Apartments for Rent in Santa Cruz, CA (437 Rentals)

How Many Bedrooms?Done
Select your price rangeDone
to
Note: Properties with the Total Monthly Price badge include all required fees. Hover over the badge for details.
Lifestyle Matching SearchDone
Learn more about Lifestyle Search
By AmenitiesDone
By Community TypeDone
Features and AvailabilityDone
Done
close
View Me
Cypress Point
Rent Specials
$2,657 - $4,099

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent$2,657 - $4,099
Total Monthly PriceVaries
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

Cypress Point

101 Felix StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
Student Housing
  • Verified
  • Customer Reviewed
  • 3D Tour

Renters Insurance 101: What It Is, What It Covers, and Why You Need It

From theft to fire to water damage, the unexpected can happen to any renter. Discover why renters insurance is one of the smartest and most affordable investments you can make as a tenant.

Read Article
close
View Me
The Hilltop
$3,545 - $4,445

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent$3,545 - $4,445
Total Monthly PriceVaries
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Soon

The Hilltop

363 Western DrSanta Cruz, CA 95060
Student Housing
  • Verified
  • Customer Reviewed
  • 3D Tour

How I Find the Perfect Rental for My Clients: A Real Estate Pro's Guide

Finding the right apartment starts with three things: location, cost, and amenities. Get the insider perspective from a real estate professional on how to nail all three.

Read Article
close
View Me
129 Grant St, Unit 2
$3,250

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent$3,250
Total Monthly Price$3,250
2 Bedroom Apartment Available Now

129 Grant St, Unit 2

129 Grant StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
property at 5715 Empire Grade
$1,500

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent$1,500
Total Monthly Price$1,500
2 Bedroom, 1 Bath Home for Rent
Available Now
Furnished

5715 Empire Grade

Santa CruzCA95060
property at 1030 El Dorado Ave
$995

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent$995
Total Monthly Price$995
1 Bedroom, 1 Bath Home for Rent
Available Now
Affordability

1030 El Dorado Ave

Santa CruzCA95062
property at 120 Alamo Ave
$1,350

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent$1,350
Total Monthly Price$1,350
4 Bedroom, 2 Bath Home for Rent
Available Now
Cost Per Sq.Ft.

120 Alamo Ave

Santa CruzCA95060
property at 320 Myrtle St
$3,500

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent$3,500
Total Monthly Price$3,500
1 Bedroom, 1 Bath Townhome for Rent
Available Now

320 Myrtle St, Unit A

320 Myrtle St
Santa CruzCA95060
  • Smoke Free
property at 312 Spruce St
$4,150

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent$4,150
Total Monthly Price$4,150
3 Bedroom, 2 Bath Home for Rent
Available Oct 23

312 Spruce St

Santa CruzCA95060
property at 514 Broadway
$1,095 - $1,495
1 Bedroom Rentals
Available Now
Affordability

514 Broadway

Santa CruzCA95060

Neighborhood & Market Insights: How to Choose the Right Area to Rent

Master your search for the perfect apartment. Location is everything. Discover how to leverage community insights, public data, and personal visits to make a fully informed decision about where to rent.

Read Article
property at 116 Maple St
$2,350
1 Bedroom Rentals
Available Now

116 Maple St

Santa CruzCA95060

The Art of the Rental Viewing: What to look for during a property tour

Touring a rental? This guide helps you know exactly what to look for, from safety features to hidden flaws, so you can confidently sign your lease or keep searching.

Read Article

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.

Read Article
Showing Results 1-50, Page 1 of 9

Santa Cruz, CA Local Guide

Photo of Justin Habersaat - Editing Staff
Written By:
Justin Habersaat
Editing Staff

A Seasoned Property Manager's Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Deposit Back

Learn the property manager's true secrets to a zero-deduction move-out. Use this step-by-step guide on documentation, cleaning, and lease-reading to reclaim your security deposit.

