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$1,875 - $2,035Studio Apartments Contact Us For Availability
Seaside Studios
108 2nd StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Central Santa Cruz Neighborhood of Santa Cruz, CA from $1,300 (11 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the Central Santa Cruz area of Santa Cruz.
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$2,169 - $2,995Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments Available Now
201 River Street Apartments
201 River StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
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Rent Specials
$2,295 - $2,575Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now
Pacific View Courts
81 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
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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Central Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA Local Guide
Copyright CoStar Group, Inc
How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Central Santa Cruz?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central Santa Cruz Studio Apartments | $2,529 | $1,875 | $3,200 |
| Central Santa Cruz 1 Bedroom Apartments | $3,305 | $2,500 | $4,944 |
| Central Santa Cruz 2 Bedroom Apartments | $4,190 | $2,725 | $6,122 |
| Central Santa Cruz 3 Bedroom Apartments | $4,477 | $2,995 | $8,000 |
| Central Santa Cruz 4 Bedroom Apartments | $7,900 | $7,900 | $7,900 |
Browse Apartments in this Neighborhood
There are currently 11 rentals with your search options within a 2 mile radius of the Central Santa Cruz Neighborhood of Santa Cruz, CA.
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Central Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA Local Guide
- Nearby Santa Cruz neighborhoods
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Cheapest Available Central Santa Cruz Apartments for Rent
The cheapest available apartment rental in the Central Santa Cruz area of Santa Cruz, CA is a Studio unit found at Seaside Studios priced from $2,035. 201 River Street Apartments has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $2,169. Here are the most affordable Central Santa Cruz apartments for rent in Santa Cruz, CA:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seaside Studios | Studio | Studio,1BA | $2,035 |
| 201 River Street Apartments | Studio | Studio,1BA | $2,169 |
| St. George Apartments | Studio | Studio,1BA | $2,200 |
| Pacific View Courts | Studio | Studio,1BA | $2,295 |
| The Breakers | The Breakers | Studio,1BA | $2,295 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Central Santa Cruz, CA
As of January 02, 2026 the best value apartment in the Central 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 Central Santa Cruz apartment is the D Model at Baytree Apartments starting at $2,985 with a $2.90 price per square foot in the Western neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Central 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 |
| Baytree Apartments | D | 2BR,2BA | $2.90 |
| 514 Washington St, Unit A | 514 Washington St | 3BR,1BA | $3.67 |
| 538 Ocean View Ave | 538 Ocean View Ave | 2BR,1BA | $3.54 |
| 1804 Mission St | Larger Loft | 1BR,1.5BA | $3.72 |
| 114 Park Ave, Unit 114 Park | 114 Park Ave | 2BR,1BA | $4.00 |
| 714 Pine St, Unit #3 | 714 Pine St | 2BR,1BA | $3.89 |
| Hidden Creek Apartments | 2 Bed 1 Bath | 2BR,1BA | $4.37 |
| Chestnut Street | Plan 1A | 1BR,1BA | $4.35 |
| 201 River Street Apartments | One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $4.56 |
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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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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Lifestyle Ratings
ApartmentHomeLiving brings you comprehensive Lifestyle Ratings of rentals in cities across the United States and customized analysis for Central Santa Cruz. Lifestyle Ratings show you the best fit for your needs and interests. This takes in many factors including rankings of the best places for the best proximity to parks and outdoor amenities, luxury amenities, transit availability, pet-friendly communities, features that make it easier to raise kids, in addition to floorplans, availablity, and pricing. These search options are in the site filters at the top of this page.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Central Santa Cruz Apartments
What is a cheap apartment in Central Santa Cruz?
A cheap apartment is any apartment up to the 30% percentile of cost for the area, which in Central Santa Cruz is under $2,850.
What is the price of a cheap apartment in Central Santa Cruz?
The cheapest apartment in Central Santa Cruz is 201 River Street Apartments which is listed at $2,479, while the average apartment in Central Santa Cruz costs $7,900.
What types of apartments are the cheapest in Central 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 11 regular apartments in Central 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 Central Santa Cruz?
Cheap apartments in Central Santa Cruz have an average cost of $1,087 which is $6,813 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in Central 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
How to Make Your Apartment Holiday-Ready: Renter-Friendly Tips
Written by: Justin Habersaat
Getting your apartment ready for the holidays can be exciting but sometimes challenging in a smaller space. Here are some modern tips to keep things festive, safe, and inviting this season.
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.
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.
How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Everything is a negotiation in real estate!