Cheap Apartments for Rent in the UCSC Neighborhood of Santa Cruz, CA from $1,800 (14 Rentals)

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

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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240 River Street
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

240 River Street

232-240 River StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
  • Utilities Included

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.

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803 Laurel St
2 Bedroom Apartments

803 Laurel St

803 Laurel StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
  • Utilities Included
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317 Spruce St
2 Bedroom Apartments

317 Spruce St

317 Spruce StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
  • Utilities Included
  • Smoke Free
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The Sands
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

The Sands

304 Cliff StSanta Cruz, CA 95060

UCSC, Santa Cruz, CA Local Guide

Cheapest Available UCSC Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in the UCSC area of Santa Cruz, CA is a Studio unit found at 516 Center St priced from $1,995. St. George Apartments has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $2,200. Here are the most affordable UCSC apartments for rent in Santa Cruz, CA:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
516 Center St516 Center StStudio,1BA$1,995
St. George ApartmentsStudioStudio,1BA$2,200
Pacific View CourtsStudioStudio,1BA$2,395
Cypress PointResidence 1Studio,1BA$2,636
108 Sycamore St1-Bedroom1BR,1BA$2,650

Best Value Apartments for Rent in UCSC, CA

As of October 05, 2025 the best value apartment in the UCSC area is the $4.05 price per square foot 41 Grandview Street Model at 41 Grandview Street, Unit #704 in the in the Escolona neighborhood starting from $4,450. The second greatest value UCSC apartment is the 2 Beds, 1 bath Model at Westmont Townhomes starting at $4,175 with a $4.64 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 ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
41 Grandview Street, Unit #70441 Grandview Street2BR,2.5BA$4.05
Westmont Townhomes2 Beds, 1 bath2BR,1BA$4.64
1804 Mission StLarger Loft1BR,1.5BA$3.72
NANDA ON PACIFIC1 Bed 1 Bath D1BR,1BA$5.16
Chestnut Street1 Bed 1 Bath1BR,1BA$4.46
1010 Pacific ApartmentsAT11BR,1BA$5.90
Anton PacificStudio-1EStudio ,1BA$5.69
The Sands2 bed 1 bath2BR,1BA$5.95
Pacific View CourtsStudioStudio ,1BA$5.64
516 Center St516 Center StStudio ,1BA$5.70

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Pet Friendly Lifestyle
Ucsc, Santa Cruz, CA

Ranked #5

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 UCSC Apartments

What is the Cheapest Studio apartment in UCSC?

Currently the most affordable Cheap Studio Apartment in UCSC is at 516 Center St listed at $1,995.

How much is rent for a Cheap One Bedroom UCSC Apartment?

The lowest price for a Cheap One Bedroom UCSC Apartment is $2,650 at 108 Sycamore St.

What is the lowest price for a Cheap Two Bedroom UCSC Apartment for rent?

Today's best deal for a Cheap Two Bedroom Apartment in UCSC is starting from $2,899 at The Sands.

Expert Rental Resources

Helpful Apartment Articles, How-To's and Tips

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.

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How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Everything is a negotiation in real estate! 

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The Rental Move-In Inspection Checklist: A Guide for Renters

Written by: Trey Huguley

The move-in inspection checklist is a crucial tool for both tenants and landlords. This checklist, provided by the team at ApartmentHomeLiving.com, helps document the condition of an apartment at the time of move-in.

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Your Guide to Co-Signers: The Risks, Rewards, and Everything in Between

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

For many people, obstacles can arise during the rental application process for a variety of issues.

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The Ultimate Long-Distance Moving Checklist: Tips from a Real Estate Pro

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Hard truth. Moving is never easy. I’ve done it all – from local moves to cross-country relocations From packing to unpacking the last box, I have found moving to be an exhausting, expensive and stressful experience every time.