155 Torrey Pine Ter
Santa CruzCA95060
Cheap Apartments for Rent in Santa Cruz, CA from $1,300 (38 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in Santa Cruz.
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$1,860 - $2,250Studio Apartments Available Now
The Palomar Inn
1344 Pacific AveSanta Cruz, CA 95060
235 Union St
Santa CruzCA95060
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$2,200Studio Apartments Available Now
St. George Apartments
833 Front StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
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$2,295 - $3,695Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now
The Breakers
630 Water StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
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$2,358 - $3,795Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments Available Now
Five55
555 Pacific AveSanta Cruz, CA 95060
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$2,4001 Bedroom Apartments Available Now
Lincoln Apartments
316-324 Lincoln StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
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$2,479 - $2,9951 Bedroom Apartments Available Now
201 River Street Apartments
201 River StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
2485 Cardinal Ln
Santa CruzCA95062
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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$2,682 - $4,253
Total Monthly Price
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available NowTotal Monthly Price
Base Rent
$2,682 - $4,253
Total Monthly Price
Varies
Cypress Point
101 Felix StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
832 Paget Ave
Santa CruzCA95062
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$2,706 - $3,9331 to 3 Bedroom Apartments Available Now
Emerald Bay Apartments
2500 Soquel DrSanta Cruz, CA 95065
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$2,750 - $3,8451 to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now
Hidden Creek Apartments
200 Button StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
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$2,795 - $2,9951 Bedroom Apartments Available Now
1804 Mission St
1804 Mission StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
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Rent Specials
$2,811 - $4,8221 to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now
1010 Pacific Apartments
1010 Pacific AveSanta Cruz, CA 95060
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$2,897 - $4,5491 to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now
Chestnut Street
143 Chestnut StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
218 Alhambra Ave
Santa CruzCA95062
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$2,900
Total Monthly Price
Studio Apartment Available Aug 1Total Monthly Price
Base Rent
$2,900
Total Monthly Price
$2,900
135 Camino del Sol, Unit 135A
135 Camino del SolSanta Cruz, CA 95065
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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Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments
307-309 Raymond St
307-309 Raymond StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
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Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments
Seabright Apartments
116 Seabright AveSanta Cruz, CA 95062
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1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments
Harbor Walk at Swan Lake
755 14th AveSanta Cruz, CA 95062
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Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments
Shearwater Apartments
2333 Portola DrSanta Cruz, CA 95062
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Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments
Coronado Apartments
133 Morrissey BlvdSanta Cruz, CA 95062
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Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments
240 River Street
232-240 River StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
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1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments
Granava Garden Apartments
657 24th AveSanta Cruz, CA 95062
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Studio Apartments
Seaside Studios
108 2nd StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
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Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments
Pacific View Courts
81 Front StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
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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1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments
Ocean Street Apartments
813 E Cliff DrSanta Cruz, CA 95060
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Studio Apartments
516 Center St
516 Center StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
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Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments
Corcoran Gardens Apartments
650 Corcoran AveSanta Cruz, CA 95062
1104 E Cliff Dr
Santa CruzCA95062
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2 Bedroom Apartments
803 Laurel St
803 Laurel StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
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2 to 3 Bedroom Apartments
Creekside Apartments
985 30th StSanta Cruz, CA 95062
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Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments
Clay Residences
132 Clay StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
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2 Bedroom Apartments
317 Spruce St
317 Spruce StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
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Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments
108 Sycamore St
108 Sycamore StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
Roommate Matching: Finding the Right Fit and Avoiding Pitfalls
When searching for a roommate, follow this list of essential steps and set clear expectations to create a solid foundation for a harmonious living situation.
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Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments
San Lorenzo Apartments
120 San Lorenzo BlvdSanta Cruz, CA 95060
4497 Highway 9, Unit #A
4497 Highway 9
FeltonCA95018
Showing Results 1-38, Page 1 of 1
Santa Cruz, CA Local Guide
How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Santa Cruz?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cheap Santa Cruz Studio Apartments | $3,154 | $1,860 | $3,505 |
| Cheap Santa Cruz 1 Bedroom Apartments | $3,443 | $2,400 | $4,278 |
| Cheap Santa Cruz 2 Bedroom Apartments | $4,543 | $2,695 | $7,500 |
| Cheap Santa Cruz 3 Bedroom Apartments | $3,933 | $3,933 | $3,933 |
| Cheap Santa Cruz 4 Bedroom Apartments | $7,085 | $7,085 | $7,085 |
Note: Properties with the Total Monthly Price badge include all required fees. Hover over the badge for details.
