225 7th Ave
Santa CruzCA95062
Cheap Homes for Rent in Santa Cruz, CA from $1,900 (7 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Homes available for rent right now in Santa Cruz.
331 Mission St
Santa CruzCA95060
205 Seaview Ave
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.
318 Chestnut St
Santa CruzCA95060
822 Eaton St
Santa CruzCA95062
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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.
2114 Derby Ave
CapitolaCA95010
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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 | $4,025 | $3,300 | $5,000 |
| Santa Cruz 3 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $5,025 | $3,750 | $7,000 |
| Santa Cruz 4 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $6,596 | $4,790 | $8,500 |
| Santa Cruz 5 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $9,250 | $9,100 | $9,400 |
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: 08/04/2025Current apartment rentals in the Santa Cruz, CA area range in price from $1,800 to $10,000 with an overall median price of $5,793. The three Santa Cruz neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are Beach Hill at $2,150, Prospect Heights at $3,100, and Arana Gulch at $2,995. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beach Hill | $3,250 | $2,150 | 8 |
| Prospect Heights | $3,500 | $3,100 | 3 |
| Arana Gulch | $3,595 | $2,995 | 8 |
| East Park | $3,595 | $2,195 | 14 |
| Bananna Belt | $4,147 | $2,095 | 16 |
| West King Street | $4,718 | $1,800 | 36 |
| Seabright | $4,870 | $2,095 | 56 |
| Beach Flats | $4,995 | $1,875 | 67 |
| Lighthouse | $4,995 | $2,150 | 57 |
| Neary Lagoon | $4,995 | $1,875 | 69 |
Cheapest Available Santa Cruz Apartments for Rent
The cheapest available apartment rental in Santa Cruz, CA is a Studio unit found at 108 Sycamore St in the Downtown Santa Cruz neighborhood priced from $2,100. St. George Apartments in the Downtown Santa Cruz neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $2,200. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Santa Cruz apartments for rent:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| 108 Sycamore St | Studio | Studio,1BA | $2,100 |
| St. George Apartments | Studio | Studio,1BA | $2,200 |
| The Breakers | The Shoreline | 1BR,1BA | $2,650 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Santa Cruz, CA
As of August 05, 2025 the best value apartment in the Santa Cruz area is the $4.33 price per square foot 2x2 Model at Pacific Shores in the in the Western neighborhood starting from $4,395. The second greatest value Santa Cruz apartment is the 2 Bed 1 Bath Model at Chestnut Street starting at $4,039 with a $4.49 price per square foot in the Escolona 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. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pacific Shores | 2x2 | 2BR,2BA | $4.33 |
| Chestnut Street | 2 Bed 1 Bath | 2BR,1BA | $4.49 |
| 1804 Mission St | Larger Loft | 1BR,1.5BA | $3.83 |
| Oceanview | B2 | 2BR,2BA | $5.58 |
| Cypress Point | Residence 3 | 2BR,1BA | $4.94 |
| NANDA ON PACIFIC | 1 Bed 1 Bath D | 1BR,1BA | $5.16 |
| Emerald Bay Apartments | 1 Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $3.84 |
| Anton Pacific | Studio-3A | Studio ,1BA | $5.34 |
| Breakwater Apartments | A1 | 1BR,1BA | $4.80 |
| Hidden Creek Apartments | 1 Bed 1 Bath | 1BR,1BA | $5.24 |
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Frequently Asked Questions about Santa Cruz
What type of rentals are currently available in Santa Cruz?
There are currently 386 Apartments for Rent in Santa Cruz, CA with pricing that ranges from $1,800 to $8,000. There are also 37 Single Family Homes for rent, Condos, and Townhome rentals currently available in Santa Cruz ranging from $1,900 to $9,400.
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 $1,900 to $9,400 with an average monthly rent of $5,490.
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.
The Ultimate Long-Distance Moving Checklist: Tips from a Real Estate Pro
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Hard truth. Moving is never easy. I’ve done it all – from local moves to cross-country relocations From packing to unpacking the last box, I have found moving to be an exhausting, expensive and stressful experience every time.
Cash or credit? Understanding the Importance of Credit Score in Real Estate and Renting
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Throughout the day, think about all the times that you have to pay for something. So many of us reach automatically for a credit card or even our phone for a quick payment.
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.
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.