Cheap Homes for Rent in UCSC Neighborhood of Santa Cruz, CA from $2,200 (3 Rentals)

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

property at 504 Cliff St

$2,290

1 Bedroom, 1 Bath Home for Rent

Available May 1

504 Cliff St

Santa CruzCA95060

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.

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.

UCSC, Santa Cruz, CA Local Guide

Best Value Apartments for Rent in UCSC, CA

As of April 24, 2026 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 StStandard Loft1BR,1.5BA$3.63
201 Maple St201 Maple St2BR,1BA$3.50
Cypress PointResidence 32BR,1BA$4.94
Chestnut StreetPlan 1A1BR,1BA$4.44
Five55C11BR,1BA$5.39
The Sands2 bed 1 bath2BR,1BA$4.92
Copa CabanasA11BR,1BA$2.86
1010 Pacific ApartmentsResidence A11BR,1BA$4.66

10 Hidden Costs of Renting You Should Budget for Before Signing a Lease

Avoid financial stress when renting. Learn about the 10 most common hidden costs—from pet fees to utilities—you must budget for before you sign a lease.

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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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Cash or credit? Understanding the Importance of Credit Score in Real Estate and Renting

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.

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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 #10

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 UCSC

What type of rentals are currently available in UCSC?

There are currently 144 Apartments for Rent in UCSC, CA with pricing that ranges from $1,995 to $7,500. There are also 14 Single Family Homes for rent, Condos, and Townhome rentals currently available in UCSC ranging from $2,290 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 $2,290 to $9,600 with an average monthly rent of $5,943.

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

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Expert Solutions for Creating the Perfect Work-From-Home Apartment Layouts

Written by: Lauren Harrington

This article is based on first-hand experience managing apartment communities and helping renters adapt to their spaces after moving in.

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What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much

Written by: Lauren Harrington

This article draws from first-hand renter experiences and recurring financial challenges reported after moving in.

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Maximizing Your Refund: Essential Tax Tips for Renters

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Other than tax professionals, I can’t think of anyone who looks forward to tax season. For everybody else, April is a stressful month to collect information and meet deadlines.

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18 Must-Ask Rental Tour Questions That Reveal the Truth about a Property

Written by: Lauren Harrington

Renting your next home can feel thrilling and overwhelming at the same time.