Cheap Apartments for Rent in the UCSC Neighborhood of Santa Cruz, CA from $1,600 (14 Rentals)

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

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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Copa Cabanas
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Copa Cabanas

1112 Mission 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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516 Center St
Studio Apartments

516 Center St

516 Center StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
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803 Laurel St
2 Bedroom Apartments

803 Laurel St

803 Laurel 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
  • Smoke Free

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

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 St. George Apartments priced from $2,200. 201 River Street Apartments has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $2,595. Here are the most affordable UCSC apartments for rent in Santa Cruz, CA:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
St. George ApartmentsStudioStudio,1BA$2,200
201 River Street ApartmentsStudioStudio,1BA$2,595
Cypress PointResidence 1Studio,1BA$2,621
108 Sycamore St1-Bedroom1BR,1BA$2,650
Chestnut Street1 Bed 1 Bath1BR,1BA$2,829

Best Value Apartments for Rent in UCSC, CA

As of November 22, 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
Anton Pacific1 Bed/1 Bath-3A1BR,1BA$5.46
Chestnut Street1 Bed 1 Bath1BR,1BA$4.35
1010 Pacific ApartmentsA21BR,1BA$5.79
201 River Street ApartmentsOne Bedroom1BR,1BA$5.47
108 Sycamore St2-Bedroom2BR,1BA$6.00
Cypress PointResidence 1Studio ,1BA$5.96
The Sands1 bed 1 bath1BR,1BA$6.63

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

Moving is tough, especially long-distance. Learn how to minimize stress & expenses with proven strategies from a real estate pro, covering everything from logistics to finances.

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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
Ucsc, Santa Cruz, CA

Ranked #3

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 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 $4,175.

What is the price of a cheap apartment in UCSC?

The cheapest apartment in UCSC is 108 Sycamore St which is listed at $2,650, while the average apartment in UCSC costs $8,200.

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 19 regular apartments in UCSC that we think qualify as ‘cheap apartments’ that do not have special requirements to apply to rent.

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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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.

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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.