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Cheap Apartments for Rent in Santa Cruz, CA from $1,300 (16 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in Santa Cruz.
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Rent Specials
$2,209 - $3,885Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments Available Now
Five55
555 Pacific AveSanta Cruz, CA 95060
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$2,395 - $3,495Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now
The Breakers
630 Water StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
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Rent Specials
$2,395Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Sep 27
Pacific View Courts
81 Front StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
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.
605 Seabright Ave
Santa CruzCA95062
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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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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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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 | $2,672 | $1,875 | $3,775 |
| Cheap Santa Cruz 1 Bedroom Apartments | $3,328 | $2,400 | $5,813 |
| Cheap Santa Cruz 2 Bedroom Apartments | $4,496 | $2,900 | $6,100 |
| Cheap Santa Cruz 3 Bedroom Apartments | $6,444 | $4,595 | $8,000 |
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: 09/19/2025Current apartment rentals in the Santa Cruz, CA area range in price from $1,295 to $10,000 with an overall median price of $5,821. The three Santa Cruz neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are Beach Hill at $2,209, Bananna Belt at $1,995, and Arana Gulch at $2,400. 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 | $3,635 | $2,209 | 11 |
| Bananna Belt | $4,343 | $1,995 | 21 |
| Arana Gulch | $4,595 | $2,400 | 10 |
| East Park | $4,595 | $2,395 | 16 |
| West King Street | $4,595 | $1,875 | 53 |
| Prospect Heights | $4,850 | $2,400 | 3 |
| Lighthouse | $4,895 | $2,209 | 63 |
| Neary Lagoon | $4,895 | $1,875 | 76 |
| Beach Flats | $4,897 | $1,875 | 74 |
| Seabright | $4,904 | $1,995 | 60 |
Cheapest Available Santa Cruz Apartments for Rent
The cheapest available apartment rental in Santa Cruz, CA is a Studio unit found at 516 Center St in the Escolona neighborhood priced from $1,995. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 516 Center St | 516 Center St | Studio,1BA | $1,995 |
| St. George Apartments | Studio | Studio,1BA | $2,200 |
| Copa Cabanas | S1 | Studio,1BA | $2,450 |
| Cypress Point | Residence 1 | Studio,1BA | $2,599 |
| Hidden Creek Apartments | 1 Bed Loft | 1BR,1BA | $2,599 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Santa Cruz, CA
As of September 19, 2025 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 Plan 1 Model at Landing at Capitola starting at $3,475 with a $3.62 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. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clay Residences | 2BR-2BA Town House | 2BR,2BA | $3.58 |
| Landing at Capitola | Plan 1 | 2BR,2BA | $3.62 |
| Westmont Townhomes | 2 Beds, 1 bath | 2BR,1BA | $4.64 |
| 30th Ave Townhomes | 2x1.5 - Townhome | 2BR,1.5BA | $4.28 |
| 1804 Mission St | Larger Loft | 1BR,1.5BA | $3.72 |
| Pacific Shores | Mitchell`s Cove | 1BR,1BA | $4.03 |
| Cormorant Court Apartments | 2-Bedroom, 1-Bathroom | 2BR,1BA | $4.47 |
| NANDA ON PACIFIC | 1 Bed 1 Bath D | 1BR,1BA | $5.16 |
| Chestnut Street | 1 Bed 1 Bath | 1BR,1BA | $4.46 |
| Breakwater Apartments | A1 | 1BR,1BA | $4.80 |
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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
Getting 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 $2,995.
What is the price of a cheap apartment in Santa Cruz?
The cheapest apartment in Santa Cruz is Hidden Creek Apartments which is listed at $2,599, while the average apartment in Santa Cruz costs $5,821.
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 18 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.
How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Everything is a negotiation in real estate!
The Rental Move-In Inspection Checklist: A Guide for Renters
Written by: Trey Huguley
The move-in inspection checklist is a crucial tool for both tenants and landlords. This checklist, provided by the team at ApartmentHomeLiving.com, helps document the condition of an apartment at the time of move-in.
Your Guide to Co-Signers: The Risks, Rewards, and Everything in Between
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
For many people, obstacles can arise during the rental application process for a variety of issues.
The Ultimate Long-Distance Moving Checklist: Tips from a Real Estate Pro
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Hard truth. Moving is never easy. I’ve done it all – from local moves to cross-country relocations From packing to unpacking the last box, I have found moving to be an exhausting, expensive and stressful experience every time.