605 35th Ave
Santa CruzCA95062
Cheap Homes for Rent in Santa Cruz, CA from $1,200 (7 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Homes available for rent right now in Santa Cruz.
331 Mission St
Santa CruzCA95060
395 Tabor Dr
Scotts ValleyCA95066
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.
1350 Ruby Ct
CapitolaCA95010
822 Eaton St
Santa CruzCA95062
1925 46th Ave
CapitolaCA95010
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.
20800 Locust Dr
Los GatosCA95033
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Santa Cruz, CA Local Guide
How much does it cost to rent a home in Santa Cruz?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Cruz 2 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $3,564 | $2,645 | $4,400 |
| Santa Cruz 3 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $5,438 | $4,000 | $8,300 |
| Santa Cruz 4 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $9,410 | $6,900 | $10,000+ |
| Santa Cruz 5 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $7,450 | $7,250 | $7,850 |
Browse Top Homes for Rent in Santa Cruz
Explore Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, CA Local Guide
- Santa Cruz Neighborhoods
- Nearby Cities
- ZIP codes
- Local Counties
- School Districts
Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in Santa Cruz, CA
Pricing Updated: 04/06/2026Current apartment rentals in the Santa Cruz, CA area range in price from $1,950 to $10,000 with an overall median price of $4,712. The three Santa Cruz neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are Arana Gulch at $2,500, Prospect Heights at $2,500, and East Park at $1,950. Here is today’s list of the top 10 neighborhoods with the lowest median pricing for Santa Cruz Apartments for rent:
| Neighborhood | Median Price | Min Price | Available Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arana Gulch | $3,100 | $2,500 | 1 |
| Prospect Heights | $3,100 | $2,500 | 1 |
| East Park | $3,200 | $1,950 | 6 |
| Beach Hill | $3,341 | $1,950 | 11 |
| Lighthouse | $3,817 | $1,950 | 47 |
| Escolona | $4,445 | $2,475 | 58 |
| West King Street | $4,445 | $2,475 | 79 |
| Western | $4,595 | $1,950 | 162 |
| Eastside | $4,879 | $1,950 | 28 |
| Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk | $4,910 | $1,950 | 127 |
Cheapest Available Santa Cruz Apartments for Rent
The cheapest available apartment rental in Santa Cruz, CA is a Studio unit found at Pacific View Courts in the Western neighborhood priced from $1,995. St. George Apartments in the Downtown Santa Cruz neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $2,100. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Santa Cruz apartments for rent:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pacific View Courts | Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,995 |
| St. George Apartments | Studio | Studio,1BA | $2,100 |
| 201 River Street Apartments | Studio | Studio,1BA | $2,169 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Santa Cruz, CA
As of April 06, 2026 the best value apartment in the Santa Cruz area is the $4.05 price per square foot 41 Grandview Street Model at 41 Grandview Street, Unit #704 in the in the Escolona neighborhood starting from $4,450. The second greatest value Santa Cruz apartment is the Three Bedroom Model at Emerald Bay Apartments starting at $3,933 with a $3.82 price per square foot in the Eastside neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Santa Cruz apartments based on price per square foot:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 41 Grandview Street, Unit #704 | 41 Grandview Street | 2BR,2.5BA | $4.05 |
| Emerald Bay Apartments | Three Bedroom | 3BR,1.5BA | $3.82 |
| Landing at Capitola | Plan 1 | 2BR,2BA | $3.63 |
| 30th Ave Townhomes | 2x1.5 - Townhome | 2BR,1.5BA | $4.23 |
| 1804 Mission St | Standard Loft | 1BR,1.5BA | $3.39 |
| Pacific Shores | Steamer Lane | 1BR,1BA | $3.99 |
| Cormorant Court Apartments | 2-Bedroom, 1-Bathroom | 2BR,1BA | $4.36 |
| 714 Pine St, Unit #3 | 714 Pine St | 2BR,1BA | $3.57 |
| Chestnut Street | Plan 1A | 1BR,1BA | $4.00 |
| Breakwater Apartments | A1 | 1BR,1BA | $4.34 |
10 Hidden Costs of Renting You Should Budget for Before Signing a Lease
Avoid financial stress when renting. Learn about the 10 most common hidden costs—from pet fees to utilities—you must budget for before you sign a lease.
Read Article
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.
Read ArticleThe Ultimate Long-Distance Moving Checklist: Tips from a Real Estate Pro
Moving is tough, especially long-distance. Learn how to minimize stress & expenses with proven strategies from a real estate pro, covering everything from logistics to finances.
Read ArticleCash 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.
Read ArticleQuick Rent Budget Calculator
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Santa Cruz, CAPopulation: 64,725
Ranked #582
in US Census Population by City
Best Local Schools in Santa Cruz, CA
Westlake Elementary
Santa Cruz City Elementary School District
Public School - Grades K-5 (453)
9 out of 10
School data provided by Great Schools
Remember the 3 Rules of Real Estate:Location, Location, Location!
Explore Santa Cruz, CA Rentals by Map
See the most popular apartments and homes in Santa Cruz, CA
Frequently Asked Questions about Santa Cruz
What type of rentals are currently available in Santa Cruz?
There are currently 388 Apartments for Rent in Santa Cruz, CA with pricing that ranges from $1,950 to $7,500. There are also 35 Single Family Homes for rent, Condos, and Townhome rentals currently available in Santa Cruz ranging from $1,250 to $12,950.
What is the current price range for Rental Homes in Santa Cruz?
Today's rental pricing for Homes for Rent, Condos and Townhomes in Santa Cruz ranges from $1,250 to $12,950 with an average monthly rent of $5,087.
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.