Cheap Apartments for Rent in Santa Cruz County, CA from $600 (23 Rentals)

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Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in Santa Cruz County.

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Sparrow Terrace
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Sparrow Terrace

139-161 Miles LnWatsonville, CA 95076
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307-309 Raymond St
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

307-309 Raymond St

307-309 Raymond StSanta Cruz, CA 95060

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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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Seabright Apartments
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Seabright Apartments

116 Seabright AveSanta Cruz, CA 95062
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Copa Cabanas
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Copa Cabanas

1112 Mission StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
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The Terrace
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

The Terrace

445 Main StWatsonville, CA 95076
  • Utilities Included

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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Shearwater Apartments
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Shearwater Apartments

2333 Portola DrSanta Cruz, CA 95062
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Coronado Apartments
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Coronado Apartments

133 Morrissey BlvdSanta Cruz, CA 95062
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240 River Street
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

240 River Street

232-240 River StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
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Aptos Apartments
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Aptos Apartments

9669 Soquel DrAptos, CA 95003

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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Seaside Studios
Studio Apartments

Seaside Studios

108 2nd StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
Showing Results 1-23, Page 1 of 1

Cheapest Available Santa Cruz County Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in Santa Cruz County, CA is a Studio unit found at Aptos Apartments priced from $1,895. Seaside Studios in the Ocean Street neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $1,925. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Santa Cruz County apartments for rent:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Aptos ApartmentsStudioStudio,1BA$1,895
Seaside StudiosStudioStudio,1BA$1,925
Pacific View CourtsStudioStudio,1BA$1,995
201 River Street ApartmentsStudioStudio,1BA$2,169
St. George ApartmentsStudioStudio,1BA$2,200

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Santa Cruz County, CA

As of February 28, 2026 the best value apartment in the Santa Cruz County area is the $3.58 price per square foot 2BR-2BA Town House Model at Clay Residences in the in the Ocean Street neighborhood starting from $4,578. The second greatest value Santa Cruz County apartment is the TH15Y Model at Wilder Townhomes starting at $4,250 with a $3.48 price per square foot in the Eastside neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Santa Cruz County apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
Clay Residences2BR-2BA Town House2BR,2BA$3.58
Wilder TownhomesTH15Y2BR,1.5BA$3.48
Acorn Court Apartments2-Bedroom, 2-Bath2BR,2BA$3.30
395 Lagunita Dr, Unit In-Law Apt395 Lagunita Dr1BR,1BA$2.70
Scotts Valley Apartments2x12BR,1BA$3.38
Landing at CapitolaPlan 12BR,2BA$3.63
Emerald Bay ApartmentsTwo Bedroom2BR,1BA$3.98
1804 Mission StStandard Loft1BR,1.5BA$3.58
Baytree Apartments1/11BR,1BA$3.51
Six Hundred Park AvenueNon-Remodeled 1 bedroom1BR,1BA$3.71

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 $2,567.

What is the price of a cheap apartment in Santa Cruz County?

The cheapest apartment in Santa Cruz County is Six Hundred Park Avenue which is listed at $2,325, while the average apartment in Santa Cruz County costs $4,800.

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 61 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 $1,066 which is $3,734 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in Santa Cruz County.

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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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.

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A Renters Guide for Tips on Writing Your Notice for Not Renewing Your Apartment

Written by: Bob Mallory

Packing up everything you own to move is so stressful for many that ending your apartment lease can feel like a small or unimportant task. Ending your lease involves more than simply turning over your keys on the last day.

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Renting with Roommates: Realistic Expectations for Shared Lease

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Given the high costs for housing, I have found that many people are looking for a roommate to share expenses. These arrangements can increase opportunities for more desirable and larger spaces.