Apartments for Rent in Santa Cruz, CA (448 Rentals)

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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.

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Cypress Point
Rent Specials
$2,802 - $4,440
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$2,802 - $4,440
Total Monthly Price
Varies
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

Cypress Point

101 Felix StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
Student Housing
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The Hilltop
$3,551 - $4,451
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$3,551 - $4,451
Total Monthly Price
Varies
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

The Hilltop

363 Western DrSanta Cruz, CA 95060
Student Housing
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property at 235 Union St

$2,000

Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$2,000
Total Monthly Price
$2,000

1 Bedroom, 1 Bath Home for Rent

Available Now

235 Union St

Santa CruzCA95060

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.

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property at 228 John St

$1,200

Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$1,200
Total Monthly Price
$1,200

3 Bedroom, 1 Bath Home for Rent

Available Aug 1

228 John St

Santa CruzCA95060
property at 2135 Felt St

$2,800

Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$2,800
Total Monthly Price
$2,800

1 Bedroom, 1 Bath Home for Rent

Available Now

2135 Felt St

Santa CruzCA95062
property at 320 Myrtle St

$3,500

Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$3,500
Total Monthly Price
$3,500

1 Bedroom, 1 Bath Townhome for Rent

Available Aug 1

320 Myrtle St, Unit A

320 Myrtle St
Santa CruzCA95060
property at 3293 Roland Dr

$4,150

Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$4,150
Total Monthly Price
$4,150

3 Bedroom, 2 Bath Home for Rent

Available Now

3293 Roland Dr

Santa CruzCA95062

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.

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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.

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property at 755 14th Ave

$3,100 - $3,900

2 Bedroom Rentals

Available Now

755 14th Ave

Santa CruzCA95062

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.

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Santa Cruz, CA Local Guide

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Justin Habersaat
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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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Best Local Schools in
Santa Cruz, CA

School data provided by Great Schools

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

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Frequently Asked Questions about Santa Cruz

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

As of today, July 27, 2026, there are currently 448 available Santa Cruz apartments priced from $1,860 to $8,000, with an average monthly rent of $3,777.

What Santa Cruz neighborhoods have the most available apartments?

There are 21 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 957 listings, Elkhorn Pajaro with 627 listings, and Valley View Reed with 499 listings.

How much are Studio apartments in Santa Cruz?

There are currently 154 Studio Apartments in Santa Cruz with rent ranges from $1,860 to $3,475 with an average price of $3,112.

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 $2,479 to $4,278 with an average monthly rent of $3,422.

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 $2,695 to $7,569. Today's average rental price for Two Bedrooms here is $4,506.

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

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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.

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Apartment Occupancy Rates: Renter Attraction vs Renter Retention

Written by: Robin Stewart

There’s a tenet in marketing about client or customer attraction and retention. Studies and data have consistently shown it costs less to keep a current customer than to attract a new one.

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

Written by: Robin Stewart

Evaluating rental properties for clients draws many parallels to house-hunting. Whether an apartment, loft, townhouse, or other rental, finding the right place means finding “home” for your client.

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Pet-Friendly Renting: Everything You Need to Know Before You Move

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

For so many of us, pets are the best companions and a big part of our lives. For this reason, a pet-friendly house or apartment is often a very important - and nonnegotiable - part of a move.