Read Article
Decorative image

18 Must-Ask Rental Tour Questions That Reveal the Truth about a Property

Tour smarter and choose with confidence. Get the essential 18 questions that reveal the truth about a rental property's maintenance, utilities, and safety.

Read Article
Decorative image

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.

Read Article

Real Estate and Rental Term Glossary | ApartmentHomeLiving.com Renter University

From the letter A all the way to the letter Z, the Real Estate and Rental Term Glossary from the content team at ApartmentHomeLiving.com provides our visitors and shoppers with a little clarity and helpful guidance in navigating the real estate world through definitions and explainers for the top subjects and terms that someone may come across during the leasing, buying, or selling process.

Read Article
Decorative image

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

Santa Cruz Overview

Known across the globe for its famed redwood trees and sweeping ocean views, Santa Cruz is a darling city of the California scene. Home to plenty of historic hot spots as well as an inviting downtown mixture of nightlife and retail shopping, this west coast destination should be on the 'must-consider' list for anyone seriously considering a move to Cali.

What is the history of Santa Cruz?

By 1847 the city had established a basic wharf as well as a black smithery, and California Powder Works called the area home through much of the Civil War. Steadily growing in popularity over the years thanks to its impressively mild climate, Santa Cruz became a bedstone of progressive and liberal politics throughout the 1970s. Today, this thriving west coast epicenter continues to draw a large mix of young and older residents, with a current city population of just over 60K.

How is the weather in Santa Cruz?

California weather doesn't get much better than life in a Santa Cruz apartment. Sunny, warm summers are the norm, with winters generally mild and requiring only a light jacket. Autumn and spring are likewise spectacular, with cool oceanic breezes and plenty of sunshine.

How do I get around town?

Santa Cruz Metro Transit provides plenty of bus lines for locals, and Greyhound also has a station in the city for longer trips. Amtrak likewise can be found with ease, and while many living in Santa Cruz rentals rely on a personal auto for most typical travel needs, bicycling and even skateboarding are both hugely popular as well. Trendy semi-electric tourist trains can also be found near the boardwalk district, and the San Jose International Airport is about half an hour drive away.

What is the Santa Cruz commute like?

State Route 17 and 1 are both primary roadways in and around Santa Cruz, with the aptly-titled Ocean Street acting as a default main drag through the city center. Those working in the downtown region will have little trouble traversing the city on most days, although those commuting from Santa Cruz apartments to the job markets of San Francisco or San Jose may have to deal with that notorious California traffic on most days.

What are the local media outlets?

Print news is dominated by the 'Santa Cruz Sentinel', while the events weekly 'Good Times' covers much of the arts and entertainment options in the city. Broadcast television is wide reaching as well, with local hubs such as KAAP and KION both popular in their programming. Radio is a pleasing mix of classic rock, modern pop and the heavier end of the spectrum thanks to the infamous KPIG 107.5 FM.

Why live in Santa Cruz, CA?

Why in the world not? Easily one of the most in-demand locales of the entire west coast, life in a Santa Cruz apartment for rent is about as good as it gets. Flush with area schools and plenty of employers such as Plantronics, this forward-thinking and environmentally-conscious hotspot is a fantastic place to call home.

What Santa Cruz landmarks should I see?

The local redwood forest is simply a must-see, and nature lovers will also undoubtedly want to stroll among the floral glory at the UCSC Arboretum. The Looff Rollercoaster is a visual and historic high point of the boardwalk, while the Golden Gate Villa hallmarks the city architecture flourishes.

What is there to do around Santa Cruz?

Spend an afternoon seaside at the boardwalk, trying your luck at games of chance or feasting on fried dough, an easy commute from most apartments in Santa Cruz. The Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History is an excellent spot to stroll and contemplate, while the famous Santa Cruz Skatepark often draws big name athletes on the regular.

Any annual festivals or Santa Cruz events to know?

Santa Cruz is home to a number of yearly events, including the popular Wharf to Wharf Race, which has been ongoing for over three decades. The Santa Cruz Film Festival is always a star-studded affair, and Shakespear in the Park is a constant summer appearance.

