Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Central Santa Cruz Neighborhood of Santa Cruz, CA from $1,300 (46 Rentals)

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Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the Central Santa Cruz area of Santa Cruz.

property at 514 Broadway

$1,295 - $1,695

1 Bedroom Rentals

Available Now

514 Broadway

Santa CruzCA95060
property at 235 Union St

$2,000

Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$2,000
Total Monthly Price
$2,000

1 Bedroom, 1 Bath Home for Rent

Available Now

235 Union St

Santa CruzCA95060
property at 219 Roberts St

$2,400

Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$2,400
Total Monthly Price
$2,400

Studio, 1 Bath Home for Rent

Available Now

219 Roberts St

Santa CruzCA95060

Rent According to Income: A Look at Income-Restricted Rentals

Find income-restricted rentals and housing subsidies. Explore government programs designed to help low-income families secure stable, affordable housing.

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Cypress Point
Rent Specials
$2,606 - $4,284
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$2,606 - $4,284
Total Monthly Price
Varies
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

Cypress Point

101 Felix StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
Student Housing
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Renters Insurance 101: What It Is, What It Covers, and Why You Need It

From theft to fire to water damage, the unexpected can happen to any renter. Discover why renters insurance is one of the smartest and most affordable investments you can make as a tenant.

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307-309 Raymond St
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

307-309 Raymond St

307-309 Raymond StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
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Seabright Apartments
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Seabright Apartments

116 Seabright AveSanta Cruz, CA 95062
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Coronado Apartments
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Coronado Apartments

133 Morrissey BlvdSanta Cruz, CA 95062
  • Utilities Included
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240 River Street
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

240 River Street

232-240 River StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
  • Utilities Included

How I Find the Perfect Rental for My Clients: A Real Estate Pro's Guide

Finding the right apartment starts with three things: location, cost, and amenities. Get the insider perspective from a real estate professional on how to nail all three.

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The Palomar Inn
Studio Apartments

The Palomar Inn

1344 Pacific AveSanta Cruz, CA 95060
Student Housing
  • Utilities Included
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Seaside Studios
Studio Apartments

Seaside Studios

108 2nd StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
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516 Center St
Studio Apartments

516 Center St

516 Center StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
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803 Laurel St
2 Bedroom Apartments

803 Laurel St

803 Laurel StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
  • Utilities Included
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317 Spruce St
2 Bedroom Apartments

317 Spruce St

317 Spruce StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
  • Utilities Included
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108 Sycamore St
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

108 Sycamore St

108 Sycamore StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
  • Utilities Included

What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much

Learn the official definition (spending 30% or more of your gross income on housing) and how to calculate your exact rent-to-income ratio. This guide offers expert tips on factoring in total housing costs (including utilities and fees) and budgeting accurately to avoid unnecessary financial strain.

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Copa Cabanas
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Copa Cabanas

1112 Mission StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
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816 Riverside Ave
2 Bedroom Apartments

816 Riverside Ave

816 Riverside AveSanta Cruz, CA 95060
Student Housing
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Clay Residences
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Clay Residences

132 Clay StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
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150-152 Leibrandt Ave
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

150-152 Leibrandt Ave

150-152 Leibrandt AveSanta 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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Showing Results 1-46, Page 1 of 1

Central Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA Local Guide

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 St. George Apartments priced from $2,200. The Breakers has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $2,295. Here are the most affordable Central Santa Cruz apartments for rent in Santa Cruz, CA:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
St. George ApartmentsStudioStudio,1BA$2,200
The BreakersThe BreakersStudio,1BA$2,295
Lincoln Apartments324 Lincoln Apartments1BR,1BA$2,400
Cypress PointResidence 1Studio,1BA$2,606
Hidden Creek Apartments1 Bed Loft1BR,1BA$2,750
Chestnut StreetPlan 1A1BR,1BA$2,837
Copa CabanasA1-R1BR,1BA$2,850
NANDA ON PACIFICStudioStudio,1BA$2,915
201 River Street ApartmentsFeatured One Bedroom1BR,1BA$2,975

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Central Santa Cruz, CA

As of August 20, 2026 the best value apartment in the Central Santa Cruz area is the $3.10 price per square foot 2/1 Model at Baytree Apartments in the in the Western neighborhood starting from $3,185. The second greatest value Central Santa Cruz apartment is the Standard Loft Model at 1804 Mission St starting at $3,150 with a $3.82 price per square foot in the Escolona neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Central Santa Cruz apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
Baytree Apartments2/12BR,2BA$3.10
1804 Mission StStandard Loft1BR,1.5BA$3.82
Cormorant Court Apartments2-Bedroom, 1-Bathroom2BR,1BA$4.43
320 - 328 California Street2BR/1.0BA2BR,1BA$4.23
Chestnut StreetPlan 1A1BR,1BA$4.36
Copa CabanasA1-R1BR,1BA$4.55
Anton PacificStudio-1EStudio ,1BA$5.74
1015 N Branciforte Ave, Unit # B1015 N Branciforte Ave1BR,1.5BA$5.60
Lincoln Apartments324 Lincoln Apartments1BR,1BA$4.82
Cypress PointResidence 1Studio ,1BA$5.92

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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Real Estate and Rental Term Glossary | ApartmentHomeLiving.com Renter University

From the letter A all the way to the letter Z, the Real Estate and Rental Term Glossary from the content team at ApartmentHomeLiving.com provides our visitors and shoppers with a little clarity and helpful guidance in navigating the real estate world through definitions and explainers for the top subjects and terms that someone may come across during the leasing, buying, or selling process.

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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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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 $2,975.

What is the price of a cheap apartment in Central Santa Cruz?

The cheapest apartment in Central Santa Cruz is Lincoln Apartments which is listed at $2,400, while the average apartment in Central Santa Cruz costs $3,335.

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 18 regular apartments in Central Santa Cruz that we think qualify as ‘cheap apartments’ that do not have special requirements to apply to rent.

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

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Rent According to Income: A Look at Income-Restricted Rentals

Written by: Robin Stewart

The idea of affordable housing can be subjective. Every individual is in a different place financially and vocationally. What one may easily afford could be a struggle for someone else.

decorative image for Practical Tips for Renters: How to Identify a Great Rental and Avoid Red Flags article

Practical Tips for Renters: How to Identify a Great Rental and Avoid Red Flags

Written by: Robin Stewart

Renters want to find a great apartment, the right place for them, one that checks all the boxes of location, rental cost, amenities, safety, and more.

decorative image for First Apartment Regrets: Real Renters Share What They'd Do Differently article

First Apartment Regrets: Real Renters Share What They'd Do Differently

Written by: Robin Stewart

Hindsight is 20/20. Live and Learn. With age comes wisdom. We’re familiar with all those expressions, and all of them apply to lessons first-time renters learn.

decorative image for Renters Insurance 101: What It Is, What It Covers, and Why You Need It article

Renters Insurance 101: What It Is, What It Covers, and Why You Need It

Written by: Robin Stewart

Insurance seems to be a part of life. In some states, having insurance is the law, as is the case for automobile insurance. Renters are no exception.