457 Clubhouse Dr
AptosCA95003
Cheap Apartments for Rent in Santa Cruz County, CA from $600 (30 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in Santa Cruz County.
207 Storey St
Santa CruzCA95060
210 Alturas Way
SoquelCA95073
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$2,100 - $4,850Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now
108 Sycamore St
108 Sycamore StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
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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.
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Rent Specials
$2,195 - $3,900Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now
The Breakers
630 Water StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
405 Hillcrest Dr
AptosCA95003
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22 Western Dr
WatsonvilleCA95076
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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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The Art of the Rental Viewing: What to look for during a property tour
Touring a rental? This guide helps you know exactly what to look for, from safety features to hidden flaws, so you can confidently sign your lease or keep searching.
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Showing Results 1-30, Page 1 of 1
Santa Cruz County, CA Local Guide
California Republic Flag by Håkan Dahlström is licensed under CC BY 2.0
How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Santa Cruz County?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Cruz County Studio Apartments | $2,812 | $1,800 | $4,167 |
| Santa Cruz County 1 Bedroom Apartments | $3,255 | $2,050 | $8,900 |
| Santa Cruz County 2 Bedroom Apartments | $4,790 | $2,600 | $9,500 |
| Santa Cruz County 3 Bedroom Apartments | $6,618 | $4,800 | $10,000+ |
| Santa Cruz County 4 Bedroom Apartments | $3,995 | $3,995 | $3,995 |
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Cheapest Available Santa Cruz County Apartments for Rent
The cheapest available apartment rental in Santa Cruz County, CA is a 1 Bed unit found at Watsonville Royal Apartments in the Elkhorn Pajaro neighborhood priced from $1,700. 108 Sycamore St in the Downtown Santa Cruz neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $2,100. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Santa Cruz County apartments for rent:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Watsonville Royal Apartments | 1BR/1.0BA | 1BR,1BA | $1,700 |
| 108 Sycamore St | Studio | Studio,1BA | $2,100 |
| St. George Apartments | Studio | Studio,1BA | $2,200 |
| Six Hundred Park Avenue | Non-remodeled 1 bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $2,250 |
| The Breakers | The Shoreline | 1BR,1BA | $2,650 |
| 150-152 C Leibrandt Ave | 1-Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $2,700 |
| Emerald Bay Apartments | 1 Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $2,706 |
| Hidden Creek Apartments | 1 Bed 1 Bath | 1BR,1BA | $2,750 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in Santa Cruz County, CA
As of August 05, 2025 the best value apartment in the Santa Cruz County area is the $2.90 price per square foot D Model at Baytree Apartments in the in the Western neighborhood starting from $2,985. The second greatest value Santa Cruz County apartment is the 2x2 Model at Pacific Shores starting at $4,395 with a $4.33 price per square foot in the Western neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Santa Cruz County apartments based on price per square foot:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baytree Apartments | D | 2BR,2BA | $2.90 |
| Pacific Shores | 2x2 | 2BR,2BA | $4.33 |
| Chestnut Street | 2 Bed 1 Bath | 2BR,1BA | $4.49 |
| 1804 Mission St | Larger Loft | 1BR,1.5BA | $3.83 |
| Six Hundred Park Avenue | Remodeled 2 bedroom | 2BR,1BA | $4.00 |
| 314 Hillcrest Dr, Unit 314 Hillcrest Drive | 314 Hillcrest Dr | 1BR,1BA | $3.59 |
| Emerald Bay Apartments | 1 Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $3.84 |
| Breakwater Apartments | A1 | 1BR,1BA | $4.80 |
| Scotts Valley Apartments | 1x1 | 1BR,1BA | $4.75 |
| Watsonville Royal Apartments | 1BR/1.0BA | 1BR,1BA | $3.86 |
Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Santa Cruz County Apartments
What is a cheap apartment in Santa Cruz County?
A cheap apartment is any apartment up to the 30% percentile of cost for the area, which in Santa Cruz County is under $2,750.
What is the price of a cheap apartment in Santa Cruz County?
The cheapest apartment in Santa Cruz County is Watsonville Royal Apartments which is listed at $1,700, while the average apartment in Santa Cruz County costs $6,024.
What types of apartments are the cheapest in Santa Cruz County?
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 7 regular apartments in Santa Cruz County that we think qualify as ‘cheap apartments’ that do not have special requirements to apply to rent.
How do the prices of cheap apartments compare to the average apartment in Santa Cruz County?
Cheap apartments in Santa Cruz County have an average cost of $289 which is $5,735 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in Santa Cruz County.
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.
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.
Cash or credit? Understanding the Importance of Credit Score in Real Estate and Renting
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
Throughout the day, think about all the times that you have to pay for something. So many of us reach automatically for a credit card or even our phone for a quick payment.
Roommate Matching: Finding the Right Fit and Avoiding Pitfalls
Written by: Cheryl Bowman
A fantastic way to save money and enjoy a built-in community is to share an apartment. However, a bad roommate situation can turn your dream rental into a nightmare.
The Art of the Rental Viewing: What to look for during a property tour
Written by: Marie Brown
You’ve scrolled through countless listings, walked through a blur of rentals, and finally found what feels like the one. The pictures? Fantastic. The neighborhood seems just right.