2630 Portola Dr
Santa CruzCA95062
Cheap Homes for Rent in Santa Cruz, CA from $2,300 (6 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Homes available for rent right now in Santa Cruz.
105 Beth Dr
FeltonCA95018
Smart Renter's Guide: Calculating Affordable Rent & Housing Costs
Wondering how to determine your rental budget? This comprehensive guide covers everything from the 30% rule to hidden fees and effective budgeting strategies.
315 Mott Ave
Santa CruzCA95062
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.
225 7th Ave
Santa CruzCA95062
2030 N Pacific Ave
Santa CruzCA95060
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.
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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 | $3,511 | $2,600 | $4,400 |
| Santa Cruz 3 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $5,206 | $3,900 | $7,200 |
| Santa Cruz 4 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $7,915 | $5,500 | $8,990 |
| Santa Cruz 5 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $8,366 | $6,400 | $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: 05/17/2025Current apartment rentals in the Santa Cruz, CA area range in price from $1,750 to $9,500 with an overall median price of $5,947. The three Santa Cruz neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are Escolona at $2,200, West King Street at $2,200, and Downtown Santa Cruz at $2,200. 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 | $4,595 | $2,200 | 63 |
| West King Street | $4,810 | $2,200 | 109 |
| Downtown Santa Cruz | $5,065 | $2,200 | 85 |
| Arana Gulch | $5,400 | $2,200 | 38 |
| Bananna Belt | $5,400 | $2,200 | 91 |
| Carbonera | $5,400 | $2,200 | 93 |
| East Park | $5,400 | $2,200 | 90 |
| Prospect Heights | $5,400 | $2,200 | 18 |
| Eastside | $5,495 | $2,200 | 91 |
| Central Santa Cruz | $6,025 | $2,200 | 121 |
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. 108 Sycamore St in the Prospect Heights 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mission Street Cottages | A1 | 1BR,1BA | $1,602 |
| 108 Sycamore St | Studio | Studio,1BA | $2,200 |
| St. George Apartments | Studio | Studio,1BA | $2,200 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Santa Cruz, CA
As of May 17, 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 2x2 Model at Pacific Shores starting at $4,831 with a $4.75 price per square foot in the Escolona 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 |
| Pacific Shores | 2x2 | 2BR,2BA | $4.75 |
| 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 |
| Breakwater Apartments | A1 | 1BR,1BA | $4.80 |
| 1804 Mission St | Jr. 1 Bedroom | Studio ,1BA | $4.51 |
| Mission Street Cottages | S1 | Studio ,1BA | $4.93 |
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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 $2,200 to $6,650. There are also 38 Single Family Homes for rent, Condos, and Townhome rentals currently available in Santa Cruz ranging from $2,300 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 $2,300 to $9,600 with an average monthly rent of $5,024.
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 $3,900 to $7,200. Four Bedroom Single-Family rentals are also available starting from $5,500 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.
Know Your Budget: Calculating What You Can Realistically Afford When Renting
Written by: Lauren Harrington
Renting an apartment or house isn’t just about looking through online ads, choosing a few apartments or homes you want to tour, filling out an application, and putting down a deposit. Those things are all necessary and important.
The Freedom of Short-Term Leases: Exploring the Advantages for Renters
Written by: Bobbi Jackson
If you’re looking to relocate right now, a popular solution that may best fit your current rental needs is a short-term lease.
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.