Cheap Apartments for Rent in Santa Cruz, CA from $1,300 (50 Rentals)

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

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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Cypress Point
$2,638 - $6,764
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

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$2,638 - $6,764
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Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

Cypress Point

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

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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Anton Pacific
$3,279 - $6,776
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$3,279 - $6,776
Total Monthly Price
Varies
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

Anton Pacific

800 Pacific AveSanta Cruz, CA 95060
Student Housing
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  • Customer Reviewed
  • 3D Tour
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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

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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240 River Street
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

240 River Street

232-240 River StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
  • Utilities Included
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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
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317 Spruce St
2 Bedroom Apartments

317 Spruce St

317 Spruce StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
  • Utilities Included

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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816 Riverside Ave
2 Bedroom Apartments

816 Riverside Ave

816 Riverside AveSanta Cruz, CA 95060
Student Housing
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Clay Residences
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Clay Residences

132 Clay StSanta Cruz, CA 95060

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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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: 05/20/2026

Current apartment rentals in the Santa Cruz, CA area range in price from $1,825 to $10,000 with an overall median price of $4,690. The three Santa Cruz neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are Prospect Heights at $2,495, Arana Gulch at $2,495, and East Park at $2,010. 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
Prospect Heights$2,495$2,4951
Arana Gulch$2,695$2,4952
East Park$3,197$2,0105
Beach Hill$3,438$2,0105
Western$4,445$1,860111
Escolona$4,800$2,63835
Lighthouse$4,800$2,01027
West King Street$4,800$2,63851
Central Santa Cruz$4,870$1,86093
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk$4,870$1,86095

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. Seaside Studios in the Ocean Street neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $1,925. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Santa Cruz apartments for rent:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
The Palomar InnPalomar Inn -SROStudio,1BA$1,860
Seaside StudiosStudioStudio,1BA$1,925
St. George ApartmentsStudioStudio,1BA$2,200
The BreakersThe BreakersStudio,1BA$2,295
108 Sycamore St1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$2,850
201 River Street ApartmentsFeatured One Bedroom1BR,1BA$2,975
1804 Mission StStandard Loft1BR,1BA$2,995
Cypress PointResidence 21BR,1BA$3,006

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Santa Cruz, CA

As of May 21, 2026 the best value apartment in the Santa Cruz area is the $3.82 price per square foot Three Bedroom Model at Emerald Bay Apartments in the in the Eastside neighborhood starting from $3,933. The second greatest value Santa Cruz apartment is the 1 Bed/1 Bath-14B Model at Anton Pacific starting at $5,552 with a $5.41 price per square foot in the Downtown Santa Cruz 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.
Emerald Bay ApartmentsThree Bedroom3BR,1.5BA$3.82
Anton Pacific1 Bed/1 Bath-14B1BR,1BA$5.41
Breakwater ApartmentsC13BR,2BA$4.22
Westmont Townhomes2 Beds, 1 bath2BR,1BA$4.64
1804 Mission StStandard Loft1BR,1.5BA$3.63
Pacific ShoresMitchell`s Cove1BR,1BA$4.20
Cypress PointResidence 32BR,1BA$4.94
Chestnut StreetPlan 1A1BR,1BA$4.86
150-152 Leibrandt Ave2-Bedroom2BR,1BA$4.92
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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Quick Rent Budget Calculator

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 $3,006.

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

The cheapest apartment in Santa Cruz is The Breakers which is listed at $2,650, while the average apartment in Santa Cruz costs $4,690.

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 339 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

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A Seasoned Property Manager's Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Deposit Back

Written by: Lauren Harrington

I’m going to talk with you as a seasoned property manager and friend. So, let’s start with your security deposit. I want you to think about this guide as insider information. You deserve your deposit back.

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Expert Solutions for Creating the Perfect Work-From-Home Apartment Layouts

Written by: Lauren Harrington

This article is based on first-hand experience managing apartment communities and helping renters adapt to their spaces after moving in.

decorative image for What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much article

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

Written by: Lauren Harrington

This article draws from first-hand renter experiences and recurring financial challenges reported after moving in.

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Maximizing Your Refund: Essential Tax Tips for Renters

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Other than tax professionals, I can’t think of anyone who looks forward to tax season. For everybody else, April is a stressful month to collect information and meet deadlines.