315 Cypress Ave
Santa CruzCA95062
Cheap Homes for Rent in Santa Cruz, CA from $1,500 (15 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Homes available for rent right now in Santa Cruz.
106 Vista Prieta Ct
Santa CruzCA95062
251 High St
Santa CruzCA95060
331 Mission St
Santa CruzCA95060
205 Seaview Ave
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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$2,5001 Bedroom Apartments Available Now
318 Chestnut St
318 Chestnut StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
1715 Upper Scenic Dr
FeltonCA95018
822 Eaton St
Santa CruzCA95062
1925 46th Ave
CapitolaCA95010
4465 Diamond St
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.
134 Oak Ln
Scotts ValleyCA95066
3401 Mission Dr
Santa CruzCA95065
180 Dakota Ave, Unit 62
180 Dakota Ave
Santa CruzCA95060
169 Harbor Oaks Cir
Santa CruzCA95062
1355 45th Ave
CapitolaCA95010
The Art of the Rental Viewing: What to look for during a property tour
Touring a rental? This guide helps you know exactly what to look for, from safety features to hidden flaws, so you can confidently sign your lease or keep searching.
Showing Results 1-15, Page 1 of 1
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 | $3,827 | $2,800 | $5,000 |
| Santa Cruz 3 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $4,355 | $1,500 | $5,900 |
| Santa Cruz 5 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $7,500 | $7,500 | $7,500 |
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
- ZIP codes
- Local Counties
- School Districts
Cheapest Neighborhoods for Apartments in Santa Cruz, CA
Pricing Updated: 02/19/2026Current apartment rentals in the Santa Cruz, CA area range in price from $1,995 to $10,000 with an overall median price of $5,889. The three Santa Cruz neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are Beach Hill at $1,995, Arana Gulch at $2,095, and East Park at $2,000. 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 | $3,277 | $1,995 | 13 |
| Arana Gulch | $3,800 | $2,095 | 4 |
| East Park | $3,800 | $2,000 | 11 |
| Prospect Heights | $3,800 | $2,600 | 2 |
| Eastside | $4,195 | $2,000 | 29 |
| Lighthouse | $4,320 | $1,995 | 45 |
| Beach Flats | $5,225 | $1,995 | 126 |
| Neary Lagoon | $5,225 | $1,995 | 129 |
| Riverwalk | $5,525 | $1,995 | 108 |
| Seabright | $5,525 | $1,995 | 110 |
Cheapest Available Santa Cruz Apartments for Rent
The cheapest available apartment rental in Santa Cruz, CA is a Studio unit found at Seaside Studios in the Ocean Street neighborhood priced from $1,925. Pacific View Courts in the Western neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $1,995. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Santa Cruz apartments for rent:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seaside Studios | Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,925 |
| Pacific View Courts | Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,995 |
| 201 River Street Apartments | Studio | Studio,1BA | $2,169 |
| St. George Apartments | Studio | Studio,1BA | $2,200 |
| The Breakers | The Breakers | Studio,1BA | $2,295 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Santa Cruz, CA
As of February 20, 2026 the best value apartment in the Santa Cruz area is the $3.58 price per square foot 2BR-2BA Town House Model at Clay Residences in the in the Ocean Street neighborhood starting from $4,578. The second greatest value Santa Cruz apartment is the 41 Grandview Street Model at 41 Grandview Street, Unit #704 starting at $4,450 with a $4.05 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. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | $3.63 |
| 30th Ave Townhomes | 2x1.5 - Townhome | 2BR,1.5BA | $4.17 |
| Emerald Bay Apartments | Two Bedroom | 2BR,1BA | $3.98 |
| 1804 Mission St | Standard Loft | 1BR,1.5BA | $4.06 |
| Pacific Shores | Steamer Lane | 1BR,1BA | $4.36 |
| San Lorenzo Apartments | 1 Bed 1 Bath | 1BR,1BA | $3.66 |
| 714 Pine St, Unit #3 | 714 Pine St | 2BR,1BA | $3.71 |
| Chestnut Street | Plan 1A | 1BR,1BA | $4.35 |
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
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
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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 391 Apartments for Rent in Santa Cruz, CA with pricing that ranges from $1,400 to $8,000. There are also 42 Single Family Homes for rent, Condos, and Townhome rentals currently available in Santa Cruz ranging from $1,500 to $7,500.
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 $1,500 to $7,500 with an average monthly rent of $4,116.
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.