close
View Me
Rent Specials
$3,440 - $5,515Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now
Anton Pacific
818 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.
close
View Me
Rent Specials
$3,077 - $4,1281 to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now
1010 Pacific Apartments
1010 Pacific AveSanta Cruz, CA 95060
close
View Me
$3,200 - $6,100Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now
NANDA ON PACIFIC
1547 Pacific AveSanta Cruz, CA 95060
close
View Me
close
View Me
close
View Me
Don't Settle: How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money
Discover the insider tips from an attorney and real estate agent on how to negotiate your next apartment lease. Find out what's on the table and what's not, so you can save money and get the best terms possible.
close
View Me
close
View Me
close
View Me
close
View Me
close
View Me
close
View Me
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.
close
View Me
close
View Me
close
View Me
close
View Me
close
View Me
close
View Me
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.
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 | $3,061 | $2,169 | $3,995 |
| Downtown Santa Cruz 1 Bedroom Apartments | $3,371 | $2,479 | $4,278 |
| Downtown Santa Cruz 2 Bedroom Apartments | $5,063 | $3,723 | $6,100 |
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
Downtown Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA Local Guide
- Nearby Santa Cruz neighborhoods
- Nearby Cities
- ZIP codes
- Local Counties
- School Districts
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 201-215 River St priced from $2,169. 516 Center St 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 201-215 River St | Studio | Studio,1BA | $2,169 |
| 516 Center St | 516 Center St | Studio,1BA | $2,200 |
| St. George Apartments | Studio | Studio,1BA | $2,200 |
| 1010 Pacific Apartments | AT1 | 1BR,1BA | $3,357 |
| Anton Pacific | 1 Bed/1 Bath-11A | 1BR,1BA | $3,440 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Downtown Santa Cruz, CA
As of October 15, 2025 the best value apartment in the Downtown Santa Cruz area is the $5.16 price per square foot 1 Bed 1 Bath D Model at NANDA ON PACIFIC in the in the Downtown Santa Cruz neighborhood starting from $3,752. The second greatest value Downtown Santa Cruz apartment is the 1 Bed/1 Bath-2C Model at Anton Pacific starting at $3,450 with a $5.04 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. |
|---|---|---|---|
| NANDA ON PACIFIC | 1 Bed 1 Bath D | 1BR,1BA | $5.16 |
| Anton Pacific | 1 Bed/1 Bath-2C | 1BR,1BA | $5.04 |
| 1010 Pacific Apartments | AT1 | 1BR,1BA | $5.79 |
| 201-215 River St | One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $4.56 |
| 516 Center St | 516 Center St | Studio ,1BA | $6.29 |
| St. George Apartments | Studio | Studio ,1BA | $9.52 |
Quick Rent Budget Calculator
How much rent can you afford?
The common "Rule of Thumb" is that rent should be no more than 30% of your income. How much is that? Enter your monthly income and click "Calculate My Budget" to find out.
Let everyone know!
Do you know the Downtown Santa Cruz area?
If you’re an expert on all things Downtown Santa Cruz, tell us what you love (and don't) by rating it and writing a review.
Write a Review
Pet Friendly LifestyleDowntown Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA
Ranked #9
Among cities in California for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities.
Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score
2.5Pet Friendly
Getting Around the Downtown Santa Cruz Neighborhood in Santa Cruz, CA
Walk Score®
98 / 100
Walker’s Paradise
Daily errands do not require a car
Bike Score®
97 / 100
Biker's Paradise
Daily errands can be accomplished on a bike
Transit Score®
50 / 100
Good Transit
Many nearby public transportation options
What Are Walk Score®, Transit Score®, and Bike Score® Ratings?
- Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address.
- Transit Score® measures access to public transit.
- Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
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 201-215 River St listed at $2,169.
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 $2,479 at 201-215 River St.
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 $3,802 at 1010 Pacific Apartments.
Expert Rental Resources
Helpful Apartment Articles, How-To's and Tips
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.
How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Everything is a negotiation in real estate!
The Rental Move-In Inspection Checklist: A Guide for Renters
Written by: Trey Huguley
The move-in inspection checklist is a crucial tool for both tenants and landlords. This checklist, provided by the team at ApartmentHomeLiving.com, helps document the condition of an apartment at the time of move-in.
Your Guide to Co-Signers: The Risks, Rewards, and Everything in Between
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
For many people, obstacles can arise during the rental application process for a variety of issues.
The Ultimate Long-Distance Moving Checklist: Tips from a Real Estate Pro
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Hard truth. Moving is never easy. I’ve done it all – from local moves to cross-country relocations From packing to unpacking the last box, I have found moving to be an exhausting, expensive and stressful experience every time.