Apartments for Rent in Santa Cruz, CA (433 Rentals)

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The Hilltop
$3,545 - $4,595
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Total Monthly Price

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$3,545 - $4,595
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1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

The Hilltop

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

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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Anton Pacific
$3,193 - $6,776
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

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$3,193 - $6,776
Total Monthly Price
Varies
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

Anton Pacific

800 Pacific AveSanta Cruz, CA 95060
Student Housing
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Cypress Point
$2,638 - $6,926
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

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$2,638 - $6,926
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Varies
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

Cypress Point

101 Felix StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
Corporate Housing
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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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property at 504 Cliff St

$2,290

1 Bedroom, 1 Bath Home for Rent

Available May 1

504 Cliff St

Santa CruzCA95060
property at 341 5th Ave

$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 May 1

341 5th Ave

Santa CruzCA95062
property at 755 14th Ave

$3,400

Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$3,400
Total Monthly Price
$3,400

2 Bedroom, 1 Bath Condo for Rent

Available Now

755 14th Ave, Unit 212, Unit 212

755 14th Ave
Santa CruzCA95062
property at 711 Hanover St

$3,600

Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$3,600
Total Monthly Price
$3,600

2 Bedroom, 1.5 Bath Condo for Rent

Available May 1

711 Hanover St

Santa CruzCA95062
property at 133 Washburn Ave

$4,000

Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$4,000
Total Monthly Price
$4,000

2 Bedroom, 1 Bath Home for Rent

Available Now

133 Washburn Ave

Santa CruzCA95060
property at 713 Lighthouse Ave

$9,200

Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$9,200
Total Monthly Price
$9,200

4 Bedroom, 2 Bath Home for Rent

Available Now

713 Lighthouse Ave

Santa CruzCA95060

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.

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property at 200 5th Ave

$4,700

2 Bedroom, 2 Bath Condo for Rent

Available Now

200 5th Ave

Santa CruzCA95062
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

10 Hidden Costs of Renting You Should Budget for Before Signing a Lease

Avoid financial stress when renting. Learn about the 10 most common hidden costs—from pet fees to utilities—you must budget for before you sign a lease.

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Don't Settle: How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money

Discover the insider tips from an attorney and real estate agent on how to negotiate your next apartment lease. Find out what's on the table and what's not, so you can save money and get the best terms possible.

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The Ultimate Long-Distance Moving Checklist: Tips from a Real Estate Pro

Moving is tough, especially long-distance. Learn how to minimize stress & expenses with proven strategies from a real estate pro, covering everything from logistics to finances.

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Cash or credit? Understanding the Importance of Credit Score in Real Estate and Renting

Discover how your credit score impacts your ability to lease or buy a home. Learn how credit scores are determined, how to check yours, and strategies to improve it for real estate success.

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How a Move-In Inspection Can Protect Your Security Deposit

Learn How a Move-In Inspection Can Protect Your Security Deposit from the Renter University at AparmentHomeLiving.com.

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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:
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Frequently Asked Questions about Santa Cruz

How much are Studio apartments in Santa Cruz?

There are currently 152 Studio Apartments in Santa Cruz with rent ranges from $1,925 to $3,490 with an average price of $3,125.

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 $2,395 to $5,552 with an average monthly rent of $3,594.

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 $2,795 to $7,500. Today's average rental price for Two Bedrooms here is $4,756.

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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Expert Solutions for Creating the Perfect Work-From-Home Apartment Layouts

Written by: Lauren Harrington

This article is based on first-hand experience managing apartment communities and helping renters adapt to their spaces after moving in.

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What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much

Written by: Lauren Harrington

This article draws from first-hand renter experiences and recurring financial challenges reported after moving in.

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Maximizing Your Refund: Essential Tax Tips for Renters

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Other than tax professionals, I can’t think of anyone who looks forward to tax season. For everybody else, April is a stressful month to collect information and meet deadlines.

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

Written by: Lauren Harrington

Renting your next home can feel thrilling and overwhelming at the same time.