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Rent Specials
$3,303 - $7,533Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now
Anton Pacific
800 Pacific AveSanta Cruz, CA 95060
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.
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Rent Specials
$2,922 - $4,2901 to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now
1010 Pacific Apartments
1010 Pacific AveSanta Cruz, CA 95060
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$3,200 - $6,100Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now
NANDA ON PACIFIC
1547 Pacific AveSanta Cruz, CA 95060
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1 Bedroom Apartments
2030 N Pacific Ave
2030 N Pacific AveSanta Cruz, CA 95060
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Studio Apartments
River Street Place Condos
308 River StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
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2 Bedroom Apartments
220-224 Laurel St
220-224 Laurel StSanta 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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1 Bedroom Apartments
205 Maple St
205 Maple StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
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Studio Apartments
The lincoln court
315-323 Lincoln StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
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Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments
234 High St
234 High StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
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1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments
620 Laurel St
620 Laurel StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
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3 Bedroom Apartments
236 Mora St
236 Mora StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
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1 Bedroom Apartments
502 Maple St
502 Maple StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
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.
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Studio Apartments
121 Rincon St
121 Rincon StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
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Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments
240 River Street
232-240 River StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
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Studio Apartments
516 Center St
516 Center StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
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Studio Apartments
The Palomar Inn
1344 Pacific AveSanta Cruz, CA 95060
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1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments
339 Walnut Ave
339 Walnut AveSanta Cruz, CA 95060
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1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments
121 Sylvar St
121 Sylvar StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
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.
Showing Results 1-18, Page 1 of 1
Downtown Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA Local Guide
Santa Cruz Lighthouses and the Setting Sun by Anita Ritenour is licensed under CC BY 2.0
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 | $2,574 | $2,169 | $3,200 |
| Downtown Santa Cruz 1 Bedroom Apartments | $3,419 | $2,500 | $4,874 |
| Downtown Santa Cruz 2 Bedroom Apartments | $5,210 | $4,290 | $6,122 |
| Downtown Santa Cruz 3 Bedroom Apartments | $3,300 | $3,300 | $3,300 |
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 | $2,922 |
| NANDA ON PACIFIC | Studio | Studio,1BA | $3,200 |
| Anton Pacific | 2 Bed/2 Bath-3A | 2BR,2BA | $4,549 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Downtown Santa Cruz, CA
As of January 14, 2026 the best value apartment in the Downtown Santa Cruz area is the $4.94 price per square foot 2 Bed/2 Bath-2A Model at Anton Pacific in the in the Downtown Santa Cruz neighborhood starting from $6,122. The second greatest value Downtown Santa Cruz apartment is the 514 Washington St Model at 514 Washington St, Unit A starting at $3,300 with a $3.67 price per square foot in the Escolona 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-2A | 2BR,2BA | $4.94 |
| 514 Washington St, Unit A | 514 Washington St | 3BR,1BA | $3.67 |
| 1010 Pacific Apartments | A2 | 1BR,1BA | $5.79 |
| 201 River Street Apartments | Studio | Studio ,1BA | $4.85 |
| 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 $4,549.
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 $5,200.
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
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.
Apartment Common Area Rules: What Renters Need to Know
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Back in the day when I rented one of my first apartments, the property didn’t even have laundry in the building. Now, rental properties are often competing against each other to provide the best amenities.
How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Everything is a negotiation in real estate!