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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Copa Cabanas
1 Bedroom Apartments

Copa Cabanas

1112 Mission StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
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516 Chestnut St
1 Bedroom Apartments

516 Chestnut St

516 Chestnut StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
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423 Broadway
1 Bedroom Apartments

423 Broadway

423 BroadwaySanta Cruz, CA 95060

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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951 30th Ave
1 Bedroom Apartments

951 30th Ave

951 30th AveSanta Cruz, CA 95062
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402 Dakota Ave
1 Bedroom Apartments

402 Dakota Ave

402 Dakota AveSanta Cruz, CA 95060
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23727 E Cliff Dr
1 Bedroom Apartments

23727 E Cliff Dr

23727 E Cliff DrSanta Cruz, CA 95062
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3225 Scriver St
1 Bedroom Apartments

3225 Scriver St

3225 Scriver StSanta Cruz, CA 95062
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Pastel Court
1 Bedroom Apartments

Pastel Court

936 38th AveSanta Cruz, CA 95062
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2735 Soquel Ave
1 Bedroom Apartments

2735 Soquel Ave

2735 Soquel AveSanta Cruz, CA 95062
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236 Sixth
1 Bedroom Apartments

236 Sixth

236 6th AveSanta Cruz, CA 95062
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615 Seabright Ave
1 Bedroom Apartments

615 Seabright Ave

615 Seabright AveSanta Cruz, CA 95062

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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209 Kaye St
1 Bedroom Apartments

209 Kaye St

209 Kaye StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
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1137 E Cliff Dr
1 Bedroom Apartments

1137 E Cliff Dr

1137 E Cliff DrSanta Cruz, CA 95062
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220 Center St
1 Bedroom Apartments

220 Center St

220 Center StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
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Jane Apartments
1 Bedroom Apartments

Jane Apartments

234 Felix StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
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820 3rd St
1 Bedroom Apartments

820 3rd St

820 3rd StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
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21520 E Cliff Dr
1 Bedroom Apartments

21520 E Cliff Dr

21520 E Cliff DrSanta Cruz, CA 95062
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502 Maple St
1 Bedroom Apartments

502 Maple St

502 Maple StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
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145 Canfield Ave
1 Bedroom Apartments

145 Canfield Ave

145 Canfield AveSanta Cruz, CA 95060
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21601 E Cliff Dr
1 Bedroom Apartments

21601 E Cliff Dr

21601 E Cliff DrSanta Cruz, CA 95062
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123 Pearl St
1 Bedroom Apartments

123 Pearl St

123 Pearl 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 22, 2025

There are currently 325 available 1 Bedroom apartment units from neighborhoods all over Santa Cruz, CA that range in price from $1,895 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
Western31$3,352$2,195
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk28$3,220$1,895
Central Santa Cruz25$3,220$2,195
Ocean Street24$3,272$2,500
Neary Lagoon23$3,310$2,195
Beach Flats22$3,352$2,195
King Street21$3,305$2,195
UCSC21$3,305$2,195
Lighthouse19$3,245$2,195
Riverwalk18$3,395$2,195

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 ShoresSteamer Lane817 Sq Ft$3,790
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
OceanviewA1650 Sq Ft$3,195
Five55B2646 Sq Ft$3,300

Cheapest Available Santa Cruz 1 Bedroom Apartments

As of November 22, 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 $3,270. 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
201 River Street ApartmentsOne Bedroom$2,975
Cypress PointResidence 2$2,995
1804 Mission StLarger Loft$3,195
OceanviewA1$3,195

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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Quick Rent Budget Calculator

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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 $3,270.

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.