155 Torrey Pine Ter
Santa CruzCA95060
Cheap Homes for Rent in Santa Cruz, CA from $1,100 (4 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Homes available for rent right now in Santa Cruz.
235 Union St
Santa CruzCA95060
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.
4497 Highway 9, Unit #A
4497 Highway 9
FeltonCA95018
1104 E Cliff Dr
Santa CruzCA95062
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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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 | $3,430 | $1,125 | $4,700 |
| Santa Cruz 3 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $4,836 | $3,995 | $7,400 |
| Santa Cruz 4 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $7,280 | $5,600 | $10,000+ |
| Santa Cruz 5 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $10,448 | $8,695 | $10,000+ |
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
Explore Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, CA Local Guide
- Santa Cruz Neighborhoods
- Nearby Cities
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Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in Santa Cruz, CA
Pricing Updated: 07/05/2026Current apartment rentals in the Santa Cruz, CA area range in price from $1,800 to $10,000 with an overall median price of $4,296. The three Santa Cruz neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are Arana Gulch at $2,695, East Park at $2,295, and Prospect Heights at $2,900. 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 | $2,900 | $2,695 | 2 |
| East Park | $3,195 | $2,295 | 5 |
| Prospect Heights | $3,450 | $2,900 | 3 |
| Beach Hill | $3,588 | $2,358 | 6 |
| Lighthouse | $4,084 | $2,358 | 25 |
| Central Santa Cruz | $4,169 | $1,860 | 89 |
| Ocean Street | $4,219 | $1,860 | 86 |
| Escolona | $4,222 | $2,400 | 38 |
| Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk | $4,309 | $1,860 | 89 |
| King Street | $4,381 | $1,860 | 81 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Santa Cruz, CA
As of July 05, 2026 the best value apartment in the Santa Cruz area is the $4.34 price per square foot Plan 2B Townhome Model at Chestnut Street in the in the Escolona neighborhood starting from $4,509. 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. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chestnut Street | Plan 2B Townhome | 2BR,1.5BA | $4.34 |
| Emerald Bay Apartments | Three Bedroom | 3BR,1.5BA | $3.82 |
| Pacific Shores | 2x2 | 2BR,2BA | $4.49 |
| Thurber Apartments | Thurber Apartments | 2BR,1.5BA | $3.52 |
| Breakwater Apartments | C1 | 3BR,2BA | $4.70 |
| Westmont Townhomes | 2 Beds, 1 bath | 2BR,1BA | $4.64 |
| 1804 Mission St | Standard Loft | 1BR,1.5BA | $3.63 |
| Capitola Townhomes | TH15 | 2BR,1.5BA | $4.74 |
| 150-152 Leibrandt Ave | 2-Bedroom | 2BR,1BA | $4.92 |
| Lincoln Apartments | 324 Lincoln Apartments | 1BR,1BA | $5.00 |
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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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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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 384 Apartments for Rent in Santa Cruz, CA with pricing that ranges from $1,860 to $7,500. There are also 46 Single Family Homes for rent, Condos, and Townhome rentals currently available in Santa Cruz ranging from $1,125 to $14,000.
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 $1,125 to $14,000 with an average monthly rent of $5,223.
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 $3,933 to $3,933, while Three Bedroom Homes, Condos, and Townhomes for rent range from $3,995 to $7,400. Four Bedroom Single-Family rentals are also available starting from $5,600 and Four Bedroom Apartments start at $7,085.
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
Renters Insurance 101: What It Is, What It Covers, and Why You Need It
Written by: Robin Stewart
Insurance seems to be a part of life. In some states, having insurance is the law, as is the case for automobile insurance. Renters are no exception.
Apartment Occupancy Rates: Renter Attraction vs Renter Retention
Written by: Robin Stewart
There’s a tenet in marketing about client or customer attraction and retention. Studies and data have consistently shown it costs less to keep a current customer than to attract a new one.
How I Find the Perfect Rental for My Clients: A Real Estate Pro's Guide
Written by: Robin Stewart
Evaluating rental properties for clients draws many parallels to house-hunting. Whether an apartment, loft, townhouse, or other rental, finding the right place means finding “home” for your client.
Pet-Friendly Renting: Everything You Need to Know Before You Move
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
For so many of us, pets are the best companions and a big part of our lives. For this reason, a pet-friendly house or apartment is often a very important - and nonnegotiable - part of a move.