cruz neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are Escolona at $1,895, West King Street at $1,895, and Downtown Santa Cruz at $1,895. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Escolona | $4,567 | $1,895 | 86 |
| West King Street | $4,762 | $1,895 | 143 |
| Downtown Santa Cruz | $5,162 | $1,895 | 115 |
| Arana Gulch | $5,400 | $1,895 | 46 |
| Bananna Belt | $5,400 | $1,895 | 117 |
| Carbonera | $5,400 | $1,895 | 114 |
| East Park | $5,400 | $2,150 | 124 |
| Prospect Heights | $5,400 | $1,895 | 18 |
| Eastside | $5,521 | $2,150 | 116 |
| Central Santa Cruz | $6,025 | $1,895 | 142 |
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. 516 Center St in the Prospect Heights neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $1,895. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Santa Cruz apartments for rent:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mission Street Cottages | A1 | 1BR,1BA | $1,602 |
| 516 Center St | 516 Center St | Studio,1BA | $1,895 |
| The Breakers | The Breakers | Studio,1BA | $2,150 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Santa Cruz, CA
As of May 03, 2025 the best value apartment in the Santa Cruz area is the $3.65 price per square foot 121 Marnell Ave Model at 121 Marnell Ave, Unit # A in the in the Prospect Heights neighborhood starting from $5,400. The second greatest value Santa Cruz apartment is the B2 Model at Breakwater Apartments starting at $3,895 with a $4.22 price per square foot in the Bananna Belt 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. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 121 Marnell Ave, Unit # A | 121 Marnell Ave | 4BR,2BA | $3.65 |
| Breakwater Apartments | B2 | 2BR,2BA | $4.22 |
| Chestnut Street | 2 Bed 1 Bath | 2BR,1BA | $4.66 |
| Westmont Townhomes | 2 Beds, 1 bath | 2BR,1BA | $4.75 |
| 30th Ave Townhomes | TH15 | 2BR,1.5BA | $4.28 |
| Capitola Townhomes | TH15 | 2BR,1.5BA | $4.74 |
| Emerald Bay Apartments | 1 Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $3.84 |
| Oceanview | A1 | 1BR,1BA | $4.92 |
| The Sands | 2 bed 1 bath | 2BR,1BA | $4.60 |
| 1804 Mission St | Jr. 1 Bedroom | Studio ,1BA | $4.51 |
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Frequently Asked Questions about Santa Cruz
What type of rentals are currently available in Santa Cruz?
There are currently 382 Apartments for Rent in Santa Cruz, CA with pricing that ranges from $1,895 to $6,650. There are also 33 Single Family Homes for rent, Condos, and Townhome rentals currently available in Santa Cruz ranging from $2,500 to $9,600.
What is the current price range for Rental Homes in Santa Cruz?
Today's rental pricing for Homes for Rent, Condos and Townhomes in Santa Cruz ranges from $2,500 to $9,600 with an average monthly rent of $5,972.
How much are larger Three and Four Bedroom Rentals in Santa Cruz?
For those who are looking for larger living arrangements, Three Bedroom Apartments in Santa Cruz range from $3,733 to $4,950, while Three Bedroom Homes, Condos, and Townhomes for rent range from $3,500 to $7,400. Four Bedroom Single-Family rentals are also available starting from $7,600 and Four Bedroom Apartments start at $5,400.
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.
Navigating the Rental Market: Tips for First-Time Renters
Written by: Sandy Baker
Making the decision to rent is exciting and terrifying at the same time. For many people, there are a lot of unknowns.
Rise of Digital Nomads: Remote Work Tips for Apartment Renters
Written by: Brandie Parton
As a digital nomad, you no longer call a set address or office building your home for eight hours of the day or more.
Know Your Rights - How Discrimination Laws Impact Landlords and Tenants
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Everyone needs a place to live and to call home. For decades, the federal government has established protections to ensure that individuals and families can find housing free from discriminatory barriers.
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.