
Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Ocean Street Neighborhood of Santa Cruz, CA from $1,300 (32 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the Ocean Street area of Santa Cruz.


Seaside Studios

105 Grant St

201 River Street Apartments

St. George Apartments

The Breakers

116 Maple St

1219 Laurel St, Unit 1219B
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.

708 Riverside Ave

318 Chestnut St, Unit Apt. 5

Total Monthly Price
Cypress Point

108 Sycamore St

1010 Pacific Apartments

Hidden Creek Apartments

Five55

Chestnut Street
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.

NANDA ON PACIFIC

150-152 Leibrandt Ave

River Row

711 Hanover St

307-309 Raymond St

Coronado Apartments

240 River Street

Ocean Street Apartments
Cash 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.

516 Center St

803 Laurel St

317 Spruce St

San Lorenzo Apartments

816 Riverside Ave

Clay Residences

Anton Pacific

168 Everson Dr
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.
Ocean Street, Santa Cruz, CA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Ocean Street?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ocean Street Studio Apartments | $3,114 | $1,860 | $4,092 |
| Ocean Street 1 Bedroom Apartments | $3,540 | $2,075 | $5,552 |
| Ocean Street 2 Bedroom Apartments | $4,878 | $3,195 | $7,500 |
| Ocean Street 3 Bedroom Apartments | $4,850 | $4,750 | $4,950 |
Browse Apartments in this Neighborhood
There are currently 32 rentals with your search options within a 1 mile radius of the Ocean Street Neighborhood of Santa Cruz, CA.
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Ocean Street, Santa Cruz, CA Local Guide
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Cheapest Available Ocean Street Apartments for Rent
 The cheapest available apartment rental in the Ocean Street area of Santa Cruz, CA is a Studio unit found at The Palomar Inn priced from $1,860. St. George Apartments has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $2,200. Here are the most affordable Ocean Street apartments for rent in Santa Cruz, CA:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Palomar Inn | Palomar Inn -SRO | Studio,1BA | $1,860 |
| St. George Apartments | Studio | Studio,1BA | $2,200 |
| The Breakers | The Breakers | Studio,1BA | $2,295 |
| Cypress Point | Residence 1 | Studio,1BA | $2,638 |
| 1010 Pacific Apartments | AT1 | 1BR,1BA | $2,765 |
| 108 Sycamore St | 1 Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $2,850 |
| 201 River Street Apartments | Featured One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $2,975 |
| Hidden Creek Apartments | 1 Bed 1 Bath | 1BR,1BA | $3,155 |
| 150-152 Leibrandt Ave | 2-Bedroom | 2BR,1BA | $3,200 |
| River Row | S2 | Studio,1BA | $3,225 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Ocean Street, CA
As of June 02, 2026 the best value apartment in the Ocean Street area is the $5.41 price per square foot 1 Bed/1 Bath-14B Model at Anton Pacific in the in the Downtown Santa Cruz neighborhood starting from $5,552. The second greatest value Ocean Street apartment is the 2-Bedroom Model at 150-152 Leibrandt Ave starting at $3,200 with a $4.92 price per square foot in the Ocean Street neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Ocean Street apartments based on price per square foot:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anton Pacific | 1 Bed/1 Bath-14B | 1BR,1BA | $5.41 |
| 150-152 Leibrandt Ave | 2-Bedroom | 2BR,1BA | $4.92 |
| Five55 | C1 | 1BR,1BA | $5.95 |
| 1010 Pacific Apartments | Residence A1 | 1BR,1BA | $5.42 |
| Hidden Creek Apartments | 1 Bed 1 Bath | 1BR,1BA | $6.01 |
| 108 Sycamore St | 1 Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $5.70 |
| 201 River Street Apartments | Featured One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $6.48 |
| River Row | S7 | Studio ,1BA | $7.52 |
| Cypress Point | Residence 1 | Studio ,1BA | $6.00 |
| The Palomar Inn | Palomar Inn -SRO | Studio ,1BA | $6.76 |
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 ArticleReal 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.
Read ArticleQuick Rent Budget Calculator
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.
Best Local Schools in Ocean Street, Santa Cruz, CA
Gault Elementary
School data provided by Great Schools
Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Ocean Street Apartments
What is a cheap apartment in Ocean Street?
A cheap apartment is any apartment up to the 30% percentile of cost for the area, which in Ocean Street is under $3,225.
What is the price of a cheap apartment in Ocean Street?
The cheapest apartment in Ocean Street is The Breakers which is listed at $2,650, while the average apartment in Ocean Street costs $4,850.
What types of apartments are the cheapest in Ocean Street?
Student, low-income, and by-the-bed apartments are typically the cheapest rentals in most cities, though they require qualifying criteria to rent. There are 4 regular apartments in Ocean Street that we think qualify as ‘cheap apartments’ that do not have special requirements to apply to rent.
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

Neighborhood and Market Insights: How to Choose the Right Area to Rent
Written by: Robin Stewart
Apartment-hunting can be a gargantuan task. Renters have a wish list of items—some luxuries, some necessities—but finding what you seek in the right place is perhaps the most important part of the journey.

A Seasoned Property Manager's Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Deposit Back
Written by: Lauren Harrington
I’m going to talk with you as a seasoned property manager and friend. So, let’s start with your security deposit. I want you to think about this guide as insider information. You deserve your deposit back.

Expert Solutions for Creating the Perfect Work-From-Home Apartment Layouts
Written by: Lauren Harrington
This article is based on first-hand experience managing apartment communities and helping renters adapt to their spaces after moving in.

What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much
Written by: Lauren Harrington
This article draws from first-hand renter experiences and recurring financial challenges reported after moving in.