521 38th Avenue, Main Unit
Santa CruzCA95062
Cheap Homes for Rent in Santa Cruz, CA from $2,500 (8 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Homes available for rent right now in Santa Cruz.
206 Vista Prieta Ct
Santa CruzCA95062
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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.
612 Mission St
Santa CruzCA95060
1715 Upper Scenic Dr
FeltonCA95018
822 Eaton St
Santa CruzCA95062
136 Oak Ln
Scotts ValleyCA95066
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.
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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 | $3,650 | $2,795 | $4,500 |
| Santa Cruz 3 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $4,566 | $3,195 | $6,500 |
| Santa Cruz 4 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $5,000 | $5,000 | $5,000 |
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: 11/14/2025Current apartment rentals in the Santa Cruz, CA area range in price from $1,875 to $10,000 with an overall median price of $5,981. The three Santa Cruz neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are Prospect Heights at $2,300, Beach Hill at $1,875, and East Park 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 | $2,800 | $2,300 | 2 |
| Beach Hill | $3,395 | $1,875 | 7 |
| East Park | $3,661 | $1,875 | 16 |
| Arana Gulch | $3,763 | $2,300 | 10 |
| Bananna Belt | $4,290 | $2,200 | 21 |
| Seabright | $4,449 | $1,875 | 52 |
| Riverwalk | $4,814 | $1,875 | 46 |
| Neary Lagoon | $4,830 | $1,875 | 58 |
| Beach Flats | $4,865 | $1,875 | 57 |
| Lighthouse | $4,947 | $1,875 | 43 |
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 $2,035. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seaside Studios | Studio | Studio,1BA | $2,035 |
| St. George Apartments | Studio | Studio,1BA | $2,200 |
| The Breakers | The Breakers | Studio,1BA | $2,250 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Santa Cruz, CA
As of November 14, 2025 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 |
| Pacific Shores | 2x2 | 2BR,2BA | $3.74 |
| Landing at Capitola | Plan 1 | 2BR,2BA | $3.63 |
| Westmont Townhomes | 2 Beds, 1 bath | 2BR,1BA | $4.64 |
| Chestnut Street | 2 Bed 1 Bath | 2BR,1BA | $4.17 |
| 30th Ave Townhomes | 2x1.5 - Townhome | 2BR,1.5BA | $4.28 |
| 1804 Mission St | Larger Loft | 1BR,1.5BA | $3.72 |
| Emerald Bay Apartments | Two Bedroom | 2BR,1BA | $3.98 |
| 714 Pine St, Unit #3 | 714 Pine St | 2BR,1BA | $4.00 |
Apartment Common Area Rules: What Renters Need to Know
From the lounge to the laundry room, understand your rights and responsibilities in shared apartment spaces. Get tips on pet rules, noise, and security.
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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 ArticleThe 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 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 390 Apartments for Rent in Santa Cruz, CA with pricing that ranges from $1,875 to $8,200. There are also 40 Single Family Homes for rent, Condos, and Townhome rentals currently available in Santa Cruz ranging from $2,500 to $6,500.
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 $2,500 to $6,500 with an average monthly rent of $3,979.
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 $8,000, while Three Bedroom Homes, Condos, and Townhomes for rent range from $3,195 to $6,500. Four Bedroom Single-Family rentals are also available starting from $5,000 and Four Bedroom Apartments start at $8,200.
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.
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.
Your Guide to Co-Signers: The Risks, Rewards, and Everything in Between
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
For many people, obstacles can arise during the rental application process for a variety of issues.