1530 Bulb Ave
Santa CruzCA95062
Cheap Homes for Rent in Santa Cruz, CA from $1,100 (6 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Homes available for rent right now in Santa Cruz.
250 River St
Santa CruzCA95060
3509 N Main St
SoquelCA95073
2222 Ocean Street Ext, Unit ADU
2222 Ocean Street Ext
Santa CruzCA95060
211 Plateau Ave
Santa CruzCA95060
212 Everson Dr
Santa CruzCA95060
Showing Results 1-6, 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 a home in Santa Cruz?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Cruz 2 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $3,615 | $3,000 | $4,163 |
| Santa Cruz 3 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $5,746 | $3,600 | $8,500 |
| Santa Cruz 4 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $6,780 | $4,950 | $8,750 |
| Santa Cruz 5 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $8,995 | $8,995 | $8,995 |
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: 03/25/2025Current apartment rentals in the Santa Cruz, CA area range in price from $1,800 to $9,500 with an overall median price of $5,053. The three Santa Cruz neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are Downtown Santa Cruz at $2,200, Western at $1,800, and Escolona 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown Santa Cruz | $4,795 | $2,200 | 5022 |
| Western | $4,813 | $1,800 | 4902 |
| Escolona | $4,831 | $2,200 | 4593 |
| King Street | $4,850 | $1,800 | 4671 |
| UCSC | $4,850 | $1,800 | 4671 |
| Arana Gulch | $4,900 | $2,200 | 1111 |
| East Park | $4,900 | $2,200 | 1118 |
| Prospect Heights | $4,900 | $2,200 | 218 |
| Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk | $4,900 | $1,800 | 5239 |
| Neary Lagoon | $4,908 | $1,800 | 4886 |
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. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mission Street Cottages | A1 | 1BR,1BA | $1,602 |
| St. George Apartments | Studio | Studio,1BA | $2,200 |
| 108 Sycamore St | Studio | Studio,1BA | $2,200 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Santa Cruz, CA
As of March 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 2430 Felt St Model at 2430 Felt St, Unit 2430 starting at $2,995 with a $3.33 price per square foot in the Eastside 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 |
| 2430 Felt St, Unit 2430 | 2430 Felt St | 2BR,1BA | $3.33 |
| Westmont Townhomes | 2 Beds, 1 bath | 2BR,1BA | $4.75 |
| San Lorenzo Apartments | 2 Bed 1 Bath | 2BR,1BA | $3.74 |
| Breakwater Apartments | B1 | 2BR,1BA | $4.06 |
| Emerald Bay Apartments | Two Bedroom | 2BR,1BA | $3.98 |
| 311 Cypress Ave, Unit Cypress Avenue | 311 Cypress Ave | 2BR,1BA | $4.27 |
| Hidden Creek Apartments | 2 Bed 1 Bath | 2BR,1BA | $4.52 |
| 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 |
Quick 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.
Let everyone know!
Do you know the Santa Cruz area?
If you’re an expert on all things Santa Cruz, tell us what you love (and don't) by rating it and writing a review.
Write a Review
Frequently Asked Questions about Santa Cruz
What type of rentals are currently available in Santa Cruz?
There are currently 383 Apartments for Rent in Santa Cruz, CA with pricing that ranges from $1,800 to $6,043. There are also 37 Single Family Homes for rent, Condos, and Townhome rentals currently available in Santa Cruz ranging from $1,195 to $8,995.
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 $1,195 to $8,995 with an average monthly rent of $5,558.
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.
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.
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.
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.