
Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Riverwalk Neighborhood of Santa Cruz, CA from $1,300 (13 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the Riverwalk area of Santa Cruz.


235 Union St

St. George Apartments

The Breakers

307-309 Raymond St

240 River Street
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.

Seaside Studios

Pacific View Courts

Ocean Street Apartments

116 Sycamore St

516 Center St

1104 E Cliff Dr
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.

Lincoln Apartments
Riverwalk, Santa Cruz, CA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Riverwalk?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Riverwalk Studio Apartments | $3,216 | $1,860 | $3,505 |
| Riverwalk 1 Bedroom Apartments | $3,450 | $2,479 | $4,278 |
| Riverwalk 2 Bedroom Apartments | $4,772 | $2,900 | $7,500 |
Browse Apartments in this Neighborhood
There are currently 13 rentals with your search options within a 2 mile radius of the Riverwalk Neighborhood of Santa Cruz, CA.
See all Apartments in Santa CruzExplore Santa Cruz
Riverwalk, Santa Cruz, CA Local Guide
- Nearby Santa Cruz neighborhoods
- Nearby Cities
- ZIP codes
- Local Counties
- School Districts
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 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 Riverwalk 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 |
| Lincoln Apartments | 324 Lincoln Apartments | 1BR,1BA | $2,400 |
| Hidden Creek Apartments | 1 Bed Loft | 1BR,1BA | $2,699 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Riverwalk, CA
As of July 09, 2026 the best value apartment in the Riverwalk area is the $4.63 price per square foot Plan 1A Model at Chestnut Street in the in the Escolona neighborhood starting from $3,009. The second greatest value Riverwalk 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 Riverwalk apartments based on price per square foot:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chestnut Street | Plan 1A | 1BR,1BA | $4.63 |
| 150-152 Leibrandt Ave | 2-Bedroom | 2BR,1BA | $4.92 |
| Five55 | C1 | 1BR,1BA | $5.95 |
| The Sands | 2 bed 1 bath | 2BR,1BA | $4.92 |
| Anton Pacific | Studio-1E | Studio ,1BA | $5.77 |
| 1010 Pacific Apartments | Residence A1 | 1BR,1BA | $5.12 |
| Lincoln Apartments | 324 Lincoln Apartments | 1BR,1BA | $5.00 |
| 201 River Street Apartments | Featured One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $6.48 |
| Hidden Creek Apartments | 1 Bed Loft | 1BR,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.
Pet Friendly LifestyleRiverwalk, Santa Cruz, CA
Ranked #6
Among cities in California for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities.
Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score
4.0Pet Friendly
Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Riverwalk Apartments
What is the Cheapest Studio apartment in Riverwalk?
Currently the most affordable Cheap Studio Apartment in Riverwalk is at The Palomar Inn listed at $1,860.
How much is rent for a Cheap One Bedroom Riverwalk Apartment?
The lowest price for a Cheap One Bedroom Riverwalk Apartment is $2,400 at Lincoln Apartments.
What is the lowest price for a Cheap Two Bedroom Riverwalk Apartment for rent?
Today's best deal for a Cheap Two Bedroom Apartment in Riverwalk is starting from $2,999 at The Sands.
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

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.

Apartment Occupancy Rates: Renter Attraction vs Renter Retention
Written by: Robin Stewart
There’s a tenet in marketing about client or customer attraction and retention. Studies and data have consistently shown it costs less to keep a current customer than to attract a new one.

How I Find the Perfect Rental for My Clients: A Real Estate Pro's Guide
Written by: Robin Stewart
Evaluating rental properties for clients draws many parallels to house-hunting. Whether an apartment, loft, townhouse, or other rental, finding the right place means finding “home” for your client.

Pet-Friendly Renting: Everything You Need to Know Before You Move
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
For so many of us, pets are the best companions and a big part of our lives. For this reason, a pet-friendly house or apartment is often a very important - and nonnegotiable - part of a move.