224 Wilkes Cir
Santa CruzCA95060
Cheap Apartments for Rent in Santa Cruz, CA from $1,300 (17 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in Santa Cruz.
207 Storey St
Santa CruzCA95060
105 Sylvar St
Santa CruzCA95060
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from $2,100Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now
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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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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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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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 | $2,765 | $1,750 | $4,020 |
| Cheap Santa Cruz 1 Bedroom Apartments | $3,347 | $1,950 | $5,095 |
| Cheap Santa Cruz 2 Bedroom Apartments | $4,630 | $2,600 | $6,100 |
| Cheap Santa Cruz 3 Bedroom Apartments | $5,674 | $4,495 | $8,000 |
| Cheap Santa Cruz 4 Bedroom Apartments | $5,900 | $5,900 | $5,900 |
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: 07/08/2025Current apartment rentals in the Santa Cruz, CA area range in price from $1,400 to $10,000 with an overall median price of $5,955. The three Santa Cruz neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are Beach Hill at $1,850, West King Street at $1,750, and Beach Flats at $1,750. 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 | $3,441 | $1,850 | 11 |
| West King Street | $4,679 | $1,750 | 27 |
| Beach Flats | $4,995 | $1,750 | 67 |
| Lighthouse | $4,995 | $1,750 | 60 |
| Neary Lagoon | $4,995 | $1,750 | 66 |
| Riverwalk | $5,005 | $1,850 | 47 |
| Downtown Santa Cruz | $5,599 | $1,950 | 30 |
| Arana Gulch | $5,900 | $2,600 | 11 |
| Bananna Belt | $5,900 | $2,095 | 11 |
| East Park | $5,900 | $2,450 | 16 |
Cheapest Available Santa Cruz Apartments for Rent
The cheapest available apartment rental in Santa Cruz, CA is a 1 Bed unit found at Copa Cabanas in the Escolona neighborhood priced from $1,602. Pacific View Courts in the Western neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $1,850. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Santa Cruz apartments for rent:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Copa Cabanas | A1 | 1BR,1BA | $1,602 |
| Pacific View Courts | Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,850 |
| 516 Center St | 516 Center St | Studio,1BA | $2,095 |
| 108 Sycamore St | Studio | Studio,1BA | $2,100 |
| St. George Apartments | Studio | Studio,1BA | $2,200 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Santa Cruz, CA
As of July 08, 2025 the best value apartment in the Santa Cruz area is the $4.33 price per square foot 2x2 Model at Pacific Shores in the in the Western neighborhood starting from $4,404. The second greatest value Santa Cruz apartment is the Residence B1 Model at 1010 Pacific Apartments starting at $4,088 with a $4.88 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 Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pacific Shores | 2x2 | 2BR,2BA | $4.33 |
| 1010 Pacific Apartments | Residence B1 | 2BR,2BA | $4.88 |
| Capitola Townhomes | TH15 | 2BR,1.5BA | $4.74 |
| Emerald Bay Apartments | 1 Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $3.84 |
| Anton Pacific | 1 Bed/1 Bath-2C | 1BR,1BA | $5.34 |
| Chestnut Street | 1 Bed 1 Bath | 1BR,1BA | $4.57 |
| Breakwater Apartments | A1 | 1BR,1BA | $4.80 |
| Garden Street | B1 | 2BR,1BA | $5.32 |
| Hidden Creek Apartments | 1 Bed Loft | 1BR,1BA | $5.78 |
| Copa Cabanas | S1 | Studio ,1BA | $4.93 |
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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
Brook Knoll Elementary
Scotts Valley Unified School District
Public School - Grades K-5 (464)
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
Santa Cruz, CA Apartments MapSanta Cruz, CA Rental Homes MapGetting 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
What Are Walk Score®, Transit Score®, and Bike Score® Ratings?
- Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address.
- Transit Score® measures access to public transit.
- Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
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 $2,706.
What is the price of a cheap apartment in Santa Cruz?
The cheapest apartment in Santa Cruz is Copa Cabanas which is listed at $1,602, while the average apartment in Santa Cruz costs $5,955.
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 6 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
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.
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.
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.
Know Your Budget: Calculating What You Can Realistically Afford When Renting
Written by: Lauren Harrington
Renting an apartment or house isn’t just about looking through online ads, choosing a few apartments or homes you want to tour, filling out an application, and putting down a deposit. Those things are all necessary and important.
The Freedom of Short-Term Leases: Exploring the Advantages for Renters
Written by: Bobbi Jackson
If you’re looking to relocate right now, a popular solution that may best fit your current rental needs is a short-term lease.