1030 El Dorado Ave
Santa CruzCA95062
Cheap Homes for Rent in Santa Cruz, CA from $995 (12 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Homes available for rent right now in Santa Cruz.
106 Vista Prieta Ct
Santa CruzCA95062
4497 Highway 9, Unit #A
4497 Highway 9
FeltonCA95018
235 Union St
Santa CruzCA95060
219 Roberts St
Santa CruzCA95060
116 Sycamore St
Santa CruzCA95060
Rent According to Income: A Look at Income-Restricted Rentals
Find income-restricted rentals and housing subsidies. Explore government programs designed to help low-income families secure stable, affordable housing.
206 Vista Prieta Ct
Santa CruzCA95062
1841 Alice St
Santa CruzCA95062
4441 W Walnut St
SoquelCA95073
156 Everson Dr
Santa CruzCA95060
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$2,8501 Bedroom Apartments Available Sep 30
155 Felker St, Unit 20
155 Felker StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
2114 Derby Ave
CapitolaCA95010
Renters Insurance 101: What It Is, What It Covers, and Why You Need It
From theft to fire to water damage, the unexpected can happen to any renter. Discover why renters insurance is one of the smartest and most affordable investments you can make as a tenant.
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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 | $3,766 | $3,150 | $4,895 |
| Santa Cruz 3 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $5,127 | $4,395 | $7,400 |
| Santa Cruz 4 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $8,300 | $6,500 | $10,000+ |
| Santa Cruz 5 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $9,600 | $9,600 | $9,600 |
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: 08/25/2026Current apartment rentals in the Santa Cruz, CA area range in price from $995 to $10,500 with an overall median price of $3,579. The three Santa Cruz neighborhoods with the lowest median rent pricing are Beach Hill at $2,400, Downtown Santa Cruz at $3,200, and Beach Flats at $3,387. 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 | $2,400 | $2,400 | 1 |
| Downtown Santa Cruz | $3,200 | $2,000 | 3 |
| Beach Flats | $3,387 | $2,000 | 7 |
| Riverwalk | $3,387 | $2,000 | 9 |
| Neary Lagoon | $3,475 | $2,000 | 8 |
| Ocean Street | $3,487 | $2,000 | 10 |
| Central Santa Cruz | $3,500 | $1,400 | 14 |
| Escolona | $3,500 | $2,000 | 7 |
| King Street | $3,500 | $2,000 | 12 |
| Lighthouse | $3,500 | $2,400 | 5 |
Cheapest Available Santa Cruz Apartments for Rent
The cheapest available apartment rental in Santa Cruz, CA is a Studio unit found at St. George Apartments in the Downtown Santa Cruz neighborhood priced from $2,200. The Breakers in the Ocean Street neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $2,295. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Santa Cruz apartments for rent:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. George Apartments | Studio | Studio,1BA | $2,200 |
| The Breakers | The Breakers | Studio,1BA | $2,295 |
| Lincoln Apartments | 324 Lincoln Apartments | 1BR,1BA | $2,400 |
| 1804 Mission St | Jr. 1 Bedroom | Studio,1BA | $2,550 |
| Cypress Point | Residence 1 | Studio,1BA | $2,602 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Santa Cruz, CA
As of August 25, 2026 the best value apartment in the Santa Cruz area is the $4.33 price per square foot C1 - 2x2 Model at Pacific Shores in the in the Western neighborhood starting from $4,395. The second greatest value Santa Cruz apartment is the Thurber Apartments Model at Thurber Apartments starting at $3,400 with a $3.47 price per square foot in the Prospect Heights 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 | C1 - 2x2 | 2BR,2BA | $4.33 |
| Thurber Apartments | Thurber Apartments | 2BR,1.5BA | $3.47 |
| Landing at Capitola | Plan 1 | 2BR,1.5BA | $3.76 |
| Breakwater Apartments | C1 | 3BR,2BA | $4.43 |
| Chestnut Street | Plan 2A | 2BR,1BA | $4.27 |
| Emerald Bay Apartments | Two Bedroom | 2BR,1BA | $3.98 |
| Cormorant Court Apartments | 2-Bedroom, 1-Bathroom | 2BR,1BA | $4.43 |
| 320 - 328 California Street | 2BR/1.0BA | 2BR,1BA | $4.23 |
| Copa Cabanas | A1-R | 1BR,1BA | $4.55 |
| 1804 Mission St | Jr. 1 Bedroom | Studio ,1BA | $4.51 |
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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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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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
Santa Cruz High School
Santa Cruz City High School District
Public School - Grades 9-12 (1093)
10 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 396 Apartments for Rent in Santa Cruz, CA with pricing that ranges from $1,695 to $8,000. There are also 47 Single Family Homes for rent, Condos, and Townhome rentals currently available in Santa Cruz ranging from $995 to $10,500.
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 $995 to $10,500 with an average monthly rent of $4,082.
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 $2,595 to $5,850, while Three Bedroom Homes, Condos, and Townhomes for rent range from $4,395 to $7,400. Four Bedroom Single-Family rentals are also available starting from $6,500 and Four Bedroom Apartments start at $7,322.
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
Rent According to Income: A Look at Income-Restricted Rentals
Written by: Robin Stewart
The idea of affordable housing can be subjective. Every individual is in a different place financially and vocationally. What one may easily afford could be a struggle for someone else.
Practical Tips for Renters: How to Identify a Great Rental and Avoid Red Flags
Written by: Robin Stewart
Renters want to find a great apartment, the right place for them, one that checks all the boxes of location, rental cost, amenities, safety, and more.
First Apartment Regrets: Real Renters Share What They'd Do Differently
Written by: Robin Stewart
Hindsight is 20/20. Live and Learn. With age comes wisdom. We’re familiar with all those expressions, and all of them apply to lessons first-time renters learn.
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.