1 Bedroom Apartments for Rent in Santa Cruz, CA (193 Rentals)

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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.

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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755 14th Ave
1 Bedroom Apartments

755 14th Ave

755 14th AveSanta Cruz, CA 95062
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Laureate Court
1 Bedroom Apartments

Laureate Court

700 Nobel DrSanta Cruz, CA 95060
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Gularte apartment
1 Bedroom Apartments

Gularte apartment

1114-1116 Pacific AveSanta Cruz, CA 95060
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371 7th Ave
1 Bedroom Apartments

371 7th Ave

371 7th AveSanta Cruz, CA 95062
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Bienestar Plaza
1 Bedroom Apartments

Bienestar Plaza

1520 Capitola RdSanta Cruz, CA 95062

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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413 Laurel St
1 Bedroom Apartments

413 Laurel St

413 Laurel StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
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618 Windsor St
1 Bedroom Apartments

618 Windsor St

618 Windsor StSanta Cruz, CA 95062
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320 California St
1 Bedroom Apartments

320 California St

320 California StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
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415-417 Barson St
1 Bedroom Apartments

415-417 Barson St

415-417 Barson StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
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151 Marine Parade
1 Bedroom Apartments

151 Marine Parade

151 Marine ParadeSanta Cruz, CA 95062
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226 Mora St
1 Bedroom Apartments

226 Mora St

226 Mora StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
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509 Leibrandt Ave
1 Bedroom Apartments

509 Leibrandt Ave

509 Leibrandt AveSanta Cruz, CA 95060
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Laurel
1 Bedroom Apartments

Laurel

221 Laurel StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
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206 Leibrandt Ave
1 Bedroom Apartments

206 Leibrandt Ave

206 Leibrandt AveSanta Cruz, CA 95060

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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903 Sumner St
1 Bedroom Apartments

903 Sumner St

903 Sumner StSanta Cruz, CA 95062
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409 2nd St
1 Bedroom Apartments

409 2nd St

409 2nd StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
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131 Alhambra Ave
1 Bedroom Apartments

131 Alhambra Ave

131 Alhambra AveSanta Cruz, CA 95062
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135 School St
1 Bedroom Apartments

135 School St

135 School StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
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320 Dakota Ave
1 Bedroom Apartments

320 Dakota Ave

320 Dakota AveSanta Cruz, CA 95060
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438 Market St
1 Bedroom Apartments

438 Market St

438 Market StSanta Cruz, CA 95060

Santa Cruz, CA Local Guide

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

Santa Cruz 1 Bedroom Apartment Units with Current Availability by Neighborhood

Availability Confirmed As of: November 16, 2025

There are currently 326 available 1 Bedroom apartment units from neighborhoods all over Santa Cruz, CA that range in price from $2,295 to $8,900. Western, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Central Santa Cruz are the neighborhoods that currently have the most 1 Bedroom availability. Here is today's list of the top neighborhoods in Santa Cruz with the most available 1 Bedroom apartments:

NeighborhoodAvailable UnitsMedian PriceMin Price
Western28$3,300$2,295
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk27$3,150$2,300
Central Santa Cruz26$3,150$2,300
Ocean Street25$3,097$2,300
Beach Flats22$3,272$2,300
King Street22$3,300$2,500
Neary Lagoon22$3,272$2,500
UCSC22$3,300$2,500
Lighthouse17$3,120$2,500
Riverwalk17$3,352$2,500

Largest Available Santa Cruz 1 Bedroom Apartments

The largest available 1 Bedroom apartment unit in Santa Cruz, CA is found at Anton Pacific in the Downtown Santa Cruz neighborhood and is 914 square feet priced from $4,180. 1804 Mission St in the Escolona neighborhood has the second largest 1 Bedroom, which is sized at 860 square feet and currently listed start at $3,195. Here is today’s list of the largest available 1 Bedroom units in Santa Cruz:

Apartment ListingModel NameSquare FootagePriced From
Anton Pacific1 Bed/1 Bath-4A914 Sq Ft$4,180
1804 Mission StLarger Loft860 Sq Ft$3,195
The HilltopA3818 Sq Ft$4,045
Pacific ShoresMitchell`s Cove790 Sq Ft$4,190
NANDA ON PACIFIC1 Bed 1 Bath D727 Sq Ft$3,752
Emerald Bay Apartments1 Bedroom705 Sq Ft$2,706
Chestnut Street1 Bed 1 Bath650 Sq Ft$2,829
Five55B2646 Sq Ft$3,300
Cypress PointResidence 2625 Sq Ft$2,995

Cheapest Available Santa Cruz 1 Bedroom Apartments

As of November 16, 2025 the lowest priced 1 Bedroom apartment unit in Santa Cruz, CA is the The Shoreline Model starting from $2,650 at The Breakers in the Ocean Street neighborhood. The second most affordable Santa Cruz 1 Bedroom is the 1-Bedroom Model at 108 Sycamore St starting at $2,650 in the Downtown Santa Cruz neighborhood. The average price for all 1 Bedroom apartments in Santa Cruz is currently $3,287. Here is today’s list of the cheapest available 1 Bedroom options in Santa Cruz:

Apartment ListingModel NamePriced From
The BreakersThe Shoreline$2,650
108 Sycamore St1-Bedroom$2,650
Hidden Creek Apartments1 Bed Loft$2,699
Emerald Bay Apartments1 Bedroom$2,706
Chestnut Street1 Bed 1 Bath$2,829
Breakwater ApartmentsA1$2,895
Cypress PointResidence 2$2,995
201 River Street ApartmentsOne Bedroom$3,150
1804 Mission StLarger Loft$3,195
Five55B2$3,300

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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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.

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.

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

Explore Santa Cruz, CA Rentals by Map

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Getting Around Santa Cruz, CA

Walk Score®

81 / 100

Very Walkable

Most errands can be accomplished on foot

Bike Score®

93 / 100

Biker's Paradise

Daily errands can be accomplished on a bike

Transit Score®

36 / 100

Some Transit

A few nearby public transportation options

Frequently Asked Questions about 1 Bedroom Santa Cruz Apartments

What is the Cheapest apartment in Santa Cruz with 1 Bedroom?

Currently the most affordable 1 Bedroom in Santa Cruz is at The Breakers listed at $2,650.

How much is the average rent for a 1 Bedroom Santa Cruz Apartment?

The average rent for a 1 Bedroom Apartment in Santa Cruz is $3,287.

What is the largest available 1 Bedroom Santa Cruz Apartment for rent?

Today's apartment with the most square footage in Santa Cruz is a 914 square feet unit starting from $4,180 at Anton Pacific.

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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Apartment Common Area Rules: What Renters Need to Know

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Back in the day when I rented one of my first apartments, the property didn’t even have laundry in the building. Now, rental properties are often competing against each other to provide the best amenities.

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How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Everything is a negotiation in real estate! 

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The Rental Move-In Inspection Checklist: A Guide for Renters

Written by: Trey Huguley

The move-in inspection checklist is a crucial tool for both tenants and landlords. This checklist, provided by the team at ApartmentHomeLiving.com, helps document the condition of an apartment at the time of move-in.

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Your Guide to Co-Signers: The Risks, Rewards, and Everything in Between

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

For many people, obstacles can arise during the rental application process for a variety of issues.