Cheap Apartments for Rent in Santa Cruz, CA from $1,300 (42 Rentals)

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Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in Santa Cruz.

property at 1030 El Dorado Ave

$995

Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$995
Total Monthly Price
$995

1 Bedroom, 1 Bath Home for Rent

Available Now

1030 El Dorado Ave

Santa CruzCA95062
property at 837 Corcoran Ave

$1,085

Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$1,085
Total Monthly Price
$1,085

1 Bedroom, 1 Bath Townhome for Rent

Available Now

837 Corcoran Ave, Unit #1

837 Corcoran Ave
Santa CruzCA95062
property at 514 Broadway

$1,295 - $1,695

1 Bedroom Rentals

Available Now

514 Broadway

Santa CruzCA95060
property at 235 Union St

$2,000

Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$2,000
Total Monthly Price
$2,000

1 Bedroom, 1 Bath Home for Rent

Available Now

235 Union St

Santa CruzCA95060

Rent According to Income: A Look at Income-Restricted Rentals

Find income-restricted rentals and housing subsidies. Explore government programs designed to help low-income families secure stable, affordable housing.

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property at 219 Roberts St

$2,400

Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$2,400
Total Monthly Price
$2,400

Studio, 1 Bath Home for Rent

Available Now

219 Roberts St

Santa CruzCA95060
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Cypress Point
Rent Specials
$2,606 - $4,301
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$2,606 - $4,301
Total Monthly Price
Varies
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

Cypress Point

101 Felix StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
Student Housing
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  • Customer Reviewed
  • 3D Tour

Renters Insurance 101: What It Is, What It Covers, and Why You Need It

From theft to fire to water damage, the unexpected can happen to any renter. Discover why renters insurance is one of the smartest and most affordable investments you can make as a tenant.

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307-309 Raymond St
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

307-309 Raymond St

307-309 Raymond StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
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Seabright Apartments
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Seabright Apartments

116 Seabright AveSanta Cruz, CA 95062
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Shearwater Apartments
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Shearwater Apartments

2333 Portola DrSanta Cruz, CA 95062
  • Utilities Included
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Coronado Apartments
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Coronado Apartments

133 Morrissey BlvdSanta Cruz, CA 95062
  • Utilities Included
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240 River Street
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

240 River Street

232-240 River StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
  • Utilities Included

How I Find the Perfect Rental for My Clients: A Real Estate Pro's Guide

Finding the right apartment starts with three things: location, cost, and amenities. Get the insider perspective from a real estate professional on how to nail all three.

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The Palomar Inn
Studio Apartments

The Palomar Inn

1344 Pacific AveSanta Cruz, CA 95060
Student Housing
  • Utilities Included
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Seaside Studios
Studio Apartments

Seaside Studios

108 2nd StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
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516 Center St
Studio Apartments

516 Center St

516 Center StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
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803 Laurel St
2 Bedroom Apartments

803 Laurel St

803 Laurel StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
  • Utilities Included

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

Learn the official definition (spending 30% or more of your gross income on housing) and how to calculate your exact rent-to-income ratio. This guide offers expert tips on factoring in total housing costs (including utilities and fees) and budgeting accurately to avoid unnecessary financial strain.

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317 Spruce St
2 Bedroom Apartments

317 Spruce St

317 Spruce StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
  • Utilities Included
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832-834 Paget Ave
2 Bedroom Apartments

832-834 Paget Ave

832-834 Paget AveSanta Cruz, CA 95062
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108 Sycamore St
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

108 Sycamore St

108 Sycamore StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
  • Utilities Included

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

Thinking about getting a co-signer for your rental application? We break down what a co-signer is, the potential benefits, and the serious risks for both parties. Find out if it's the right choice for you.

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property at 4497 Highway 9

$2,150

Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$2,150
Total Monthly Price
$2,150

Studio, 1 Bath Home for Rent

Available Now

4497 Highway 9, Unit #A

4497 Highway 9
FeltonCA95018
Showing Results 1-42, Page 1 of 1

Santa Cruz, CA Local Guide

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

Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in Santa Cruz, CA

Pricing Updated: 08/19/2026

Current apartment rentals in the Santa Cruz, CA area range in price from $1,695 to $10,000 with an overall median price of $3,486. The three Santa Cruz neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are Arana Gulch at $2,900, Escolona at $3,052, and East Park at $3,195. Here is today’s list of the top 10 neighborhoods with the lowest median pricing for Santa Cruz Apartments for rent:

