Studio Apartments for Rent in Santa Cruz, CA (153 Rentals)

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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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250 6th Ave
Studio Apartments

250 6th Ave

250 6th AveSanta Cruz, CA 95062
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413 Laurel St
Studio Apartments

413 Laurel St

413 Laurel StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
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160 Park Pl
Studio Apartments

160 Park Pl

160 Park PlSanta Cruz, CA 95060
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312 Ocean St
Studio Apartments

312 Ocean St

312 Ocean 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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320 Dakota Ave
Studio Apartments

320 Dakota Ave

320 Dakota AveSanta Cruz, CA 95060
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438 Market St
Studio Apartments

438 Market St

438 Market StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
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317 Cliff St
Studio Apartments

317 Cliff St

317 Cliff StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
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1550 30th Ave
Studio Apartments

1550 30th Ave

1550 30th AveSanta Cruz, CA 95062
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El Centro
Studio Apartments

El Centro

1108-1110 Pacific AveSanta Cruz, CA 95060
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318 Spruce St
Studio Apartments

318 Spruce St

318 Spruce StSanta Cruz, CA 95060

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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114 Viaduct Ct
Studio Apartments

114 Viaduct Ct

114 Viaduct CtSanta Cruz, CA 95060
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216-226 Felix St
Studio Apartments

216-226 Felix St

216-226 Felix StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
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2230 Alice St
Studio Apartments

2230 Alice St

2230 Alice StSanta Cruz, CA 95062
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140 Doyle St
Studio Apartments

140 Doyle St

140 Doyle StSanta Cruz, CA 95062
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Opal Cliffs MHP
Studio Apartments

Opal Cliffs MHP

890 38th AveSanta Cruz, CA 95062
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130 Mccornick St
Studio Apartments

130 Mccornick St

130 Mccornick StSanta Cruz, CA 95062
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123 Pearl St
Studio Apartments

123 Pearl St

123 Pearl StSanta Cruz, CA 95060

Navigating the Rental Market: Tips for First-Time Renters

Entering the rental market? Learn these simple tips and strategies to avoid common pitfalls and make confident choices. Rent with peace of mind.

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630 Carmel St
Studio Apartments

630 Carmel St

630 Carmel StSanta Cruz, CA 95062
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3320 Portola Dr
Studio Apartments

3320 Portola Dr

3320 Portola DrSanta Cruz, CA 95062
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2121 Portola Dr
Studio Apartments

2121 Portola Dr

2121 Portola DrSanta Cruz, CA 95062
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2711 Soquel Ave
Studio Apartments

2711 Soquel Ave

2711 Soquel AveSanta Cruz, CA 95062
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3030 Elda Ln
Studio Apartments

3030 Elda Ln

3030 Elda LnSanta Cruz, CA 95062
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Porter College B
Studio Apartments

Porter College B

1156 High StSanta Cruz, CA 95064
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The Carmel
Studio Apartments

The Carmel

880 W Cliff DrSanta Cruz, CA 95060

Santa Cruz, CA Local Guide

Photo of Justin Habersaat - Editing Staff
Written By:
Justin Habersaat
Editing Staff

Santa Cruz Studio Apartment Units with Current Availability by Neighborhood

Availability Confirmed As of: November 28, 2025

There are currently 111 available Studio apartment units from neighborhoods all over Santa Cruz, CA that range in price from $1,875 to $3,200. Central Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Beach Flats are the neighborhoods that currently have the most Studio availability. Here is today's list of the top neighborhoods in Santa Cruz with the most available Studio apartments:

NeighborhoodAvailable UnitsMedian PriceMin Price
Central Santa Cruz10$2,595$1,875
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk10$2,595$1,875
Beach Flats8$2,621$1,875
Neary Lagoon8$2,621$1,875
Ocean Street8$2,621$1,875
Western8$2,621$2,195
King Street7$2,621$2,200
Seabright7$2,450$1,875
UCSC7$2,621$2,200
Riverwalk6$2,445$1,875

Largest Available Santa Cruz Studio Apartments

The largest available Studio apartment unit in Santa Cruz, CA is found at 1804 Mission St in the Escolona neighborhood and is 566 square feet priced from $2,475. Cypress Point has the second largest Studio, which is sized at 440 square feet and currently listed start at $2,621. Here is today’s list of the largest available Studio units in Santa Cruz:

Apartment ListingModel NameSquare FootagePriced From
1804 Mission St566 Sq Ft$2,475
Cypress PointResidence 1440 Sq Ft$2,621
Five55Studio440 Sq Ft$2,995
201 River Street ApartmentsStudio435 Sq Ft$2,595
NANDA ON PACIFICStudio421 Sq Ft$3,200
The BreakersThe Breakers310 Sq Ft$2,295
St. George ApartmentsStudio231 Sq Ft$2,200
Seaside StudiosStudio230 Sq Ft$2,035

Cheapest Available Santa Cruz Studio Apartments

As of November 28, 2025 the lowest priced Studio apartment unit in Santa Cruz, CA is the Studio Model starting from $2,035 at Seaside Studios in the Ocean Street neighborhood. The second most affordable Santa Cruz Studio is the Studio Model at St. George Apartments starting at $2,200 in the Downtown Santa Cruz neighborhood. The average price for all Studio apartments in Santa Cruz is currently $2,558. Here is today’s list of the cheapest available Studio options in Santa Cruz:

Apartment ListingModel NamePriced From
Seaside StudiosStudio$2,035
St. George ApartmentsStudio$2,200
The BreakersThe Breakers$2,295
201 River Street ApartmentsStudio$2,595
Cypress PointResidence 1$2,621
Five55Studio$2,995
NANDA ON PACIFICStudio$3,200

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.

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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.

Remember the 3 Rules of Real Estate:
Location, Location, Location!

Explore Santa Cruz, CA Rentals by Map

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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

Frequently Asked Questions about Studio Santa Cruz Apartments

What is the Cheapest apartment in Santa Cruz with Studio?

Currently the most affordable Studio in Santa Cruz is at Seaside Studios listed at $2,035.

How much is the average rent for a Studio Santa Cruz Apartment?

The average rent for a Studio Apartment in Santa Cruz is $2,558.

What is the largest available Studio Santa Cruz Apartment for rent?

Today's apartment with the most square footage in Santa Cruz is a 566 square feet unit starting from $2,475 at 1804 Mission St.

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.

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Apartment Common Area Rules: What Renters Need to Know

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Back in the day when I rented one of my first apartments, the property didn’t even have laundry in the building. Now, rental properties are often competing against each other to provide the best amenities.

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How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Everything is a negotiation in real estate! 

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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.

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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.