1 Bedroom Apartments for Rent in Santa Cruz, CA (168 Rentals)

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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.

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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755 14th Ave
1 Bedroom Apartments

755 14th Ave

755 14th AveSanta Cruz, CA 95062
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Shearwater Apartments
1 Bedroom Apartments

Shearwater Apartments

2333 Portola DrSanta Cruz, CA 95062
  • Utilities Included

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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Coronado Apartments
1 Bedroom Apartments

Coronado Apartments

133 Morrissey BlvdSanta Cruz, CA 95062
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Copa Cabanas
1 Bedroom Apartments

Copa Cabanas

1112 Mission StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
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Clay Residences
1 Bedroom Apartments

Clay Residences

132 Clay StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
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La Posada
1 Bedroom Apartments

La Posada

609 Frederick StSanta Cruz, CA 95062
Senior Living
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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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226 Mora St
1 Bedroom Apartments

226 Mora St

226 Mora StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
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Laurel
1 Bedroom Apartments

Laurel

221 Laurel StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
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409 2nd St
1 Bedroom Apartments

409 2nd St

409 2nd StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
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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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1550 30th Ave
1 Bedroom Apartments

1550 30th Ave

1550 30th AveSanta Cruz, CA 95062
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Harbor Place
1 Bedroom Apartments

Harbor Place

225 7th AveSanta Cruz, CA 95062
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221 Raymond St
1 Bedroom Apartments

221 Raymond St

221 Raymond 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: July 09, 2025

There are currently 368 available 1 Bedroom apartment units from neighborhoods all over Santa Cruz, CA that range in price from $1,950 to $8,900. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Beach Flats and Neary Lagoon 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
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk33$3,333$1,950
Beach Flats30$3,482$1,950
Neary Lagoon29$3,482$1,950
Western29$3,419$1,950
Central Santa Cruz28$3,310$1,950
Lighthouse28$3,490$2,700
Ocean Street27$3,310$1,950
King Street25$3,482$1,950
UCSC25$3,482$1,950
Seabright21$3,441$2,450

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 1,168 square feet priced from $5,095. Pacific Shores in the Western neighborhood has the second largest 1 Bedroom, which is sized at 790 square feet and currently listed start at $3,240. 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 Loft-8B1,168 Sq Ft$5,095
Pacific ShoresMitchell`s Cove790 Sq Ft$3,240
Emerald Bay Apartments1 Bedroom705 Sq Ft$2,706
Chestnut Street1 Bed 1 Bath650 Sq Ft$2,969
OceanviewA1650 Sq Ft$3,295
Five55C1638 Sq Ft$3,615
Cypress PointResidence 2625 Sq Ft$2,799
Breakwater ApartmentsA1624 Sq Ft$2,995
Copa CabanasA1620 Sq Ft$1,602

Cheapest Available Santa Cruz 1 Bedroom Apartments

As of July 09, 2025 the lowest priced 1 Bedroom apartment unit in Santa Cruz, CA is the A1 Model starting from $1,602 at Copa Cabanas in the Escolona neighborhood. The second most affordable Santa Cruz 1 Bedroom is the The Shoreline Model at The Breakers starting at $2,650 in the Ocean Street neighborhood. The average price for all 1 Bedroom apartments in Santa Cruz is currently $3,327. Here is today’s list of the cheapest available 1 Bedroom options in Santa Cruz:

Apartment ListingModel NamePriced From
Copa CabanasA1$1,602
The BreakersThe Shoreline$2,650
150-152 C Leibrandt Ave1-Bedroom$2,700
Emerald Bay Apartments1 Bedroom$2,706
Cypress PointResidence 2$2,799
108 Sycamore St1-Bedroom$2,850
1010 Pacific ApartmentsResidence A1$2,851
Chestnut Street1 Bed 1 Bath$2,969
Breakwater ApartmentsA1$2,995
Pacific ShoresMitchell`s Cove$3,240

Quick Rent Budget Calculator

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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 Copa Cabanas listed at $1,602.

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 $3,327.

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 1,168 square feet unit starting from $5,095 at Anton Pacific.

What is the average size for Santa Cruz 1 Bedroom Apartments for rent?

The average size for a 1 Bedroom rental in Santa Cruz is currently 419 sq ft.

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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Roommate Matching: Finding the Right Fit and Avoiding Pitfalls

Written by: Cheryl Bowman

A fantastic way to save money and enjoy a built-in community is to share an apartment. However, a bad roommate situation can turn your dream rental into a nightmare.

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

Written by: Marie Brown

You’ve scrolled through countless listings, walked through a blur of rentals, and finally found what feels like the one. The pictures? Fantastic. The neighborhood seems just right.

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Know Your Budget: Calculating What You Can Realistically Afford When Renting

Written by: Lauren Harrington

Renting an apartment or house isn’t just about looking through online ads, choosing a few apartments or homes you want to tour, filling out an application, and putting down a deposit. Those things are all necessary and important.

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The Freedom of Short-Term Leases: Exploring the Advantages for Renters

Written by: Bobbi Jackson

If you’re looking to relocate right now, a popular solution that may best fit your current rental needs is a short-term lease.