Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Downtown Santa Cruz Neighborhood of Santa Cruz, CA from $1,800 (17 Rentals)

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

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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220-224 Laurel St
2 Bedroom Apartments

220-224 Laurel St

220-224 Laurel StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
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205 Maple St
1 Bedroom Apartments

205 Maple St

205 Maple StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
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The lincoln court
Studio Apartments

The lincoln court

315-323 Lincoln StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
Senior Living
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620 Laurel St
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

620 Laurel St

620 Laurel StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
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236 Mora St
3 Bedroom Apartments

236 Mora St

236 Mora StSanta Cruz, CA 95060

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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502 Maple St
1 Bedroom Apartments

502 Maple St

502 Maple StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
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121 Rincon St
Studio Apartments

121 Rincon St

121 Rincon StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
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240 River Street
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

240 River Street

232-240 River StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
  • Utilities Included
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516 Center St
Studio Apartments

516 Center St

516 Center StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
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Anton Pacific
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Anton Pacific

800 Pacific AveSanta Cruz, CA 95060
Student Housing

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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339 Walnut Ave
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

339 Walnut Ave

339 Walnut AveSanta Cruz, CA 95060
  • Utilities Included
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121 Sylvar St
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

121 Sylvar St

121 Sylvar StSanta Cruz, CA 95060

Cheapest Available Downtown Santa Cruz Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in the Downtown Santa Cruz area of Santa Cruz, CA is a Studio unit found at The Palomar Inn priced from $1,860. St. George Apartments has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $2,200. Here are the most affordable Downtown Santa Cruz apartments for rent in Santa Cruz, CA:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
The Palomar InnPalomar Inn -SROStudio,1BA$1,860
St. George ApartmentsStudioStudio,1BA$2,200
201 River Street ApartmentsFeatured One Bedroom1BR,1BA$2,975
River RowS6Studio,1BA$2,995
1010 Pacific ApartmentsAT11BR,1BA$2,999

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Downtown Santa Cruz, CA

As of July 25, 2026 the best value apartment in the Downtown Santa Cruz area is the $5.82 price per square foot Studio-1E Model at Anton Pacific in the in the Downtown Santa Cruz neighborhood starting from $3,328. The second greatest value Downtown Santa Cruz apartment is the Residence A1 Model at 1010 Pacific Apartments starting at $3,178 with a $5.70 price per square foot in the Downtown Santa Cruz neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Downtown Santa Cruz apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
Anton PacificStudio-1EStudio ,1BA$5.82
1010 Pacific ApartmentsResidence A11BR,1BA$5.70
201 River Street ApartmentsFeatured One Bedroom1BR,1BA$6.48
River RowS7Studio ,1BA$7.52
The Palomar InnPalomar Inn -SROStudio ,1BA$6.76
St. George ApartmentsStudioStudio ,1BA$9.52

Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Downtown Santa Cruz Apartments

What is the Cheapest Studio apartment in Downtown Santa Cruz?

Currently the most affordable Cheap Studio Apartment in Downtown Santa Cruz is at The Palomar Inn listed at $1,860.

How much is rent for a Cheap One Bedroom Downtown Santa Cruz Apartment?

The lowest price for a Cheap One Bedroom Downtown Santa Cruz Apartment is $2,975 at 201 River Street Apartments.

What is the lowest price for a Cheap Two Bedroom Downtown Santa Cruz Apartment for rent?

Today's best deal for a Cheap Two Bedroom Apartment in Downtown Santa Cruz is starting from $4,372 at 1010 Pacific Apartments.

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

decorative image for Rent According to Income: A Look at Income-Restricted Rentals   article

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 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.

decorative image for Apartment Occupancy Rates: Renter Attraction vs Renter Retention   article

Apartment Occupancy Rates: Renter Attraction vs Renter Retention

Written by: Robin Stewart

There’s a tenet in marketing about client or customer attraction and retention. Studies and data have consistently shown it costs less to keep a current customer than to attract a new one.

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

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

Written by: Robin Stewart

Evaluating rental properties for clients draws many parallels to house-hunting. Whether an apartment, loft, townhouse, or other rental, finding the right place means finding “home” for your client.