
Cheap Homes for Rent in Central Santa Cruz Neighborhood of Santa Cruz, CA from $1,500 (5 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Homes available for rent right now in the Central Santa Cruz area of Santa Cruz.


331 Mission St
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.

318 Chestnut St

119 Berkshire Ave
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.

205 Seaview Ave
Central Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent a home in Central Santa Cruz?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central Santa Cruz 2 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $3,480 | $2,500 | $4,400 |
| Central Santa Cruz 3 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $4,031 | $1,500 | $5,500 |
Browse Homes for Rent in this Neighborhood
There are currently 5 rentals with your search options within a 2 mile radius of the Central Santa Cruz Neighborhood of Santa Cruz, CA.
Explore Santa Cruz
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 $1,925. Pacific View Courts has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $1,995. 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 | $1,925 |
| Pacific View Courts | Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,995 |
| 201 River Street Apartments | Studio | Studio,1BA | $2,169 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Central Santa Cruz, CA
As of February 25, 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 2 Bed/2 Bath-11A Model at Anton Pacific starting at $5,509 with a $5.48 price per square foot in the Downtown Santa Cruz 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 |
| Anton Pacific | 2 Bed/2 Bath-11A | 2BR,2BA | $5.48 |
| 1804 Mission St | Standard Loft | 1BR,1.5BA | $3.58 |
| Baytree Apartments | 1/1 | 1BR,1BA | $3.51 |
| Cormorant Court Apartments | 2-Bedroom, 1-Bathroom | 2BR,1BA | $4.43 |
| 150-152 Leibrandt Ave | 2-Bedroom | 2BR,1BA | $4.92 |
| Chestnut Street | Plan 1A | 1BR,1BA | $4.35 |
| Five55 | C1 | 1BR,1BA | $5.39 |
| 1010 Pacific Apartments | AT2 | 1BR,1BA | $5.45 |
| Pacific View Courts | Studio | Studio ,1BA | $4.69 |
Frequently Asked Questions about Central Santa Cruz
What type of rentals are currently available in Central Santa Cruz?
There are currently 247 Apartments for Rent in Central Santa Cruz, CA with pricing that ranges from $1,995 to $7,500. There are also 12 Single Family Homes for rent, Condos, and Townhome rentals currently available in Central Santa Cruz ranging from $1,500 to $5,500.
What is the current price range for Rental Homes in Central Santa Cruz?
Today's rental pricing for Homes for Rent, Condos and Townhomes in Central Santa Cruz ranges from $1,500 to $5,500 with an average monthly rent of $3,059.
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

Maximizing Your Refund: Essential Tax Tips for Renters
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Other than tax professionals, I can’t think of anyone who looks forward to tax season. For everybody else, April is a stressful month to collect information and meet deadlines.

18 Must-Ask Rental Tour Questions That Reveal the Truth about a Property
Written by: Lauren Harrington
Renting your next home can feel thrilling and overwhelming at the same time.

A Renters Guide for Tips on Writing Your Notice for Not Renewing Your Apartment
Written by: Bob Mallory
Packing up everything you own to move is so stressful for many that ending your apartment lease can feel like a small or unimportant task. Ending your lease involves more than simply turning over your keys on the last day.

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.