
Cheap Homes for Rent in the UCSC Neighborhood of Santa Cruz, CA from $1,100 (5 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Homes available for rent right now in the UCSC area of Santa Cruz.


235 Union St
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.

116 Sycamore St

235 Union St
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.

2030 N Pacific Ave
UCSC, Santa Cruz, CA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent a home in UCSC?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| UCSC 2 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $3,230 | $1,150 | $4,200 |
| UCSC 3 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $5,460 | $4,350 | $7,400 |
| UCSC 4 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $6,650 | $6,650 | $6,650 |
| UCSC 5 Bedroom Homes for Rent | $9,600 | $9,600 | $9,600 |
Browse Homes for Rent in this Neighborhood
There are currently 5 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 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 UCSC 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 |
| Cypress Point | Residence 1 | Studio,1BA | $2,802 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in UCSC, CA
As of July 25, 2026 the best value apartment in the UCSC area is the $4.64 price per square foot 2 Beds, 1 bath Model at Westmont Townhomes in the in the Escolona neighborhood starting from $4,175. The second greatest value UCSC apartment is the Standard Loft Model at 1804 Mission St starting at $3,150 with a $3.82 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. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Westmont Townhomes | 2 Beds, 1 bath | 2BR,1BA | $4.64 |
| 1804 Mission St | Standard Loft | 1BR,1.5BA | $3.82 |
| Chestnut Street | Plan 1A | 1BR,1BA | $4.52 |
| Five55 | C1 | 1BR,1BA | $6.11 |
| Copa Cabanas | A1-R | 1BR,1BA | $4.55 |
| The Sands | 2 bed 1 bath | 2BR,1BA | $4.92 |
| Anton Pacific | Studio-1E | Studio ,1BA | $5.82 |
| 1010 Pacific Apartments | Residence A1 | 1BR,1BA | $5.59 |
| 201 River Street Apartments | Featured One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $6.48 |
| Cypress Point | Residence 1 | Studio ,1BA | $6.37 |
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 LifestyleUcsc, Santa Cruz, CA
Ranked #8
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 UCSC
What type of rentals are currently available in UCSC?
There are currently 142 Apartments for Rent in UCSC, CA with pricing that ranges from $1,860 to $7,500. There are also 19 Single Family Homes for rent, Condos, and Townhome rentals currently available in UCSC ranging from $1,150 to $9,600.
What is the current price range for Rental Homes in UCSC?
Today's rental pricing for Homes for Rent, Condos and Townhomes in UCSC ranges from $1,150 to $9,600 with an average monthly rent of $5,561.
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

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.

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.