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$1,400
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Studio Apartment Available NowTotal Monthly Price
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$1,400
Total Monthly Price
$1,400
865 Granite Ridge Dr, Unit Tiny house trailer for 1
865 Granite Ridge DrSanta Cruz, CA 95065
Cheap Apartments for Rent in Santa Cruz, CA from $1,300 (18 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in Santa Cruz.
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$1,875 - $2,035
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Studio Apartments Available NowTotal Monthly Price
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$1,815 - $1,975
Required Monthly Fees
$60
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$1,875 - $2,035
Seaside Studios
108 2nd StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
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$1,995 - $2,650Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now
Pacific View Courts
81 Front StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
115 Trinity St
Santa CruzCA95060
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$2,095
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Studio Apartment Available NowTotal Monthly Price
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$2,095
Total Monthly Price
$2,095
322 Market St, Unit B
322 Market StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
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$2,169 - $2,995Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments Available Now
201 River Street Apartments
201 River StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
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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$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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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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Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments
Copa Cabanas
1112 Mission StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
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1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments
755 14th Ave
755 14th AveSanta Cruz, CA 95062
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
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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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
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
Santa Cruz Lighthouses and the Setting Sun by Anita Ritenour is licensed under CC BY 2.0
How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Santa Cruz?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cheap Santa Cruz Studio Apartments | $2,910 | $1,400 | $3,400 |
| Cheap Santa Cruz 1 Bedroom Apartments | $3,511 | $2,000 | $4,278 |
| Cheap Santa Cruz 2 Bedroom Apartments | $4,640 | $2,600 | $7,500 |
| Cheap Santa Cruz 3 Bedroom Apartments | $4,982 | $3,800 | $8,000 |
| Cheap Santa Cruz 4 Bedroom Apartments | $7,500 | $7,500 | $7,500 |
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: 02/19/2026Current apartment rentals in the Santa Cruz, CA area range in price from $1,995 to $10,000 with an overall median price of $5,889. The three Santa Cruz neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are Beach Hill at $1,995, Arana Gulch at $2,095, and East Park at $2,000. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beach Hill | $3,277 | $1,995 | 13 |
| Arana Gulch | $3,800 | $2,095 | 4 |
| East Park | $3,800 | $2,000 | 11 |
| Prospect Heights | $3,800 | $2,600 | 2 |
| Eastside | $4,195 | $2,000 | 29 |
| Lighthouse | $4,320 | $1,995 | 45 |
| Beach Flats | $5,225 | $1,995 | 126 |
| Neary Lagoon | $5,225 | $1,995 | 129 |
| Riverwalk | $5,525 | $1,995 | 108 |
| Seabright | $5,525 | $1,995 | 110 |
Cheapest Available Santa Cruz Apartments for Rent
The cheapest available apartment rental in Santa Cruz, CA is a Studio unit found at Seaside Studios in the Ocean Street neighborhood priced from $1,875. Pacific View Courts in the Western neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $1,995. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Santa Cruz apartments for rent:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seaside Studios | Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,875 |
| Pacific View Courts | Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,995 |
| 201 River Street Apartments | Studio | Studio,1BA | $2,169 |
| St. George Apartments | Studio | Studio,1BA | $2,200 |
| The Breakers | The Breakers | Studio,1BA | $2,295 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Santa Cruz, CA
As of February 19, 2026 the best value apartment in the Santa Cruz area is the $3.58 price per square foot 2BR-2BA Town House Model at Clay Residences in the in the Ocean Street neighborhood starting from $4,578. The second greatest value Santa Cruz apartment is the 41 Grandview Street Model at 41 Grandview Street, Unit #704 starting at $4,450 with a $4.05 price per square foot in the Escolona 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. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clay Residences | 2BR-2BA Town House | 2BR,2BA | $3.58 |
| 41 Grandview Street, Unit #704 | 41 Grandview Street | 2BR,2.5BA | $4.05 |
| Landing at Capitola | Plan 1 | 2BR,2BA | $3.63 |
| 30th Ave Townhomes | 2x1.5 - Townhome | 2BR,1.5BA | $4.17 |
| Emerald Bay Apartments | Two Bedroom | 2BR,1BA | $3.98 |
| 1804 Mission St | Standard Loft | 1BR,1.5BA | $4.06 |
| Pacific Shores | Steamer Lane | 1BR,1BA | $4.36 |
| San Lorenzo Apartments | 1 Bed 1 Bath | 1BR,1BA | $3.66 |
| 714 Pine St, Unit #3 | 714 Pine St | 2BR,1BA | $3.71 |
| Chestnut Street | Plan 1A | 1BR,1BA | $4.35 |
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.
Read ArticleCash 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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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.
Best Local Schools in Santa Cruz, CA
De Laveaga Elementary
Santa Cruz City Elementary School District
Public School - Grades K-5 (488)
8 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 $2,699.
What is the price of a cheap apartment in Santa Cruz?
The cheapest apartment in Santa Cruz is 201 River Street Apartments which is listed at $2,479, while the average apartment in Santa Cruz costs $5,889.
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 271 regular apartments in Santa Cruz that we think qualify as ‘cheap apartments’ that do not have special requirements to apply to rent.
How do the prices of cheap apartments compare to the average apartment in Santa Cruz?
Cheap apartments in Santa Cruz have an average cost of $946 which is $4,943 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in Santa Cruz.
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
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.
18 Must-Ask Rental Tour Questions That Reveal the Truth about a Property
Written by: Lauren Harrington
Renting your next home can feel thrilling and overwhelming at the same time.
A Renters Guide for Tips on Writing Your Notice for Not Renewing Your Apartment
Written by: Bob Mallory
Packing up everything you own to move is so stressful for many that ending your apartment lease can feel like a small or unimportant task. Ending your lease involves more than simply turning over your keys on the last day.
Renting with Roommates: Realistic Expectations for Shared Lease
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Given the high costs for housing, I have found that many people are looking for a roommate to share expenses. These arrangements can increase opportunities for more desirable and larger spaces.