135 Bixby St
Santa CruzCA95060
Cheap Homes for Rent in Santa Cruz, CA from $1,400 (7 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Homes available for rent right now in Santa Cruz.
206 Vista Prieta Ct
Santa CruzCA95062
330 Braemoor Dr
Santa CruzCA95060
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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2263 Chanticleer Ave
Santa CruzCA95062
822 Eaton St
Santa CruzCA95062
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.
1715 Upper Scenic Dr
FeltonCA95018
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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 a home in Santa Cruz?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Cruz 2 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $3,864 | $2,795 | $4,950 |
| Santa Cruz 3 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $4,301 | $3,000 | $5,500 |
| Santa Cruz 4 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $1,400 | $1,400 | $1,400 |
| Santa Cruz 6 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $8,500 | $8,500 | $8,500 |
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: 12/24/2025Current apartment rentals in the Santa Cruz, CA area range in price from $1,875 to $10,000 with an overall median price of $5,439. The three Santa Cruz neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are Prospect Heights at $1,895, Beach Hill at $1,875, and Ocean Street at $1,875. 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 | $1,895 | $1,895 | 1 |
| Beach Hill | $3,441 | $1,875 | 11 |
| Ocean Street | $4,102 | $1,875 | 70 |
| Carbonera | $4,270 | $1,895 | 33 |
| Bananna Belt | $4,290 | $2,169 | 29 |
| East Park | $4,295 | $1,875 | 16 |
| Seabright | $4,295 | $1,875 | 56 |
| Lighthouse | $4,395 | $1,875 | 47 |
| Arana Gulch | $4,498 | $1,895 | 11 |
| Eastside | $4,498 | $1,875 | 40 |
Cheapest Available Santa Cruz Apartments for Rent
The cheapest available apartment rental in Santa Cruz, CA is a 1 Bed unit found at Copa Cabanas in the Escolona neighborhood priced from $1,602. Seaside Studios in the Ocean Street neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $2,035. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Santa Cruz apartments for rent:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Copa Cabanas | A1 | 1BR,1BA | $1,602 |
| Seaside Studios | Studio | Studio,1BA | $2,035 |
| 201 River Street Apartments | Studio | Studio,1BA | $2,169 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Santa Cruz, CA
As of December 24, 2025 the best value apartment in the Santa Cruz area is the $2.33 price per square foot 305 Mission St Model at 305 Mission St, Unit 305 in the in the Escolona neighborhood starting from $3,500. The second greatest value Santa Cruz apartment is the 2BR-2BA Town House Model at Clay Residences starting at $4,578 with a $3.58 price per square foot in the Ocean Street 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. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 305 Mission St, Unit 305 | 305 Mission St | 2BR,1BA | $2.33 |
| Clay Residences | 2BR-2BA Town House | 2BR,2BA | $3.58 |
| 41 Grandview Street, Unit #704 | 41 Grandview Street | 2BR,2.5BA | $4.05 |
| Landing at Capitola | Plan 1 | 2BR,2BA | $3.62 |
| 514 Washington St, Unit Unit A | 514 Washington St | 3BR,1BA | $3.67 |
| 538 Ocean View Ave | 538 Ocean View Ave | 2BR,1BA | $3.54 |
| 1804 Mission St | Larger Loft | 1BR,1.5BA | $3.72 |
| Emerald Bay Apartments | Two Bedroom | 2BR,1BA | $3.98 |
| 114 Park Ave, Unit 114 Park | 114 Park Ave | 2BR,1BA | $4.00 |
| Copa Cabanas | A1 | 1BR,1BA | $2.86 |
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.
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The 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
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.
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Best Local Schools in Santa Cruz, CA
De Laveaga Elementary
Santa Cruz City Elementary School District
Public School - Grades K-5 (488)
8 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 393 Apartments for Rent in Santa Cruz, CA with pricing that ranges from $1,875 to $8,000. There are also 31 Single Family Homes for rent, Condos, and Townhome rentals currently available in Santa Cruz ranging from $1,400 to $8,500.
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 $1,400 to $8,500 with an average monthly rent of $4,450.
How much are larger Three and Four Bedroom Rentals in Santa Cruz?
For those who are looking for larger living arrangements, Three Bedroom Apartments in Santa Cruz range from $2,995 to $8,000, while Three Bedroom Homes, Condos, and Townhomes for rent range from $3,000 to $5,500. Four Bedroom Single-Family rentals are also available starting from $1,400 and Four Bedroom Apartments start at $7,900.
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
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!
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.