Cheap Apartments for Rent in the UCSC Neighborhood of Santa Cruz, CA from $1,600 (15 Rentals)

How Many Bedrooms?Done
Select your price rangeDone
Lifestyle Matching SearchDone
By AmenitiesDone
By Community TypeDone
Features and AvailabilityDone
Done

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

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.

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.

close
View Me
240 River Street
Studio Apartments

240 River Street

232-240 River StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
803 Laurel St
2 Bedroom Apartments

803 Laurel St

803 Laurel StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
317 Spruce St
2 Bedroom Apartments

317 Spruce St

317 Spruce StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
  • Utilities Included
  • Smoke Free
close
View Me
The Sands
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

The Sands

304 Cliff StSanta Cruz, CA 95060

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.

UCSC, Santa Cruz, CA Local Guide

Cheapest Available UCSC Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in the UCSC area of Santa Cruz, CA is a 1 Bed unit found at Mission Street Cottages priced from $1,602. 108 Sycamore St has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $2,200. Here are the most affordable UCSC apartments for rent in Santa Cruz, CA:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Mission Street CottagesA11BR,1BA$1,602
108 Sycamore StStudioStudio,1BA$2,200
St. George ApartmentsStudioStudio,1BA$2,200
516 Center St516 Center StStudio,1BA$2,295
The BreakersThe Shoreline1BR,1BA$2,500

Best Value Apartments for Rent in UCSC, CA

As of May 15, 2025 the best value apartment in the UCSC area is the $4.75 price per square foot 2x2 Model at Pacific Shores in the in the Escolona neighborhood starting from $4,831. The second greatest value UCSC 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 UCSC apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
Pacific Shores2x22BR,2BA$4.75
Westmont Townhomes2 Beds, 1 bath2BR,1BA$4.75
Chestnut Street2 Bed 1 Bath2BR,1BA$4.66
OceanviewA11BR,1BA$5.07
Five55B11BR,1BA$5.46
1804 Mission StJr. 1 BedroomStudio ,1BA$4.51
1010 Pacific ApartmentsResidence A11BR,1BA$5.24
Hidden Creek Apartments1 Bed 1 Bath1BR,1BA$5.24
108 Sycamore StStudioStudio ,1BA$5.18
Mission Street CottagesS1Studio ,1BA$4.93

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.

decorative image of people with a giant lease agreement

Pet Friendly Lifestyle
Ucsc, Santa Cruz, CA

Ranked #8

Among neighborhoods in Santa Cruz, CA for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities

Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score

4.0
Pet Friendly

decorative image of woman handing cat to small boy

Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap UCSC Apartments

What is a cheap apartment in UCSC?

A cheap apartment is any apartment up to the 30% percentile of cost for the area, which in UCSC is under $2,922.

What is the price of a cheap apartment in UCSC?

The cheapest apartment in UCSC is Mission Street Cottages which is listed at $1,602, while the average apartment in UCSC costs $6,650.

What types of apartments are the cheapest in UCSC?

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 2 regular apartments in UCSC that we think qualify as ‘cheap apartments’ that do not have special requirements to apply to rent.

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 Know Your Budget: Calculating What You Can Realistically Afford When Renting article

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.

decorative image for The Freedom of Short-Term Leases: Exploring the Advantages for Renters article

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.

decorative image for Navigating the Rental Market: Tips for First-Time Renters article

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.

decorative image for Rise of Digital Nomads: Remote Work Tips for Apartment Renters article

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.