Cheap Homes for Rent in Santa Cruz County, CA from $1,700 (13 Rentals)

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Cheap Homes in Santa Cruz County.

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.

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.

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 ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Mission Street CottagesA11BR,1BA$1,602
Paloma Del Mar - Senior Community 55+E1BR,1BA$1,700
516 Center St516 Center StStudio,1BA$1,895
Aptos ApartmentsS1Studio,1BA$2,150
The BreakersThe BreakersStudio,1BA$2,150

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Santa Cruz County, CA

As of May 02, 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 ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
121 Marnell Ave, Unit # A121 Marnell Ave4BR,2BA$3.65
Wilder TownhomesTH15Y2BR,1.5BA$3.48
Baytree ApartmentsD2BR,2BA$2.90
Breakwater ApartmentsB22BR,2BA$4.22
30th Ave TownhomesTH152BR,1.5BA$4.28
8181 Hacienda Ln, Unit Stable House Apartment8181 Hacienda Ln1BR,1BA$3.19
Plum Street Garden ApartmentsTwo-Bedroom ~ beautiful upgrades, wood style pl...2BR,1BA$4.06
314 Hillcrest Dr314 Hillcrest Dr1BR,1BA$3.73
Emerald Bay Apartments1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$3.84
Paloma Del Mar - Senior Community 55+E1BR,1BA$2.83

Frequently Asked Questions about Santa Cruz County

What type of rentals are currently available in Santa Cruz County?

There are currently 683 Apartments for Rent in Santa Cruz County, CA with pricing that ranges from $1,350 to $9,500. There are also 83 Single Family Homes for rent, Condos, and Townhome rentals currently available in Santa Cruz County ranging from $1,750 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 $1,750 to $9,600 with an average monthly rent of $5,021.

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 $3,500 to $7,400. Four Bedroom Single-Family rentals are also available starting from $4,950 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.

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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.

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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.

decorative image for Know Your Rights - How Discrimination Laws Impact Landlords and Tenants article

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.

decorative image for Renting Smart: Lease Basics Every Renter Needs article

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.