
Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Downtown Santa Cruz Neighborhood of Santa Cruz, CA from $1,800 (18 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the Downtown Santa Cruz area of Santa Cruz.


1010 Pacific Apartments

The Palomar Inn

2030 N Pacific Ave

River Street Place Condos

220-224 Laurel St
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.

205 Maple St

The lincoln court

234 High St

620 Laurel St

236 Mora St

502 Maple 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.

121 Rincon St

240 River Street

516 Center St

Anton Pacific

339 Walnut Ave

121 Sylvar St
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.
Downtown Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Downtown Santa Cruz?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown Santa Cruz Studio Apartments | $3,223 | $1,860 | $3,505 |
| Downtown Santa Cruz 1 Bedroom Apartments | $3,708 | $2,395 | $4,370 |
| Downtown Santa Cruz 2 Bedroom Apartments | $5,688 | $4,217 | $7,500 |
| Downtown Santa Cruz 3 Bedroom Apartments | $4,750 | $4,750 | $4,750 |
Browse Apartments in this Neighborhood
There are currently 18 rentals with your search options within a 2 mile radius of the Downtown Santa Cruz Neighborhood of Santa Cruz, CA.
See all Apartments in Santa CruzExplore Santa Cruz
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 Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Palomar Inn | Palomar Inn -SRO | Studio,1BA | $1,860 |
| St. George Apartments | Studio | Studio,1BA | $2,200 |
| 201 River Street Apartments | Featured One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $2,975 |
| 1010 Pacific Apartments | AT1 | 1BR,1BA | $3,000 |
| River Row | S2 | Studio,1BA | $3,225 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Downtown Santa Cruz, CA
As of June 06, 2026 the best value apartment in the Downtown Santa Cruz area is the $5.41 price per square foot 1 Bed/1 Bath-14B Model at Anton Pacific in the in the Downtown Santa Cruz neighborhood starting from $5,552. The second greatest value Downtown Santa Cruz apartment is the AT1 Model at 1010 Pacific Apartments starting at $3,000 with a $5.17 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 Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anton Pacific | 1 Bed/1 Bath-14B | 1BR,1BA | $5.41 |
| 1010 Pacific Apartments | AT1 | 1BR,1BA | $5.17 |
| 201 River Street Apartments | Featured One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $6.48 |
| River Row | S7 | Studio ,1BA | $7.52 |
| The Palomar Inn | Palomar Inn -SRO | Studio ,1BA | $6.76 |
| St. George Apartments | Studio | Studio ,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 $7,475 at River Row.
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

Pet-Friendly Renting: Everything You Need to Know Before You Move
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
For so many of us, pets are the best companions and a big part of our lives. For this reason, a pet-friendly house or apartment is often a very important - and nonnegotiable - part of a move.

Creative Ways Developers Reimagine Retail Spaces as Residential Units
Written by: Robin Stewart
Adaptive reuse is when a commercial property is converted and repurposed. The real estate industry has embraced a growing number of these projects.

Neighborhood and Market Insights: How to Choose the Right Area to Rent
Written by: Robin Stewart
Apartment-hunting can be a gargantuan task. Renters have a wish list of items—some luxuries, some necessities—but finding what you seek in the right place is perhaps the most important part of the journey.

A Seasoned Property Manager's Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Deposit Back
Written by: Lauren Harrington
I’m going to talk with you as a seasoned property manager and friend. So, let’s start with your security deposit. I want you to think about this guide as insider information. You deserve your deposit back.