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

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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.

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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Shearwater Apartments
1 Bedroom Apartments

Shearwater Apartments

2333 Portola DrSanta Cruz, CA 95062
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Coronado Apartments
1 Bedroom Apartments

Coronado Apartments

133 Morrissey BlvdSanta Cruz, CA 95062
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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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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

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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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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Bienestar Plaza
1 Bedroom Apartments

Bienestar Plaza

1520 Capitola RdSanta 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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Harbor Place
1 Bedroom Apartments

Harbor Place

225 7th AveSanta Cruz, CA 95062

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: August 04, 2025

There are currently 375 available 1 Bedroom apartment units from neighborhoods all over Santa Cruz, CA that range in price from $1,800 to $8,900. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Western 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
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk34$3,202$1,800
Western30$3,533$1,800
Central Santa Cruz29$3,230$1,800
Neary Lagoon29$3,538$2,432
Beach Flats28$3,544$2,432
King Street26$3,533$1,800
Ocean Street26$3,310$2,432
UCSC26$3,533$1,800
Lighthouse25$3,411$2,432
Seabright21$3,354$2,395

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 $5,283. 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 Loft-8B1,168 Sq Ft$5,283
1804 Mission StLarger Loft860 Sq Ft$3,195
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$2,877
OceanviewA1650 Sq Ft$3,195
Five55B2646 Sq Ft$3,685
Cypress PointResidence 2625 Sq Ft$2,962
Breakwater ApartmentsA1624 Sq Ft$2,995

Cheapest Available Santa Cruz 1 Bedroom Apartments

As of August 04, 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 $3,320. 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
150-152 C Leibrandt Ave1-Bedroom$2,700
Emerald Bay Apartments1 Bedroom$2,706
Hidden Creek Apartments1 Bed 1 Bath$2,750
Chestnut Street1 Bed 1 Bath$2,877
Cypress PointResidence 2$2,962
Breakwater ApartmentsA1$2,995
OceanviewA1$3,195
1804 Mission StLarger Loft$3,295

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!

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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 $3,320.

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 $5,283 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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The Ultimate Long-Distance Moving Checklist: Tips from a Real Estate Pro

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Hard truth. Moving is never easy. I’ve done it all – from local moves to cross-country relocations From packing to unpacking the last box, I have found moving to be an exhausting, expensive and stressful experience every time.

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

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Throughout the day, think about all the times that you have to pay for something. So many of us reach automatically for a credit card or even our phone for a quick payment.

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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.