Browse Top Apartments in Santa Cruz
See all Apartments in Santa CruzExplore Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, CA Local Guide
Written By:
Justin HabersaatEditing Staff
- Santa Cruz Neighborhoods
- Nearby Cities
- ZIP codes
- Local Counties
- School Districts
Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in Santa Cruz, CA
Pricing Updated: 07/05/2026Current apartment rentals in the Santa Cruz, CA area range in price from $1,800 to $10,000 with an overall median price of $4,296. The three Santa Cruz neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are Arana Gulch at $2,695, East Park at $2,295, and Prospect Heights at $2,900. Here is today’s list of the top 10 neighborhoods with the lowest median pricing for Santa Cruz Apartments for rent:
| Neighborhood | Median Price | Min Price | Available Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arana Gulch | $2,900 | $2,695 | 2 |
| East Park | $3,195 | $2,295 | 5 |
| Prospect Heights | $3,450 | $2,900 | 3 |
| Beach Hill | $3,588 | $2,358 | 6 |
| Lighthouse | $4,084 | $2,358 | 25 |
| Central Santa Cruz | $4,169 | $1,860 | 89 |
| Ocean Street | $4,219 | $1,860 | 86 |
| Escolona | $4,222 | $2,400 | 38 |
| Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk | $4,309 | $1,860 | 89 |
| King Street | $4,381 | $1,860 | 81 |
Cheapest Available Santa Cruz Apartments for Rent
The cheapest available apartment rental in Santa Cruz, CA is a Studio unit found at The Palomar Inn in the Downtown Santa Cruz neighborhood priced from $1,860. St. George Apartments in the Downtown Santa Cruz neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $2,200. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Santa Cruz apartments for rent:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Palomar Inn | Palomar Inn -SRO | Studio,1BA | $1,860 |
| St. George Apartments | Studio | Studio,1BA | $2,200 |
| The Breakers | The Breakers | Studio,1BA | $2,295 |
| Lincoln Apartments | 324 Lincoln Apartments | 1BR,1BA | $2,400 |
| Cypress Point | Residence 1 | Studio,1BA | $2,682 |
| Hidden Creek Apartments | 1 Bed Loft | 1BR,1BA | $2,750 |
| 1010 Pacific Apartments | Residence A1 | 1BR,1BA | $2,811 |
| 201 River Street Apartments | Featured One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $2,975 |
| 1804 Mission St | Standard Loft | 1BR,1BA | $2,995 |
| 150-152 Leibrandt Ave | 2-Bedroom | 2BR,1BA | $3,200 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Santa Cruz, CA
As of July 05, 2026 the best value apartment in the Santa Cruz area is the $4.34 price per square foot Plan 2B Townhome Model at Chestnut Street in the in the Escolona neighborhood starting from $4,509. The second greatest value Santa Cruz apartment is the Three Bedroom Model at Emerald Bay Apartments starting at $3,933 with a $3.82 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 Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chestnut Street | Plan 2B Townhome | 2BR,1.5BA | $4.34 |
| Emerald Bay Apartments | Three Bedroom | 3BR,1.5BA | $3.82 |
| Pacific Shores | 2x2 | 2BR,2BA | $4.49 |
| Thurber Apartments | Thurber Apartments | 2BR,1.5BA | $3.52 |
| Breakwater Apartments | C1 | 3BR,2BA | $4.70 |
| Westmont Townhomes | 2 Beds, 1 bath | 2BR,1BA | $4.64 |
| 1804 Mission St | Standard Loft | 1BR,1.5BA | $3.63 |
| Capitola Townhomes | TH15 | 2BR,1.5BA | $4.74 |
| 150-152 Leibrandt Ave | 2-Bedroom | 2BR,1BA | $4.92 |
| Lincoln Apartments | 324 Lincoln Apartments | 1BR,1BA | $5.00 |
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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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, CAPopulation: 64,725
Ranked #582
in US Census Population by City
Best Local Schools in Santa Cruz, CA
Westlake Elementary
Santa Cruz City Elementary School District
Public School - Grades K-5 (453)
9 out of 10
School data provided by Great Schools
Remember the 3 Rules of Real Estate:Location, Location, Location!
Explore Santa Cruz, CA Rentals by Map
See the most popular apartments and homes in Santa Cruz, CA
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 $3,200.
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 $4,296.
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 100 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
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.
Apartment Occupancy Rates: Renter Attraction vs Renter Retention
Written by: Robin Stewart
There’s a tenet in marketing about client or customer attraction and retention. Studies and data have consistently shown it costs less to keep a current customer than to attract a new one.
How I Find the Perfect Rental for My Clients: A Real Estate Pro's Guide
Written by: Robin Stewart
Evaluating rental properties for clients draws many parallels to house-hunting. Whether an apartment, loft, townhouse, or other rental, finding the right place means finding “home” for your client.
Pet-Friendly Renting: Everything You Need to Know Before You Move
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
For so many of us, pets are the best companions and a big part of our lives. For this reason, a pet-friendly house or apartment is often a very important - and nonnegotiable - part of a move.