Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Riverwalk Neighborhood of Santa Cruz, CA from $1,350 (37 Rentals)

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Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the Riverwalk area of Santa Cruz.

property at 514 Broadway

$1,295 - $1,695

1 Bedroom Rentals

Available Now

514 Broadway

Santa CruzCA95060
property at 235 Union St

$2,000

Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$2,000
Total Monthly Price
$2,000

1 Bedroom, 1 Bath Home for Rent

Available Now

235 Union St

Santa CruzCA95060
property at 219 Roberts St

$2,400

Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$2,400
Total Monthly Price
$2,400

Studio, 1 Bath Home for Rent

Available Now

219 Roberts 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.

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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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307-309 Raymond St
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

307-309 Raymond St

307-309 Raymond StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
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240 River Street
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

240 River Street

232-240 River StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
  • Utilities Included
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The Palomar Inn
Studio Apartments

The Palomar Inn

1344 Pacific AveSanta Cruz, CA 95060
Student Housing
  • Utilities Included
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Seaside Studios
Studio Apartments

Seaside Studios

108 2nd StSanta Cruz, CA 95060

How I Find the Perfect Rental for My Clients: A Real Estate Pro's Guide

Finding the right apartment starts with three things: location, cost, and amenities. Get the insider perspective from a real estate professional on how to nail all three.

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516 Center St
Studio Apartments

516 Center St

516 Center StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
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317 Spruce St
2 Bedroom Apartments

317 Spruce St

317 Spruce StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
  • Utilities Included
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108 Sycamore St
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

108 Sycamore St

108 Sycamore StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
  • Utilities Included
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816 Riverside Ave
2 Bedroom Apartments

816 Riverside Ave

816 Riverside AveSanta Cruz, CA 95060
Student Housing
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Clay Residences
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Clay Residences

132 Clay StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
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150-152 Leibrandt Ave
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

150-152 Leibrandt Ave

150-152 Leibrandt AveSanta Cruz, CA 95060

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.

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Showing Results 1-37, Page 1 of 1

Riverwalk, Santa Cruz, CA Local Guide

Cheapest Available Riverwalk Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in the Riverwalk area of Santa Cruz, CA is a Studio unit found at St. George Apartments priced from $2,200. The Breakers has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $2,295. Here are the most affordable Riverwalk apartments for rent in Santa Cruz, CA:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
St. George ApartmentsStudioStudio,1BA$2,200
The BreakersThe BreakersStudio,1BA$2,295
Lincoln Apartments324 Lincoln Apartments1BR,1BA$2,400
Hidden Creek Apartments1 Bed Loft1BR,1BA$2,750
1010 PacificH1 - 0x1Studio,1BA$2,829
Chestnut StreetPlan 1A1BR,1BA$2,837
NANDA ON PACIFICStudioStudio,1BA$2,915
201 River Street ApartmentsFeatured One Bedroom1BR,1BA$2,975
Clay ResidencesStudioStudio,1BA$2,995

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Riverwalk, CA

As of August 24, 2026 the best value apartment in the Riverwalk area is the $4.36 price per square foot Plan 1A Model at Chestnut Street in the in the Escolona neighborhood starting from $2,837. The second greatest value Riverwalk apartment is the 2 bed 1 bath Model at The Sands starting at $3,250 with a $5.34 price per square foot in the Ocean Street neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Riverwalk apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
Chestnut StreetPlan 1A1BR,1BA$4.36
The Sands2 bed 1 bath2BR,1BA$5.34
Anton PacificStudio-1EStudio ,1BA$5.74
1015 N Branciforte Ave, Unit # B1015 N Branciforte Ave1BR,1.5BA$5.60
Lincoln Apartments324 Lincoln Apartments1BR,1BA$4.82
201 River Street ApartmentsFeatured One Bedroom1BR,1BA$6.48
Hidden Creek Apartments1 Bed Loft1BR,1BA$6.00
Five55StudioStudio ,1BA$6.82
NANDA ON PACIFICStudioStudio ,1BA$6.92
1010 PacificH1 - 0x1Studio ,1BA$7.35

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.

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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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Quick 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.

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Pet Friendly Lifestyle
Riverwalk, Santa Cruz, CA

Ranked #9

Among cities in California for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities.

Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score

4.0
Pet Friendly

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Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Riverwalk Apartments

What is a cheap apartment in Riverwalk?

A cheap apartment is any apartment up to the 30% percentile of cost for the area, which in Riverwalk is under $2,995.

What is the price of a cheap apartment in Riverwalk?

The cheapest apartment in Riverwalk is Lincoln Apartments which is listed at $2,400, while the average apartment in Riverwalk costs $3,465.

What types of apartments are the cheapest in Riverwalk?

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 3 regular apartments in Riverwalk 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

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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.

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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.

decorative image for First Apartment Regrets: Real Renters Share What They'd Do Differently article

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.

decorative image for Renters Insurance 101: What It Is, What It Covers, and Why You Need It article

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.