Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Downtown Santa Cruz Neighborhood of Santa Cruz, CA from $1,800 (14 Rentals)

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

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240 River Street
Studio Apartments

240 River Street

232-240 River StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
  • Utilities Included
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220-224 Laurel St
2 Bedroom Apartments

220-224 Laurel St

220-224 Laurel 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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The Palomar Inn
Studio Apartments

The Palomar Inn

1344 Pacific AveSanta Cruz, CA 95060
  • Utilities Included
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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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234 High St
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

234 High St

234 High StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
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339 Walnut Ave
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

339 Walnut Ave

339 Walnut AveSanta Cruz, CA 95060
  • Utilities Included

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.

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236 Mora St
3 Bedroom Apartments

236 Mora St

236 Mora StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
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502 Maple St
1 Bedroom Apartments

502 Maple St

502 Maple StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
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121 Sylvar St
2 Bedroom Apartments

121 Sylvar St

121 Sylvar StSanta Cruz, CA 95060

Downtown Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA Local Guide

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 St. George Apartments priced from $2,200. Anton Pacific has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $3,095. Here are the most affordable Downtown Santa Cruz apartments for rent in Santa Cruz, CA:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
St. George ApartmentsStudioStudio,1BA$2,200
Anton PacificStudio-1EStudio,1BA$3,095
NANDA ON PACIFIC1 Bed 1 Bath D1BR,1BA$3,752

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Downtown Santa Cruz, CA

As of June 20, 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 Studio-1E Model at Anton Pacific starting at $3,095 with a $5.87 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.
NANDA ON PACIFIC1 Bed 1 Bath D1BR,1BA$5.16
Anton PacificStudio-1EStudio ,1BA$5.87
St. George ApartmentsStudioStudio ,1BA$9.52

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Pet Friendly Lifestyle
Downtown Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA

Ranked #10

Among neighborhoods in Santa Cruz, CA for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities

Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score

3.0
Pet Friendly

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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

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 St. George Apartments listed at $2,200.

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 $3,625 at Anton Pacific.

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 $5,700 at Anton Pacific.

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.

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Roommate Matching: Finding the Right Fit and Avoiding Pitfalls

Written by: Cheryl Bowman

A fantastic way to save money and enjoy a built-in community is to share an apartment. However, a bad roommate situation can turn your dream rental into a nightmare.

decorative image for The Art of the Rental Viewing: What to look for during a property tour article

The Art of the Rental Viewing: What to look for during a property tour

Written by: Marie Brown

You’ve scrolled through countless listings, walked through a blur of rentals, and finally found what feels like the one. The pictures? Fantastic. The neighborhood seems just right.

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Know Your Budget: Calculating What You Can Realistically Afford When Renting

Written by: Lauren Harrington

Renting an apartment or house isn’t just about looking through online ads, choosing a few apartments or homes you want to tour, filling out an application, and putting down a deposit. Those things are all necessary and important.

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The Freedom of Short-Term Leases: Exploring the Advantages for Renters

Written by: Bobbi Jackson

If you’re looking to relocate right now, a popular solution that may best fit your current rental needs is a short-term lease.