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

How Many Bedrooms?Done
Select your price rangeDone
to
Note: Properties with the Total Monthly Price badge include all required fees. Hover over the badge for details.
Lifestyle Matching SearchDone
Learn more about Lifestyle Search
By AmenitiesDone
By Community TypeDone
Features and AvailabilityDone
Done

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

close
View Me
Sparrow Terrace
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Sparrow Terrace

139-161 Miles LnWatsonville, CA 95076
close
View Me
Garden Hill Apartments
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Garden Hill Apartments

31 Lassen WayWatsonville, CA 95076
  • Utilities Included

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.

Read Article
close
View Me
307-309 Raymond St
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

307-309 Raymond St

307-309 Raymond StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
close
View Me
Seabright Apartments
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Seabright Apartments

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

Copa Cabanas

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

The Terrace

445 Main StWatsonville, CA 95076
  • Utilities Included

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.

Read Article
close
View Me
Shearwater Apartments
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Shearwater Apartments

2333 Portola DrSanta Cruz, CA 95062
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
Jefsen Apartments
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments

Jefsen Apartments

508 Main StWatsonville, CA 95076
close
View Me
Coronado Apartments
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Coronado Apartments

133 Morrissey BlvdSanta Cruz, CA 95062
  • Utilities Included
close
View Me
240 River Street
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments

240 River Street

232-240 River StSanta Cruz, CA 95060
  • 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.

Read Article
close
View Me
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 1 Bed unit found at Copa Cabanas in the Escolona neighborhood priced from $1,602. Jefsen Apartments in the Elkhorn Pajaro neighborhood has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $1,800. Here is today’s list of the most affordable Santa Cruz County apartments for rent:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Copa CabanasA11BR,1BA$1,602
Jefsen Apartments1BR/1.0BA1BR,1BA$1,800
Pacific View CourtsStudioStudio,1BA$1,995
St. George ApartmentsStudioStudio,1BA$2,100
201 River Street ApartmentsStudioStudio,1BA$2,169

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Santa Cruz County, CA

As of April 15, 2026 the best value apartment in the Santa Cruz County area is the $3.48 price per square foot TH15Y Model at Wilder Townhomes in the in the Eastside neighborhood starting from $4,250. The second greatest value Santa Cruz County apartment is the 1715 42nd Ave Model at 1715 42nd Ave, Unit Apt 3 starting at $3,500 with a $3.06 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.
Wilder TownhomesTH15Y2BR,1.5BA$3.48
1715 42nd Ave, Unit Apt 31715 42nd Ave2BR,2BA$3.06
Landing at CapitolaPlan 12BR,2BA$3.63
4734 Scotts Valley Dr, Unit C4734 Scotts Valley Dr2BR,1BA$2.79
Copa CabanasB12BR,1BA$3.12
1804 Mission StStandard Loft1BR,1.5BA$3.39
201 Maple St, Unit 2bdrm201 Maple St2BR,1BA$3.50
144 San Lorenzo Ave, Unit #1144 San Lorenzo Ave2BR,1BA$3.34
Jefsen Apartments1BR/1.0BA1BR,1BA$2.80
Six Hundred Park AvenueNon-Remodeled 1 bedroom with LVT flooring1BR,1BA$3.77

Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Santa Cruz County Apartments

What is the Cheapest Studio apartment in Santa Cruz County?

Currently the most affordable Cheap Studio Apartment in Santa Cruz County is at Pacific View Courts listed at $1,995.

How much is rent for a Cheap One Bedroom Santa Cruz County Apartment?

The lowest price for a Cheap One Bedroom Santa Cruz County Apartment is $1,602 at Copa Cabanas.

What is the lowest price for a Cheap Two Bedroom Santa Cruz County Apartment for rent?

Today's best deal for a Cheap Two Bedroom Apartment in Santa Cruz County is starting from $2,750 at Six Hundred Park Avenue.

What is the most affordable Santa Cruz County Three Bedroom Apartment?

The best deal on a cheap Santa Cruz County Three Bedroom Apartment rental is at Emerald Bay Apartments and starts from $3,933.

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

decorative image for What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much article

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.

decorative image for Maximizing Your Refund: Essential Tax Tips for Renters article

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.

decorative image for 18 Must-Ask Rental Tour Questions That Reveal the Truth about a Property article

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.

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

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.