NeighborhoodMedian PriceMin PriceAvailable Units
Arana Gulch$2,900$2,4956
Escolona$3,052$2,10025
East Park$3,195$1,6957
Eastside$3,242$1,69525
Central Santa Cruz$3,375$1,69586
Lighthouse$3,421$2,59033
Ocean Street$3,438$1,69581
Prospect Heights$3,450$2,4958
Carbonera$3,452$1,69561
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk$3,460$1,69591

Cheapest Available Santa Cruz Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in Santa Cruz, CA is a Studio unit found at St. George Apartments in the Downtown Santa Cruz neighborhood priced from $2,200. The Breakers in the Ocean Street neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $2,295. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Santa Cruz apartments for rent:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
St. George ApartmentsStudioStudio,1BA$2,200
The BreakersThe BreakersStudio,1BA$2,295
Lincoln Apartments324 Lincoln Apartments1BR,1BA$2,400
832-834 Paget Ave2 Beds, 1 Baths2BR,1BA$2,695
NANDA ON PACIFICStudioStudio,1BA$2,915
Breakwater ApartmentsA11BR,1BA$2,915

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Santa Cruz, CA

As of August 19, 2026 the best value apartment in the Santa Cruz area is the $3.47 price per square foot Thurber Apartments Model at Thurber Apartments in the in the Prospect Heights neighborhood starting from $3,400. The second greatest value Santa Cruz apartment is the Plan 1 Model at Landing at Capitola starting at $3,605 with a $3.76 price per square foot in the Eastside neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Santa Cruz apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
Thurber ApartmentsThurber Apartments2BR,1.5BA$3.47
Landing at CapitolaPlan 12BR,1.5BA$3.76
Emerald Bay ApartmentsTwo Bedroom2BR,1BA$3.98
136 Pryce St, Unit Apt. C136 Pryce St2BR,1BA$3.41
1804 Mission StStandard Loft1BR,1.5BA$3.82
Cormorant Court Apartments2-Bedroom, 1-Bathroom2BR,1BA$4.50
320 - 328 California Street2BR/1.0BA2BR,1BA$4.37
Hidden Creek Apartments2 Bed 1 Bath2BR,1BA$4.37
Chestnut StreetPlan 1A1BR,1BA$4.52
633 Trevethan Ave, Unit Alley633 Trevethan Ave1BR,1BA$3.84

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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Real Estate and Rental Term Glossary | ApartmentHomeLiving.com Renter University

From the letter A all the way to the letter Z, the Real Estate and Rental Term Glossary from the content team at ApartmentHomeLiving.com provides our visitors and shoppers with a little clarity and helpful guidance in navigating the real estate world through definitions and explainers for the top subjects and terms that someone may come across during the leasing, buying, or selling process.

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How much rent can you afford?

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.

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:
Location, Location, Location!

Explore Santa Cruz, CA Rentals by Map

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See the most popular apartments and homes in Santa Cruz, CA

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Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Santa Cruz Apartments

What is a cheap apartment in Santa Cruz?

A cheap apartment is any apartment up to the 30% percentile of cost for the area, which in Santa Cruz is under $2,915.

What is the price of a cheap apartment in Santa Cruz?

The cheapest apartment in Santa Cruz is Lincoln Apartments which is listed at $2,400, while the average apartment in Santa Cruz costs $3,486.

What types of apartments are the cheapest in Santa Cruz?

Student, low-income, and by-the-bed apartments are typically the cheapest rentals in most cities, though they require qualifying criteria to rent. There are 204 regular apartments in Santa Cruz that we think qualify as ‘cheap apartments’ that do not have special requirements to apply to rent.

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

decorative image for Rent According to Income: A Look at Income-Restricted Rentals article

Rent According to Income: A Look at Income-Restricted Rentals

Written by: Robin Stewart

The idea of affordable housing can be subjective. Every individual is in a different place financially and vocationally. What one may easily afford could be a struggle for someone else.

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Practical Tips for Renters: How to Identify a Great Rental and Avoid Red Flags

Written by: Robin Stewart

Renters want to find a great apartment, the right place for them, one that checks all the boxes of location, rental cost, amenities, safety, and more.

decorative image for First Apartment Regrets: Real Renters Share What They'd Do Differently article

First Apartment Regrets: Real Renters Share What They'd Do Differently

Written by: Robin Stewart

Hindsight is 20/20. Live and Learn. With age comes wisdom. We’re familiar with all those expressions, and all of them apply to lessons first-time renters learn.

decorative image for Renters Insurance 101: What It Is, What It Covers, and Why You Need It article

Renters Insurance 101: What It Is, What It Covers, and Why You Need It

Written by: Robin Stewart

Insurance seems to be a part of life. In some states, having insurance is the law, as is the case for automobile insurance. Renters are no exception.