101 Peach Terrace, Unit BR2
101 Peach Terrace
Santa CruzCA95060
Cheap Homes for Rent in Santa Cruz, CA from $1,600 (6 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Homes available for rent right now in Santa Cruz.
4497 Highway 9, Unit #A, Unit #A
4497 Highway 9
FeltonCA95018
1925 46th Ave
CapitolaCA95010
What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much
Learn the official definition (spending 30% or more of your gross income on housing) and how to calculate your exact rent-to-income ratio. This guide offers expert tips on factoring in total housing costs (including utilities and fees) and budgeting accurately to avoid unnecessary financial strain.
4350 Diamond St
CapitolaCA95010
168 Everson Dr
Santa CruzCA95060
414 Grace Way
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.
Showing Results 1-6, Page 1 of 1
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 | $3,885 | $2,795 | $4,950 |
| Santa Cruz 3 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $4,789 | $3,565 | $7,400 |
| Santa Cruz 4 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $7,648 | $5,200 | $9,495 |
| Santa Cruz 5 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $9,600 | $9,600 | $9,600 |
Note: Properties with the Total Monthly Price badge include all required fees. Hover over the badge for details.
Browse Top Homes for Rent in Santa Cruz
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Santa Cruz, CA Local Guide
- Santa Cruz Neighborhoods
- Nearby Cities
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Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in Santa Cruz, CA
Pricing Updated: 05/21/2026Current apartment rentals in the Santa Cruz, CA area range in price from $1,825 to $10,000 with an overall median price of $4,690. The three Santa Cruz neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are Prospect Heights at $2,495, Arana Gulch at $2,495, and East Park at $2,010. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prospect Heights | $2,495 | $2,495 | 1 |
| Arana Gulch | $2,695 | $2,495 | 2 |
| East Park | $3,197 | $2,010 | 5 |
| Beach Hill | $3,438 | $2,010 | 5 |
| Western | $4,445 | $1,860 | 111 |
| Escolona | $4,800 | $2,638 | 35 |
| Lighthouse | $4,800 | $2,010 | 27 |
| West King Street | $4,800 | $2,638 | 51 |
| Central Santa Cruz | $4,870 | $1,860 | 93 |
| Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk | $4,870 | $1,860 | 95 |
Cheapest Available Santa Cruz Apartments for Rent
The cheapest available apartment rental in Santa Cruz, CA is a Studio unit found at The Palomar Inn in the Downtown Santa Cruz neighborhood priced from $1,860. Seaside Studios in the Ocean Street neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $1,925. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Santa Cruz apartments for rent:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Palomar Inn | Palomar Inn -SRO | Studio,1BA | $1,860 |
| Seaside Studios | Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,925 |
| St. George Apartments | Studio | Studio,1BA | $2,200 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Santa Cruz, CA
As of May 21, 2026 the best value apartment in the Santa Cruz area is the $3.82 price per square foot Three Bedroom Model at Emerald Bay Apartments in the in the Eastside neighborhood starting from $3,933. The second greatest value Santa Cruz apartment is the 1 Bed/1 Bath-14B Model at Anton Pacific starting at $5,552 with a $5.41 price per square foot in the Downtown Santa Cruz 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. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emerald Bay Apartments | Three Bedroom | 3BR,1.5BA | $3.82 |
| Anton Pacific | 1 Bed/1 Bath-14B | 1BR,1BA | $5.41 |
| Breakwater Apartments | C1 | 3BR,2BA | $4.22 |
| Westmont Townhomes | 2 Beds, 1 bath | 2BR,1BA | $4.64 |
| 1804 Mission St | Standard Loft | 1BR,1.5BA | $3.63 |
| Pacific Shores | Mitchell`s Cove | 1BR,1BA | $4.16 |
| Cypress Point | Residence 3 | 2BR,1BA | $4.94 |
| Chestnut Street | Plan 1A | 1BR,1BA | $4.86 |
| 150-152 Leibrandt Ave | 2-Bedroom | 2BR,1BA | $4.92 |
| 633 Trevethan Ave, Unit Alley | 633 Trevethan Ave | 1BR,1BA | $3.84 |
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 Article
Real Estate and Rental Term Glossary | ApartmentHomeLiving.com Renter University
From the letter A all the way to the letter Z, the Real Estate and Rental Term Glossary from the content team at ApartmentHomeLiving.com provides our visitors and shoppers with a little clarity and helpful guidance in navigating the real estate world through definitions and explainers for the top subjects and terms that someone may come across during the leasing, buying, or selling process.
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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 387 Apartments for Rent in Santa Cruz, CA with pricing that ranges from $1,860 to $7,500. There are also 37 Single Family Homes for rent, Condos, and Townhome rentals currently available in Santa Cruz ranging from $1,650 to $9,600.
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 $1,650 to $9,600 with an average monthly rent of $4,962.
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 Seasoned Property Manager's Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Deposit Back
Written by: Lauren Harrington
I’m going to talk with you as a seasoned property manager and friend. So, let’s start with your security deposit. I want you to think about this guide as insider information. You deserve your deposit back.
Expert Solutions for Creating the Perfect Work-From-Home Apartment Layouts
Written by: Lauren Harrington
This article is based on first-hand experience managing apartment communities and helping renters adapt to their spaces after moving in.
What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much
Written by: Lauren Harrington
This article draws from first-hand renter experiences and recurring financial challenges reported after moving in.
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.