
Cheap Homes for Rent in Santa Cruz County, CA from $2,000 (10 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Homes available for rent right now in Santa Cruz County.


166 Hyannis Ct

11505 Lake Blvd, Unit B
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.

105 Beth Dr

251 Ventana Way

315 Mott Ave
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.

212 Everson Dr

225 7th Ave

12875 Boulder St
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.

375 Clifford Ave
Santa Cruz County, CA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent a home in Santa Cruz County?
Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
---|---|---|---|
Santa Cruz County 2 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $3,454 | $2,600 | $4,400 |
Santa Cruz County 3 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $4,997 | $2,995 | $7,200 |
Santa Cruz County 4 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $7,188 | $4,484 | $8,990 |
Santa Cruz County 5 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $8,366 | $6,400 | $9,600 |
Browse Homes for Rent in Santa Cruz County
Explore Santa Cruz County
Cheapest Available Santa Cruz County Apartments for Rent
 The cheapest available apartment rental in Santa Cruz County, CA is a 1 Bed unit found at Mission Street Cottages in the Escolona neighborhood priced from $1,602. Paloma Del Mar - Senior Community 55+ has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $1,700. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Santa Cruz County apartments for rent:
Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
---|---|---|---|
Mission Street Cottages | A1 | 1BR,1BA | $1,602 |
Paloma Del Mar - Senior Community 55+ | E | 1BR,1BA | $1,700 |
Aptos Apartments | S1 | Studio,1BA | $2,150 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Santa Cruz County, CA
As of May 17, 2025 the best value apartment in the Santa Cruz County 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 County apartment is the TH15Y Model at Wilder Townhomes starting at $4,250 with a $3.48 price per square foot in the Eastside neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Santa Cruz County 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 |
Wilder Townhomes | TH15Y | 2BR,1.5BA | $3.48 |
Baytree Apartments | D | 2BR,2BA | $2.90 |
30th Ave Townhomes | TH15 | 2BR,1.5BA | $4.28 |
8181 Hacienda Ln, Unit Stable House Apartment | 8181 Hacienda Ln | 1BR,1BA | $3.19 |
Plum Street Garden Apartments | Two-Bedroom ~ beautiful upgrades, wood style pl... | 2BR,1BA | $4.06 |
314 Hillcrest Dr, Unit 314 Hillcrest Drive | 314 Hillcrest Dr | 1BR,1BA | $3.59 |
Emerald Bay Apartments | 1 Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $3.84 |
Six Hundred Park Avenue | Remodeled 1 bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $4.05 |
Paloma Del Mar - Senior Community 55+ | E | 1BR,1BA | $2.83 |
Frequently Asked Questions about Santa Cruz County
What type of rentals are currently available in Santa Cruz County?
There are currently 686 Apartments for Rent in Santa Cruz County, CA with pricing that ranges from $1,350 to $9,500. There are also 72 Single Family Homes for rent, Condos, and Townhome rentals currently available in Santa Cruz County ranging from $2,000 to $9,600.
What is the current price range for Rental Homes in Santa Cruz County?
Today's rental pricing for Homes for Rent, Condos and Townhomes in Santa Cruz County ranges from $2,000 to $9,600 with an average monthly rent of $4,816.
How much are larger Three and Four Bedroom Rentals in Santa Cruz County?
For those who are looking for larger living arrangements, Three Bedroom Apartments in Santa Cruz County range from $3,733 to $8,150, while Three Bedroom Homes, Condos, and Townhomes for rent range from $2,995 to $7,200. Four Bedroom Single-Family rentals are also available starting from $4,484 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.