
Cheap Apartments for Rent in the UCSC Neighborhood of Santa Cruz, CA from $1,600 (12 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the UCSC area of Santa Cruz.


St. George Apartments

Pacific View Courts

1804 Mission St

Cypress Point

318 Chestnut St
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.

108 Sycamore St

Copa Cabanas

240 River Street

516 Center St

803 Laurel St

317 Spruce St
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.
UCSC, Santa Cruz, CA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in UCSC?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| UCSC Studio Apartments | $2,557 | $2,169 | $3,200 |
| UCSC 1 Bedroom Apartments | $3,359 | $2,500 | $4,944 |
| UCSC 2 Bedroom Apartments | $4,523 | $2,850 | $6,122 |
| UCSC 3 Bedroom Apartments | $5,650 | $3,300 | $8,000 |
| UCSC 4 Bedroom Apartments | $7,900 | $7,900 | $7,900 |
Browse Apartments in this Neighborhood
There are currently 12 rentals with your search options within a 1 mile radius of the UCSC Neighborhood of Santa Cruz, CA.
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UCSC, Santa Cruz, CA Local Guide
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Cheapest Available UCSC Apartments for Rent
 The cheapest available apartment rental in the UCSC area of Santa Cruz, CA is a 1 Bed unit found at Copa Cabanas priced from $1,602. 201 River Street Apartments has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $2,169. Here are the most affordable UCSC apartments for rent in Santa Cruz, CA:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Copa Cabanas | A1 | 1BR,1BA | $1,602 |
| 201 River Street Apartments | Studio | Studio,1BA | $2,169 |
| St. George Apartments | Studio | Studio,1BA | $2,200 |
| Pacific View Courts | Studio | Studio,1BA | $2,295 |
| Cypress Point | Residence 1 | Studio,1BA | $2,499 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in UCSC, CA
As of January 07, 2026 the best value apartment in the UCSC area is the $4.94 price per square foot 2 Bed/2 Bath-2A Model at Anton Pacific in the in the Downtown Santa Cruz neighborhood starting from $6,122. The second greatest value UCSC 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 UCSC apartments based on price per square foot:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anton Pacific | 2 Bed/2 Bath-2A | 2BR,2BA | $4.94 |
| 41 Grandview Street, Unit #704 | 41 Grandview Street | 2BR,2.5BA | $4.05 |
| 514 Washington St, Unit Unit A | 514 Washington St | 3BR,1BA | $3.67 |
| Westmont Townhomes | 2 Beds, 1 bath | 2BR,1BA | $4.64 |
| 1804 Mission St | Standard Loft | 1BR,1.5BA | $4.06 |
| Chestnut Street | Plan 1A | 1BR,1BA | $4.35 |
| Copa Cabanas | A1 | 1BR,1BA | $2.86 |
| 201 River Street Apartments | One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $4.56 |
| Cypress Point | Residence 1 | Studio ,1BA | $5.68 |
| Pacific View Courts | Studio | Studio ,1BA | $5.40 |
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
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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.
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 LifestyleUcsc, Santa Cruz, CA
Ranked #4
Among cities in California for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities.
Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score
4.0Pet Friendly
Best Local Schools in Ucsc, Santa Cruz, CA
Bay View Elementary
School data provided by Great Schools
Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap UCSC Apartments
What is a cheap apartment in UCSC?
A cheap apartment is any apartment up to the 30% percentile of cost for the area, which in UCSC is under $3,200.
What is the price of a cheap apartment in UCSC?
The cheapest apartment in UCSC is Copa Cabanas which is listed at $1,602, while the average apartment in UCSC costs $7,900.
What types of apartments are the cheapest in UCSC?
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 11 regular apartments in UCSC 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

How to Make Your Apartment Holiday-Ready: Renter-Friendly Tips
Written by: Justin Habersaat
Getting your apartment ready for the holidays can be exciting but sometimes challenging in a smaller space. Here are some modern tips to keep things festive, safe, and inviting this season.

Renting with Roommates: Realistic Expectations for Shared Lease
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Given the high costs for housing, I have found that many people are looking for a roommate to share expenses. These arrangements can increase opportunities for more desirable and larger spaces.

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!