Where are the nearby vacation spots?

Visit Alcatraz and other famous hot spots with a trip to San Francisco, located about 90 minutes from the city, or spend a long weekend camping and exploring much of inland California. Of course, with fishing and boating right at your fingertips, a stay-cation is always a winning option as well for those calling Santa Cruz apartments home.

Where is the best place to move in Santa Cruz?

From the sweeping ocean views of the historic boardwalk region to the bustle of the retail center, Santa Cruz apartments for rent are as varied as the individuals that make up the ever-growing population. Start your search for that next great California rental in your life today! 

Santa Cruz, CA
Population: 64,725

Ranked #582

in US Census Population by City

decorative image of people examining a giant globe and floating graphs

Best Local Schools in
Santa Cruz, CA

School data provided by Great Schools

Remember the 3 Rules of Real Estate:
Location, Location, Location!

Explore Santa Cruz, CA Rentals by Map

Decorative image of map

See the most popular apartments and homes in Santa Cruz, CA

View Map
Santa Cruz, CA Apartments Map
View Map
Santa Cruz, CA Rental Homes Map

Frequently Asked Questions about Santa Cruz

What is the current pricing and availability for apartments for rent in Santa Cruz, CA?

As of today, September 11, 2026, there are currently 437 available Santa Cruz apartments priced from $1,395 to $8,000, with an average monthly rent of $3,791.

What Santa Cruz neighborhoods have the most available apartments?

There are 22 neighborhoods in the Santa Cruz area with available listings as of today. The three neighborhoods with the most options are Outer Campbell Los Gatos with 956 listings, Elkhorn Pajaro with 636 listings, and Valley View Reed with 498 listings.

How much are Studio apartments in Santa Cruz?

There are currently 156 Studio Apartments in Santa Cruz with rent ranges from $1,895 to $3,475 with an average price of $2,984.

What is the current price range for One Bedroom Santa Cruz Apartments for rent?

Today's rental pricing for One Bedroom Apartments in Santa Cruz ranges from $1,395 to $4,295 with an average monthly rent of $3,307.

What does renting a Two Bedroom Apartment in Santa Cruz cost?

The monthly rent prices of Two Bedroom Apartments currently available in Santa Cruz range from $3,050 to $7,534. Today's average rental price for Two Bedrooms here is $4,709.

How expensive are Santa Cruz Three Bedroom Apartments?

There are currently 75 Three Bedroom Apartments listings available in Santa Cruz on ApartmentHomeLiving.com. The pricing ranges from $2,595 to $7,500 - averaging $4,465 for the location.

Expert Rental Resources

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.

Articles, How-To's, and Tips

decorative image for Exploring Rental Options: Apartments, Townhomes, and Lofts - Oh My! article

Exploring Rental Options: Apartments, Townhomes, and Lofts - Oh My!

Written by: Robin Stewart

Where do you see yourself? When you think of home, sweet home, are you in a 3/2 apartment? Dreaming of a tall townhome? Maybe an industrial loft heavy on cool vibes is on your visioning board.

decorative image for Practical Tips for Renters: How to Identify a Great Rental and Avoid Red Flags article

Practical Tips for Renters: How to Identify a Great Rental and Avoid Red Flags

Written by: Robin Stewart

Renters want to find a great apartment, the right place for them, one that checks all the boxes of location, rental cost, amenities, safety, and more.

decorative image for First Apartment Regrets: Real Renters Share What They'd Do Differently article

First Apartment Regrets: Real Renters Share What They'd Do Differently

Written by: Robin Stewart

Hindsight is 20/20. Live and Learn. With age comes wisdom. We’re familiar with all those expressions, and all of them apply to lessons first-time renters learn.

decorative image for Renters Insurance 101: What It Is, What It Covers, and Why You Need It article

Renters Insurance 101: What It Is, What It Covers, and Why You Need It

Written by: Robin Stewart

Insurance seems to be a part of life. In some states, having insurance is the law, as is the case for automobile insurance. Renters are no exception.