
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

NANDA ON PACIFIC

2030 N Pacific Ave

River Street Place Condos

220-224 Laurel 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.

205 Maple St

The lincoln court

234 High St

620 Laurel St

236 Mora St

502 Maple St
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.

121 Rincon St

240 River Street

516 Center St

The Palomar Inn

339 Walnut Ave

121 Sylvar St
The Art of the Rental Viewing: What to look for during a property tour
Touring a rental? This guide helps you know exactly what to look for, from safety features to hidden flaws, so you can confidently sign your lease or keep searching.
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 | $3,160 | $2,169 | $3,415 |
| Downtown Santa Cruz 1 Bedroom Apartments | $3,738 | $2,500 | $4,278 |
| Downtown Santa Cruz 2 Bedroom Apartments | $5,675 | $3,599 | $7,500 |
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.
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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 201 River Street Apartments priced from $2,169. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 201 River Street Apartments | Studio | Studio,1BA | $2,169 |
| St. George Apartments | Studio | Studio,1BA | $2,200 |
| 1010 Pacific Apartments | Residence A1 | 1BR,1BA | $2,774 |
| River Row | S2 | Studio,1BA | $3,150 |
| NANDA ON PACIFIC | Studio | Studio,1BA | $3,200 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Downtown Santa Cruz, CA
As of March 01, 2026 the best value apartment in the Downtown Santa Cruz area is the $5.48 price per square foot 2 Bed/2 Bath-11A Model at Anton Pacific in the in the Downtown Santa Cruz neighborhood starting from $5,509. The second greatest value Downtown Santa Cruz apartment is the AT2 Model at 1010 Pacific Apartments starting at $3,170 with a $5.45 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 | 2 Bed/2 Bath-11A | 2BR,2BA | $5.48 |
| 1010 Pacific Apartments | AT2 | 1BR,1BA | $5.45 |
| 201 River Street Apartments | Featured One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $6.53 |
| River Row | S3 | Studio ,1BA | $7.60 |
| NANDA ON PACIFIC | Studio | Studio ,1BA | $7.60 |
| St. George Apartments | Studio | Studio ,1BA | $9.52 |
Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Downtown Santa Cruz Apartments
What is a cheap apartment in Downtown Santa Cruz?
A cheap apartment is any apartment up to the 30% percentile of cost for the area, which in Downtown Santa Cruz is under $5,483.
What is the price of a cheap apartment in Downtown Santa Cruz?
The cheapest apartment in Downtown Santa Cruz is 201 River Street Apartments which is listed at $2,479, while the average apartment in Downtown Santa Cruz costs $5,575.
What types of apartments are the cheapest in Downtown 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 Downtown 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

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.